Buying generic drugs and branded versions of the same medication often leads consumers to question if the lower priced generic will provide a lesser quality product. With increasing numbers of new consumers purchasing generic medications for the first time, there is great interest in understanding the generic drug evaluation process, testing processes and dispensing of generic medications to make educated and confident healthcare decisions.
What Generic Medications Are?
Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their branded counterparts, and are used to treat the same conditions in the same manner. The generic version must have the same strength, dosage form, route of administration and therapeutic effects as its branded counterpart. Clinically, the expected result of using a generic medication is the same as the branded version, which is why many patients choose to buy generic drugs for ongoing treatment.
However, the most significant differences between generic and name-brand drugs are the pricing and the brand itself. When the generic form of a name-brand drug is no longer protected by patent, generic drug companies can develop their own versions and sell them at a lower price than the name-brand drug, creating competition and making it possible for patients with long-term conditions to purchase the required medication.
Ensuring Reliability
Although, the major difference among generic drugs and brand name medication is price and branding. Upon expiration of the patent for the brand name version of the drug, generic companies will be able to produce and sell their own version of that drug which creates competition and causes the cost of treatment to go down; allowing patients who need long term treatment to afford their medications.
In addition to demonstrating bioequivalence, all generic medications are manufactured under the same GMP (good manufacturing practice) guidelines as their branded counterparts, and are subject to facility inspections, raw material inspections and final product inspections to ensure consistency, purity and safety. Therefore, reliability is inherent to the approval process of generic medications, rather than being simply assumed.
Why Generic Medications Are Less Expensive
Low prices for generic medications can cause some to doubt their quality. However, the fact that generic medications are less expensive does not mean they are of poor quality. The low cost of generic medications is due to the fact that generic manufacturers do not incur the costs associated with developing and marketing the original medication. These costs were absorbed by the original manufacturer while the brand name medication was still protected by patents.
By choosing to purchase generic medications, the consumer is simply purchasing the medication itself, and not the packaging, labeling or advertising associated with the brand name medication. This distinction is particularly relevant to those suffering from chronic conditions that require long term treatment, as maintaining affordable long-term treatment options directly impacts compliance with prescribed treatments.
Effectiveness in Everyday Use
Generic medications function as well as their branded counterparts for the majority of users. Physicians frequently prescribe generic medications, and pharmacists often suggest generic alternatives to help reduce costs without negatively impacting treatment efficacy.
Minor variations in inactive ingredients such as colour, coating, flavor etc. may occur in some generic medications. While these differences typically do not impact the functional efficacy of the medication, they may be of concern for individuals with specific sensitivities. In such cases, medical guidance assists in determining the best alternative for each individual.
Role of Pharmacists in Assuring Safe Substitution
Pharmacists ensure that there is a safety net and reliability when an individual purchases generic drugs. Pharmacists review each prescription, determine if the generic drug has equal or similar (therapeutic) effects as its brand name counterpart, and identify any potential drug-drug interaction risks. In some countries, the role of pharmacists allows them to switch brand-name medication to generic equivalents unless restricted by the original prescriber of the patient’s prescription.
The growth in use of eHealth technologies and telehealth consultation allow pharmacists to verify prescriptions electronically and provide patients with education and guidance on how to safely substitute generic versions of their brand-name counterparts. The added professional liability that is assumed by pharmacists provides the patient with increased assurance and confidence.
Buying Generic Medications Online: Key Considerations
While more and more consumers are turning to digital platforms to obtain prescriptions and manage their medications, the reliability of generic medications purchased online depends on where and how they are obtained. Consumers can be assured that their generic medication is both validly prescribed and properly distributed by purchasing from a reputable, online pharmacy.
Prior to purchasing generic medications online, consumers must consider several factors including:
- Whether the online pharmacy operates within a regulatory framework
- Whether the online pharmacy obtains its generic medications from licensed manufacturers
- Whether the online pharmacy offers access to a pharmacist for support and counseling.
Additionally, transparency related to the composition, usage, and pricing of generic medications online also contributes to a perception of credibility.
Misconceptions Regarding Generic Medications
Two of the most common misconceptions that may influence the buyer’s perception of generic medications are:
- That generic medications are less effective or take longer to work than branded medications. This is not true. All generic medications must demonstrate bioequivalence with their branded counterparts, and therefore are permitted to enter the market only after having met this rigorous standard of proof.
2. That physicians only prescribe generic medications because of the cost benefits. Although cost is certainly an important consideration for physicians, they also prescribe generic medications because they are clinically equivalent to the branded medication and provide the same level of therapeutic benefit.
Conclusion
Generic medications are reliable, effective and strictly regulated. When buyers have a basic understanding of the generic drug evaluation and dispensing process, choosing to buy generic drugs represents a logical and clinically sound decision. Furthermore, when generic medications are selected from reputable vendors and supported by the expertise of a pharmacist, generic medications offer the same level of therapeutic benefit as branded medications, with the added benefit of reduced cost and enhanced long term sustainability.
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