What does "bioequivalence" mean?

Bioequivalence refers to the relationship between two pharmaceutical drug products that contain the same active ingredient and have similar bioavailability. This means that when two drugs are considered bioequivalent, they will release the same active ingredient into the bloodstream at the same rate and to the same extent when administered at the same dosage. This concept is fundamental in ensuring that generic drugs can be relied upon to provide the same therapeutic effect as their branded counterparts.

The presence of the same bioavailability indicates that the effects of the two formulations should be comparable, which is crucial for both efficacy and safety in patient treatment. Understanding this concept is essential for evaluating whether alternative formulations of a medication can be substituted for one another without compromising treatment outcomes.