The original developer of the medicine generally manufactures the brand-name product. A manufacturer that did not originally produce the medicine generally produces a generic version. All the active ingredients in both versions are the same and generics are just as safe and effective as brand-name medicines. The primary difference is cost. Because the generic manufacturers do not have the cost of developing the brand-name medicine, they can produce it for less. Generic medicines must meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines before they can be sold.