Activity:Collect information about generic medicines and discuss them in the class.
Answers
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Home>Treatments>Generic medicines and branded medicines
Generic medicines and branded medicines


Introduction to generic and branded medicinesWhat are branded medicines?What are generic medicines?Pseudo-generic medicinesFillers, binders and lubricantsMedicine labellingWhat is therapeutic bioequivalence?Bioequivalence testingAdvantages of generic medicinesDisadvantages of generic medicinesConsumer confusionHow to minimise confusionWhy choose the branded medicine rather than the generic medicine?What are you paying for medication?The brand premium policy/minimum pricing policyBrand substitution
Introduction to generic and branded medicines
Generic medicines are those which contain the same active ingredient (the ingredient which acts to cure the condition the medicine is used to treat) in the same quantity as a brand-name medicine. Generic medicines therefore have the same effect on the body in terms of curing disease as the brand-name medicines which they copy.
However, generic medicines are sold using a different name and may contain different inactive ingredients(ingredients that give the product its taste, shape texture, smell, et cetera, but which do not affect the body to relieve health conditions) compared with their branded counterparts. They should not be confused with counterfeit medicines, which are illegally manufactured copies that may or may not contain the same active ingredient.
The number of generic medicines being distributed in Australia is increasing. This is a move supported by the government, who have implemented a number of strategies to encourage the use of generic medicines because they are often cheaper than brand-name medicines. Use of generic medicines may also have cost benefits for the consumer and for pharmacies.
Although the use of generic medication is becoming more widely accepted by Australian doctors and consumers, many consumers in Australia (and overseas) have a mistrust of generic medicines. Furthermore, use of generic medication is still a controversial issue amongst doctors.
The generic pharmaceutical industry is growing, and these medicines are likely to become more common in Australia in the future. Increased education about generic medicines and the similarities and differences between generic and brand-name medicines is needed to allow consumers to make informed choices about which medicines they use. There is also a need for education regarding the testing that is carried out to ensure generic medicines are safe and have the same effect on the body as the brand they copy (known as therapeutic bioequivalence). Consumers also need to be aware of the risks that can be associated with switching from branded to generic medicines or vice versa.