Whenever you go to a doctor or even order medicines online, very often you get to choose between two options: branded medicines and generic medicines. Though both are used for the same health conditions, most people are in a dilemma as to what generic medicines are and how they differ from their branded substitutes.
Understanding the difference between these two can make you more aware of health care options and provide solutions that may be more economically suitable for you. Let’s first understand what exactly generic medicines are.
What Are Generic Medicines?
Generic medicines are drugs that contain the same active ingredient as branded medicines. They are utilised for the same purpose and are of the same strength, dosage form, safety standards, and effectiveness as their branded counterparts.
Both generic as well as branded medicines have the same salt composition too. The primary difference that sets branded medicine apart from generic medicine is that generic medicines are sold under the name of the active ingredient and not a brand name.
For instance, where there is a certain drug in a branded medicine for fever or blood pressure, the generic version has the very same drug; it lacks only the brand label.
What Are Branded Medicines?
Branded medicines are developed, promoted, and distributed by huge pharmaceutical firms under a particular brand name. They invest heavily in:
- Research and Development
- Clinical Trials
- Marketing and Promotion
The reason behind the higher prices of branded medicines is that the pharmaceutical companies need to reclaim the amount of money they have spent on research, development, clinical trials, marketing and promotion.
Why Are Generic Medicines More Affordable?
Generic medicine manufacturers:
- Do not repeat expensive research
- Do not spend heavily on advertising, marketing or promotion
- Enter the market after the patent of branded medicines expires
These factors allow them to price medicines lower while maintaining the same medical benefits. They are also very easily available on reliable medical apps or pharmacies.
Key Difference Between Branded & Generic Medicines
- Price
The most noticeable difference between branded and generic medicines is the cost. Branded medicines are more expensive than their generic counterparts. Generics usually cost less because their manufacturers do not really spend huge sums of money on original research or promotion campaigns.
- Name & Packaging:
As discussed earlier, branded medicines have a very distinctive name as well as attractive packaging. Generic medicines, on the other hand, do not have a distinct brand name. Instead, they use the name of the active ingredient that is the same as the one in branded medicine and use simpler packaging.
- Appearance:
Generic medicines might differ in their appearance, such as size, colour and shape, in order to avoid certain trademark issues. However, this does not reduce the effectiveness of the medicine at all.
Are Generic Medicines Safe To Use?
Generic medicines are completely and a hundred per cent safe to use when they are purchased from reliable and licensed pharmacies or a trusted e pharmacy. They undergo strict testing and regulatory approval before reaching consumers.
Doctors often prescribe generic medicines, especially for long-term conditions, to reduce treatment costs without compromising health outcomes. Generic and branded medicines are medically equivalent because they work the same, cure the same ailments, and are equally safe for use. The only varying factor between the two is their brand or cost. The adoption of generic medicines can greatly bring down medical expenses, without causing any harm in terms of quality and safety. Given their easy access options via online medicine shopping, generic medicines can prove to be a wise idea for day-to-day requirements.