What must be identical between generic and brand-name medications, according to the FDA?

The correct answer highlights the requirement that generic medications must contain the same active ingredients and be administered in the same form as their brand-name counterparts. This ensures that they will have the same therapeutic effect in treating the conditions for which they are prescribed. The FDA mandates this standard to ensure that patients receive the same benefits from a generic medication as they would from the brand-name version.

While side effects and effectiveness are important considerations in medication, the FDA specifically focuses on the active ingredients and form of administration as the critical factors that must be identical. Cost and availability can vary widely between generic and brand-name drugs; these factors do not affect the efficacy or safety of the medication itself. Similarly, brand image and market reach are business-related aspects and do not pertain to the pharmacological comparison between drugs.