A<unk>  (pl.<unk> s, short:<unk> s) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection. A<unk>  must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.  By extension, therefore,<unk> s are assumed to be identical in dose, strength, route of administration, safety, efficacy, and intended use. In most cases,<unk>  products are not available until the patent protections afforded to the original developer have expired. When<unk>  products become available, the market competition often leads to substantially lower prices for both the original brand name product and the<unk>  forms. The time it takes a<unk>  to appear on the market varies. Drug patents give twenty years of protection, but they are applied for before clinical trials begin, so the effective life of a drug patent tends to be between seven and twelve years.
Generic drug
Designer drug
Food additive
Immunoconjugate
Protic solvent
Phytochemical
Prescription drug
Hazardous drugs