What does the common name "Orange Book" refer to?

The term "Orange Book" refers specifically to the FDA's Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence. This publication serves as an essential resource for understanding which generic drugs are considered therapeutically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts. The "Orange Book" categorizes medications based on their FDA approval status and the therapeutic equivalence of these products, providing critical information that helps healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, make informed decisions about medication substitutions.

This resource is particularly significant in helping to promote safe and effective generic drug use while ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate therapies at potentially lower costs. As a result, understanding the function and purpose of the "Orange Book" is vital for those working within the pharmacy field.