I often ask my doctors about the pros and cons of generics and branded drugs. Doctors usually say that apart from the packaging and the impact on my cash drawer, these drugs are just the same. Getting a generic 500 milligram ascorbic acid for instance will have the same effect as a 500 milligram Cecon™. From the point of view of manufacturers however, Branded medicines are safer and more effective than their generic counterparts.

Branded medicines are patented in a few years. Generic medicines are manufactured when the patent expires. Generics then are tested for “BIOEQUIVALENCE” – term used to describe if the medicines have the same formula and amount. Manufacturers of branded medicines do strict testing of their products before they release it to the market. Generics however, just do bioequivalence testing because the branded meds are already proven to be effective. Experts say, bioequivalence is not enough to ensure that the drug will be as potent and as safe as the original. This is because there are a lot more to drugs than just formula; fillers, packaging, coatings, diluents, surfactants, lubricants, and binders also have a huge effect on the drug’s performance. Take for example two brands or “warfarin”. One cannot be substituted for the other because they have different effects.

In summary, generics and branded drugs are generally the same. But just to be safe, always ask the doctor or the pharmacist when substituting branded drugs for generics.