Last updated on October 15th, 2024 at 06:33 pm
Basics of Generic Medicines
Generic medicines are copies of brand-name drugs with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance and intended use. They are identical to the original medicine, except in their color, shape, and packaging.
Knowing the specifics of the medicines that your doctor recommends can be useful. The first step involves learning about generic versus branded drugs.
A generic prescription is a medication made to resemble a branded drug that has already been sold in terms of dose form, protection, strength, route of administration, cost, qualities, and planned usage. These relationships influence the bioequivalence principle, which guarantees that a generic drug acts the same way as a brand drug and provides the same therapeutic benefit. In other words, generic medication can be used interchangeably with its brand equivalent.
For instance, Crocin is a branded pharmaceutical product, whereas Paracetamol is a content (analgesic and antipyretic drug to reduce fever). Comparing generic medications to their branded counterparts, the former is more economical while branded are expensive. Pharmaceutical manufacturers make medicines bearing the same content but have different names and pricing.
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Branded medicines cost more as they bear generic medicine. The medicine quality and efficacy remain the same as the generic medicine. Covering costs requires pharma companies to push MR (medical representative) chains and medical professionals to recommend their branded pharmaceuticals. Pharmacies and hospitals would opt to sell licensed medications over generic ones.
The efficiency of generic drugs
Every generic medication acts similarly to a brand medication in the body. Dosage, shape, protection, effectiveness, intensity, and marking remains the same as brand medication (with certain limited exceptions). High standards of manufacture, adoption and quality must also be adhered to and utilized in the same way as branded medicines. The generic drugs also adhere to GMP standards, often produced in the same facilities as branded ones.
Are there any color codes for generic drugs?
There is no generic medicine promotion policy in place by the Indian government. Indians have developed a culture of brand popularity in the pharmaceutical sector. Colour coding could be of more utility in locating medications and keeping generic medications organized on several shelves. The CCI expressed dissatisfaction with the huge trade margin and asked for a prescription for a generic pharmaceutical strategy.
The approach that would have genuinely reduced the price of all pharmaceuticals would have been safer for the CCI. The government would mandate that the pharmacy’s prices be available for public inspection. Patients can determine which medicine is more affordable in this scenario. Because they are less expensive, the notion that marketed products are of the highest consistency, effectiveness, and generics has yet to surface.
Branded and generic drugs
As discussed earlier, there are two types of medicines — generic and branded. In terms of purity, effectiveness, dosage, and use, the patent-protected medicinal product is an identical generic drug that is patented. Cheaper generic medications are available.
The active ingredients are the same as those in branded drugs, all of which have received FDA approval. Generics are only eligible once the patent has expired. A pharmaceutical product’s patent length might be up to 20 years. The same business that makes the branded medication may produce a generic version, or a new manufacturer may.
Frequently Asked Questions Related Generic medicines
1) Why do generic drugs cost less?
The lengthy, expensive laboratory and clinical experiments the developing business undertook to obtain FDA approval do not need to be repeated by generic medication manufacturers. Generic producers don’t have to spend time or money on their work; they can leverage the platform that branded medications have created. It includes supply chain, labeling, highlighting content, etc. Often, these pharma companies create generic drugs on the same premises, using the same equipment, and this helps produce quality medicines while being cheaper.
Such a mechanism helps them sell the medication for less and yet turn a profit because they can produce it for much less. When numerous businesses start producing the same generic drug, competition further drives down costs. That is why generic drugs are used to complete almost 8 out of 10 prescriptions in the US.
2) Does every brand of the drug have a generic alternative?
Not initially. Patents protect the development of new drugs, which are authorized for twenty years following FDA approval. Brand medicine may take many years to develop and promote. Other pharmaceutical companies submit applications to the FDA seeking permission to dispense the drug’s generic form.
Before the brand product’s patent runs out, the FDA can tentatively approve a generic medication. Numerous businesses may produce and sell generic versions of name-brand goods. However, some medications might never have a generic because the producers may believe that making them is too expensive or complicated.
Wrapping up: Role of medkart
In third-world countries, many individuals are below the poverty threshold. Consuming branded medicines frequently may prove expensive. Those having it regularly may feel the burden of medical expenses.
The generic drug uses the same active ingredient as the brand name but may not label it with a different name. Rather, they carry the name of active ingredients.
At medkart.in, we provide generic drugs along with branded medicines. You can walk into any of our stores across India and compare medicines to understand the difference between generic and branded medicines.
Moreover, we have a digital presence as well. Visit medkart.in to order generic medicines online in India. You can also download the Medkart android app or the Medkart iOS app to order generic medicines using a mobile device. Check out our website, application, or visit the store to buy generic medicines in India. Make the right choice by cutting down the cost of medicines by 60% without affecting the quality of medicines.
