Which of the following statements accurately defines a generic drug?

A generic drug is defined as a medication that contains the same active ingredients as a brand-name product and is required to produce the same therapeutic effect, but it may contain different inactive ingredients. This includes components such as fillers, binders, and preservatives, which can vary between the generic and the brand-name versions without affecting the drug's efficacy or safety.

The process for a generic drug involves demonstrating that it is bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, meaning that it works the same way in the body. The variations in inactive ingredients can sometimes influence the drug's stability, absorption, or appearance, which is why they can differ between the two formulations.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the definition of a generic drug. Identical active and inactive ingredients are not mandatory for generics, and a brand-name product with a different dosage form does not meet the criteria for being a generic. Furthermore, a drug that has not been approved for sale doesn’t fall into the category of generic drugs, as generics, by definition, are approved versions that are equivalent to existing brand-name drugs.