Generic Medicines
Generic brand medicines are copies of the original brand medicines. They contain the same active ingredient and are as safe and effective. You can save money by using a lower-cost brand. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor to see whether there is more than one brand of a medicine available and, if so, which might best suit you.
When companies develop a new medicine, the active ingredient is named (often referred to as the ‘generic drug’ name), and it is also given an original brand name. As an example, amoxycillin is an active ingredient (generic drug) name; Amoxil is one brand name.
The first company to make the new medicine has exclusive rights to market its product (a patent or copyright) for a number of years. Other companies cannot market a copy of the original brand medicine until the patent expires.
Generic brand medicines - contain the same active ingredients, are of the same dosage form (e.g. tablets or liquid) and are the same strength as the original brand medicine. This means that different brands work in the same way in the body, with potentially the same risks and benefits.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - is responsible for assessing and registering all medicines in Australia. This is important for public health and safety.
Before a prescription medicine can be put on the market in Australia or listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), an expert team of doctors, scientists and pharmacists make sure that it is:
* Of good quality
* Safe
* Effective, including cost effective
* Correctly labelled and packaged.
Companies which produce generic medicines must adhere to the same quality standardsand have the same tight manufacturing controls as companies making original brand medicines. In fact, original and generic brand medicines are sometimes made by the same company.
Different brands - of a medicine may contain different inactive ingredients. They may be a different colour, shape, or size, or may taste different. The type of container or packaging may be different, for example, a bottle or blister foil pack. Differences in formulation or outer packaging do not affect how the medicine works.
Medicines also contain other inactive ingredients such as preservatives, flavourings, colourings or fillers, and there is a rare possibility that an allergic reaction could occur to one of these inactive ingredients.
Important
* Consumer Medicine Information leaflets provide helpful information on the ingredients in a medicine. It is important to read the leaflet carefully when starting a new medicine or using a different brand.
* If you know you are allergic to a particular inactive ingredient, for example lactose or gluten, check with the pharmacist before using a new medicine.
Advantages of different brands
The competition that results from more brands can mean lower prices overall and differences in prices for PBS medicines for consumers. Because generic medicines are copies of an original brand medicine, the generic companies do not have to repeat all of the early research, development and marketing costs of the original company.
The competition that results from more brands can mean lower prices overall and differences in prices for PBS medicines for consumers.
Knowing about the availability of different brands may help you save money and exercise choice about which medicine you use. Lower cost does not mean lower quality - original and generic brands are equally as good and work equally well.
Just as with any other product, you may have particular preferences about your medicines, for example:
* Types of packaging for ease of opening or storage
* Shape or size for ease of swallowing or administering to children
* The company that manufactures it
* Price.
The difference in price between different brands may vary. The amount may or may not be important to you or your family. You can ask about any differences in price before you make a decision about brand choice.
Self Care
* If you change to a different brand, check the active ingredient (generic drug name) on the label carefully to make sure you do not take the same medicine twice (double dose) or that you do not replace the wrong medicine.
* Show your Medicare/Repatriation and/or concession card every time you have a prescription filled.
* Ask the pharmacist about the PBS Safety Net, and keep a prescription record form so you will know when you qualify for the PBS Safety Net.
* Always store medicine(s) according to the instructions in the product leaflet or on the packaging and keep all medicines safely out of reach of children.
Remember
* For prescription medicines - less expensive does not mean lower quality.
* All brands of a medicine meet the same safety standards and are just as effective.
* Your pharmacist can dispense a different brand at your request in most cases; however, it can be a good idea to check with your doctor.
* You have the choice. If you want a particular brand for any reason - ask your pharmacist. If you are offered the choice of a different brand, but do not want it - It is okay to say ‘No’.
* If you choose or are prescribed a more expensive brand, you will need to pay the difference between your brand and the lowest priced brand - this amount does not count towards the Safety Net.
* Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns.
Contact:
PBS Infoline 1800 020 613
A doctor - listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in the yellow pages of the phone book
A Self Care pharmacy - to locate telephone 1300 369 772 and ask for the Pharmacy Self Care Field Officer
In case of poisoning, phone the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 from anywhere in Australia.
Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.
