Q: What is the difference between FDA approved drugs and Generic drugs, and are some generic drugs also FDA approved?

A:It is not clear whether you are referring to United States Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) or FDA of state governments in India. In India, drugs are approved by Drugs Controller General, India (DCGI) and not by state-level FDAs. In the United States, drugs are approved by USFDA. Generic drugs are those that are sold under chemical names such as Paracetamol while branded medicines are sold under trade names such as Crocin which contains paracetamol. In the United States, all new drugs are sold under brand names and can only be marketed by the innovator or its nominee. Once the patent expires (about 10-15 years), anyone can manufacture the same. Then manufacturers usually sell the medicines under the chemical names.