Can generic drugs cause side effects whereas the brand name would not?

Generics: This is a good question and generally no, but, if the generic maker uses an additive not present in the brand, it can potentially cause a side effect that the branded medicine did not. For example, flavoring for the medicine or the slow release mechanism can change from one drug maker to another.

Side-effect: Nope, they both can, if the patient is sensitive to the drug.