[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 111 (Tuesday, September 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     GENERIC DRUGS AND BRAND NAME DRUGS MEET THE SAME FDA STANDARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2000

  Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, expanding government prescription drug 
programs is one way to ensure Americans have access to the medicine 
they need. Another way is to educate them to make better choices among 
health care options so that they are able to get the best health care 
at a fair price. Part of the education process must include a primer on 
generic drugs.
  Most Americans do not take advantage of generic drugs and the 
substantial cost savings they represent because they do not really know 
the truth about them. The truth is, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration 
holds generic drugs and brand drugs to the exact same standards. The 
FDA requires that generics and brands contain the same active 
ingredients and deliver the same health benefits. The FDA also monitors 
generic manufacturing facilities to ensure that their drug products 
maintain high quality and effectiveness.
  Generics are safe, effective, and more affordable than brand name 
drugs. Let's do our part to make sure more Americans are aware of the 
tremendous health care value they can get from generic pharmaceuticals.

                          ____________________