The name is often chosen to be memorable for advertising, or to be easier to say or spell than the generic name. For example, paracetamol is a generic name. There are several companies that make this with brand names such as Panadol®, Calpol®, etc. The brand name is usually written most clearly on any packaging. Generic drugs can look quite different than their brand-name counterparts, despite having the same active ingredient, strength, uses, form, route of administration, and labeling. We asked pharmacist Tattika Soreta, pharmacy program coordinator, to share answers to these and other common questions about generic vs. name-brand drugs. Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug. In other words, their pharmacological effects are exactly the same as those of their brand-name counterparts.