What's the difference between store-brand medicine and national branded medicine?

Question

For example, I was at Target and they sell cold medicine next to the national brands like Tylenol, etc...The Target brand is a couple bucks cheaper than the Tylenol. However, I don't think Tylenol's brand medicine is legally allowed to be different than Target brand, so why does Tylenol cost more and why do people buy the Tylenol if both brands are obligated by the FDA to have the same amount of chemicals?

Answer 1

The different between brand name drugs and generics (store brands) are mostly perceptional. Generics drugs are bioequivalent brand name drugs, meaning that the efficacy and safety of the drugs are the same.
However, people are willing to pay Tylenol for a higher price just like they are willing to pay a premium for other products with reputable brand names. Perception is very important especially when buyers are not very price-sensitive.

Answer 2

Usually none. The store brand is made to copy the national brand as far as ingredients. You can just turn over the box of each side by side and compare the active ingredients and amounts. If they're the same, go with the store brand because it costs less and will do exactly the same thing.

Answer 3

They are the same ingredients. Who knows why people spend extra money on name brands. The law is that they cannot say on their store brand "Compare to Tylenol Cold" if the ingredients are different.

Answer 4

The difference is price! Name recognition sells more because people think they're getting something better.
Look at all the designer labels people wear and are willing to shell out tons of money for. Everyone is trying to out-do the next one .........hence :costlier.

Answer 5

about 3 dollars