Understanding Generic Medicines

What are generic medicines?

Every medicine has an active ingredient, the part that works in the body. When a company first develops a medicine, it usually sells it under its own brand name. After that, other approved manufacturers can make medicines with the same active ingredient, in the same strength and form (tablet, capsule, syrup and so on). These are called generic medicines.

In India, medicines are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its Rules. Medicines must be approved and manufactured under licence before they can be sold.

Why can medicine prices differ?

Two medicines with the same active ingredient can have different prices. Some common reasons:

• Research and development. Original companies spend heavily to discover and test a new medicine.
• Branding and marketing. Promotion and brand-building add to the cost of some products.
• Packaging and supply chain. Different packaging and distribution routes add different costs.
• Price control. The Government of India fixes the maximum price of certain medicines.

A lower or higher price does not by itself tell you whether a medicine is good or poor. Quality depends on how a medicine is made, tested and stored.

What does medicine quality mean?

A quality medicine contains the right ingredient in the right amount, is free from harmful contamination, dissolves and works in the body as expected, and stays stable until its expiry date. This depends on good manufacturing practice, testing, correct storage and honest labelling, whether a medicine is branded or generic.

Are generic and branded medicines the same?

A generic medicine must contain the same active ingredient, strength and form as the original. Regulators may also look for evidence that it behaves in the body in a comparable way. Inactive ingredients, colour, shape and packaging can differ.

That said, we do not suggest that every generic and branded medicine can be swapped for every person. For some medicines and some patients, the doctor may prefer a particular product. Whether a generic option is suitable for you is a question for your doctor.

Why buy from an authorised pharmacy?

• Licensed pharmacies must buy from legitimate, licensed suppliers.
• They are expected to follow the rules on prescription-only medicines.
• They can provide a proper bill showing batch and expiry details.
• Medicines are more likely to be stored correctly.
• There is somewhere to return to if you have a concern.

Why is professional guidance important?

Your doctor knows your medical history, other medicines you take and your test results. A qualified pharmacist can explain how to read a label, how to store medicines and what general precautions to keep in mind. Please do not choose, change or stop a medicine on the basis of website content, advertisements or what someone else tells you.