Allegations of widespread fraud raise questions about the safety of generic drugs made overseas A new book raises questions about whether the federal government is doing enough to ensure the safety of generic drugs coming into the United States. Nine out of every 10 prescriptions filled are for generics. That saves Americans some $3 billion a week over the cost of brand-name drugs. Many of those generics come from abroad, with 80 percent of active ingredients and 40 percent of finished drugs coming from outside the U.S. Anna Werner reports.