What Are Generic Medications?
A generic medication is the replica of the existing approved branded medicine in its application, dosage form, strength, safety, route of administration, quality, shelf life and performance. These similarities show that a generic medicine works just like the original branded medicine and gives the same health benefits. So, you can use a generic medicine instead of the branded one, giving you a similar result.
For instance, Paracetamol is the generic medicine, and Crocin is the branded version of paracetamol available in the market. Other companies may market the same medicine under different brand names, such as Calpol, Dolo, and Metacin. These are all different brands selling the same generic drug, which is paracetamol. However, paracetamol is available at a lower cost compared to branded versions.
Are Generic Medicines Safe?
Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines, working in the same way with similar risks and benefits. They are as safe as a branded medicine. The FDA ensures generic medicines meet these standards through a thorough review, including inspections of manufacturing plants and monitoring safety after approval.
While there might be slight differences, like inactive ingredients, between a generic drug and its branded counterpart, these differences are generally minor and not medically significant. Both branded and generic medicines can have small variations in size, purity, strength, and other factors during bulk production, which is considered acceptable by FDA.
Does Generic Medicine Look Different From Branded Medicine?
While generic and branded medicines are similar in their medicinal activities, strength, and purity. They might not be similar in their appearance. The trademark laws prevent generic drugs from looking exactly like existing branded medicines. While generic and branded medicines have the same active ingredient, colours and flavours may vary. These factors do not impact the activity or safety of generic medicines.
Why Generic Medicines Are Cheaper Than the Branded Ones?
When any branded medicine is approved by the FDA to be launched, the medicine is patented by its manufacturer. This patent lasts up to 20 years. During the patent period, only the manufacturer can sell the branded medicine. The manufacturer can set the price of the medicine in the market, which maximises their profit.
Generic medicines of the same component as branded medicines are introduced after the patent period is over. The FDA gives generic medicines the green light after a thorough review.
Generic drugs are often cheaper than branded ones because the manufacturers of generic medicines don’t have to redo studies on animals and humans that the branded medicines have conducted to show they are safe and effective. This process is called the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway. It allows an efficient approval process of generic variants without the need for redundant clinical trials, reducing development costs.
Since the research and development costs are lower, even though generic medicines have the same efficiency as branded ones. These are usually sold at a huge discount, around 80 to 85% less than the branded ones. Besides, several companies can sell the same generic medicine. There is more competition, which means the price for consumers is lower.
With affordable prices, generic medicines provide broader access to essential medications and necessary treatments. It reduces the medical burden on a larger population who cannot afford costly treatments. However, not every branded medicine is available as generic.
Where Can You Buy Generic Medicines?
There are several online and offline platforms where you can buy generic medicines. Local pharmacies and drugstores offer a range of generic medicines. Government health schemes and initiatives also promote the use of generic medicines. You can check with local health centres or government-sponsored pharmacies called Janaushaudhi Kendras for affordable generic options. If you are prescribed a generic medicine during your hospital visit, you can often purchase it directly from the hospital pharmacy. However, there may be instances when generic medicine is unavailable due to its lower cost and high demand.
The best way is to visit online platforms to get a wide selection of generic medicines. It is available 24/7 and convenient for those with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, and older adults; they ensure the medicines are accessible whenever needed. Online pharmacies also save time, offer privacy, and secure your prescription if you have lost your original prescription.
If you wish to save even more on your medicine purchases, pharmacy apps provide the best generic medicine online. They offer the best substitutes at low prices, which allows you to save a huge amount on your medicines.
A few apps for healthcare just go beyond just delivering medicines. They also provide online doctor’s consultations. You can have an online discussion with a doctor. They can guide you with the best generic substitutes suitable for your condition.
Takeaway
Generic medicines are a lot like branded medicines. These work the same way, have the same safety, and give similar results. The FDA approves these to make sure they’re safe and work well. Since the companies making generics don’t have to do all the expensive research again, the medicines become 80-85% cheaper than the brand-name ones. Online pharmacies make them even more affordable and accessible. You can save extra 1 from the substitutes, avail discounts and get free online consultations on your prescriptions.
