Medicines and prescriptions
What Does Bioequivalent Mean? Generic vs Brand Explained
Bioequivalent · say it: by-oh-ee-KWIV-uh-lentAlso written: bioequivalence, therapeutically equivalent
Short answer
Bioequivalent means two versions of a medicine deliver the same active ingredient into the blood at about the same rate and amount.
What it means
Two medicines are bioequivalent when they release the same active ingredient into the bloodstream at a similar speed and to a similar extent. Regulators check this when approving generic medicines: the generic is compared with the original brand in studies that measure the medicine in the blood.
You see the word on generic medicine information and pharmacy notes because it is the reason a generic can replace a brand. A bioequivalent generic is expected to work the same way. The inactive ingredients, such as colour, shape or fillers, may differ, which matters for people with specific allergies or intolerances.
Bioequivalent is not exactly the same as identical. The active ingredient and strength match, but the tablet's look and its inactive ingredients can differ. For a few medicines where small changes in blood level matter, doctors sometimes prefer that you stay on the same product.
Where you may see it
- Generic medicine leaflets and pharmacy dispensing notes
- Formulary and insurance documents about generic substitution
- Regulator approval summaries for generics
📄 How it looks on a report
This product has been shown to be bioequivalent to the reference listed drug.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Bioequivalent does not mean the tablet looks the same. Colour, size and shape may change.
- It does not mean all ingredients are the same. Inactive ingredients can differ.
- A generic being bioequivalent does not mean it is lower quality. It must meet the same standards.
🎯 Check yourself
Which of these is the right meaning of “Bioequivalent”?
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
🧾 Reports where you will see “Bioequivalent”
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💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Bioequivalent”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Dolutegravir
an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), a type of HIV medicine
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Bioequivalent” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.