Question 1

What is a generic medicine?

Accepted Answer

A generic medicine is the same salt/molecule and dosage form as the originator branded product and works in the same way as the originator branded product in the body. Generics have been approved by drug regulatory authorities once the patent protection on the originator product has expired, hence these medicines are sold at much cheaper prices.

Question 2

Is a generic medicine as effective as the branded medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a generic medicine must be bioequivalent with the originator product, which ensures the salt/molecule is delivered into the bloodstream at the same rate and amount as the originator product. So the therapeutic effect is the same only the brand name, packaging and cost are different from the originator product.

Question 3

Why is a generic medicine much cheaper than the branded medicine?

Accepted Answer

The originator has invested an enormous amount of money in R&D, clinical trials, and gaining regulatory approval for their product. Generics will then have their patent protection extended for the amount of time that it has taken them to get the product to the market. As you do not pay for R&D costs there is an obvious reduction in cost as compared with the innovator product. You do not pay for the original R&D costs as you do for the branded product, just the salt/molecule itself.

Question 4

What is the difference between a generic medicine and a branded generic?

Accepted Answer

A pure generic is a product that is labelled using the salt name only e.g. Metformin 500mg or Atorvastatin 10mg. Branded generics are still the same molecule but are marketed under a unique brand name by a manufacturer, e.g. Glycomet (Metformin) or Atorva (Atorvastatin). They are still considered generic although they are a marketed version of the drug with their own branding.

Question 5

Are all generic medicines the same? Does the manufacturer matter?

Accepted Answer

The salt is the same in all generic products. However, the manufacturing quality and excipients (inactive ingredients) in the tablet/capsule may be different. If the product is from lower quality manufacturers it may consist of cheaper excipients or have low quality controls which result in a lower quality product, although it comprises the same active ingredient. However reputable manufacturers, e.g. Manufacturers holding a WHO-GMP or US FDA / EU GMP certification and have undergone a WHO standard for good manufacturing practices review have strict quality control systems, similar to that of the innovator manufacturer. You should use generics manufactured by quality assured companies; this is why magicine uses a selected list of reliable manufacturers, and not a company based purely on cost.

Question 6

My doctor prescribed the branded name, am I allowed to purchase the generic?

Accepted Answer

It is government policy for doctors to prescribe by the salt name, (e.g. Metformin). So you can ask for the equivalent generic version if the brand name was prescribed. Generally generic substitution can be tolerated by patients for most generally stable chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems etc. For certain conditions like epilepsy and if the drugs have a narrow therapeutic index (e.g. Immuno suppressants), then the same brand may need to be prescribed each time. You should always ask your doctor before changing your medicines.