When you go to the chemist to get a prescription filled, there’s every chance that your pharmacist asks you if you’d prefer a generic. But are generic drugs made of the same ingredients as branded medicines, and do they work the same way?
Generic drugs – The facts
- A generic drug is a branded drug that uses a different name. An example of this is metformin, which is the generic name for a drug called Glucophage used by diabetes patients.
- People worry that generics may not have the same strength, effect or dosage as the original medication, but they do – even though generic drugs can be different in colour or appearance.
- Generic drugs cost less than the branded original (also known as the ‘innovator’ drug) and, considering the high cost of health-care, choosing to use a generic is one way to save money.
Why are generic drugs cheaper?
When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it gets a patent for that drug. The patent stops anyone else from legally selling the exact drug and protects the developer’s investment in researching and making the medication. Patents can last for up to 17 years and a new brand-name drug can be sold for a high price during this time. When the patent ends, others can make a generic form of the same medication, and this brings down the cost.
Ask your doctor
The best way to be sure you’re getting the correct medication you need is to consult with your doctor. If you need to know more about a cheaper generic version of your medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Source: news-medical.net, news-medical.net/health