Are you stuck having to choose between brand-name or generic medicine?
Generic medicines are an important medication option that allows more patients to access essential medicines at an affordable price.
But, is it as safe as brand-name medicine?
Let’s find out…
What exactly is generic medicine?
Generic medicine is a copy of an approved brand-name drug. It has the same strength, side effects, dosage, quality, safety, route of administration, and performance characteristics as the original medicine.
Are generic medicines safe?
Yes, it’s safe.
Many people believe that generic medicine isn’t as effective as brand-name medication due to its significantly lower prices, however, this is not the case since generic drugs are heavily regulated and go through a detailed review process before they’re approved.
Therefore, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) tests all generic medicines to make sure that they offer the same benefits as original brand medications and that any different ingredients used in generic drugs are safe.
Generic medicine benefits:
- The biggest advantage of using generic medication is the cost as it can be up to 85% less expensive than brand-name medication.
- Lower costs make it less likely for patients to abandon their prescriptions, and more likely that they will stay on course with their medication. This leads to better overall health.
- Generic medicine is just as effective as its brand-name alternatives and is bioequivalent.
- It’s very easy for patients to find generic counterparts as there are many options out there.
Generic medicine disadvantages:
- Some people have reported new or different symptoms when they initially switch from a brand-name drug to a generic medication, or from one generic drug to another generic drug. However, such experiences aren’t necessarily related to the generic drug.
- Medicines may look different. According to the trademark law, generic medications aren’t allowed to look the same as the brand-name medication. Therefore, the size, colour, or shape may look different than what you’re used to.
- Generic drugs may include different inactive ingredients such as preservatives or fillers that people may be sensitive or intolerant to. However, these differences rarely cause any clinically significant problems for patients.
Why are generic medications less expensive?
Generic medicine manufacturers don’t face the same costs as the manufacturers of brand-name drugs. This is because the initial investment and costs involved in the research, clinical trials, and development of brand-name drugs is extremely high.
For generic manufacturers, no such investment is required since the product has already been developed and advertised.
There’s also more competition amongst generic manufacturers since a brand-name drug is only allowed to be sold by one manufacturer, whereas several companies will usually sell the same generic drug. This leads to competitive pricing.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it remains up to the patient whether they prefer using generic medicine or brand-name drugs.
With its many benefits, generic medication offers patients a way to stay on course with their medicine, and, as a result, it promotes better health.
If you’d like to find out whether there’s a generic version of your medication available, you can talk to your pharmacist or doctor.