A: While the Internet has useful information about prescription and non-prescription drugs, talking with your physician or pharmacist is one of your best ways to learn about possible side effects of drugs. Pharmacists work at every licensed pharmacy in the U.S.

A: A side effect is usually the undesirable effect to the medication's therapeutic effect. Side effects are usually the same for a brand name drug and its generic equivalent drug. Side effects may vary for each person and depend on the individual's health status, age, weight and gender. If you shop at more than one pharmacy, be sure to remember to tell the pharmacist all the medications you are taking

A: The U.S. Government strictly regulates the manufacturing of drugs. All manufacturers are required to meet the same standards. Many generics approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are manufactured by the same companies that make the brand name drugs.

A: A generic prescription drug is made with the same active ingredients and is available in the same strengths as the equivalent brand name prescription drug. Generic prescription drugs are safe and provide the same therapeutic effects as the brand name prescription drugs. Almost 65% of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.