Common Myths and Facts about Generic Medicines
Once the patent for any medication is expired, other pharmaceutical companies can create medicines with the same chemical and market them as generic drugs. These companies use the parent composition’s molecules as their own.
As a result, they spend much less money than the companies conducting the research, making generic medications less expensive than producing branded ones. In other words, generic drugs are less expensive variations of name-brand drugs.
Generic medications generally cost up to 85% less than branded medications. However, despite their benefits, there still needs to be more clarity regarding generic vs. branded medicines.
People frequently question the effectiveness and quality of generic medications made in India. Pharmacists are in the ideal position to inform patients about the popularity of generic medicine and reduce their concerns about the same.
Generic medicine myths are spread rather by vested interests of individuals in the pharmaceutical supply chain. This misinformation affects the patients’ buying behaviour because of the unquestioning attitude in India regarding generic medicines. Many generic medicine stores online in India, like Medkart, are working to address such misinformation with the right data.
Everything You Need to Know About Generic Medicines |Trusted Generic Medicine Provider
Let’s take this chance to address the biggest misconceptions and falsehoods concerning generic drugs in India.
1. Different formulations
Generic medications frequently closely resemble branded medications. The formulation is the same for both. Although there may occasionally be some variation in mass manufacturing, the government only permits small variations.
It is important to remember that the pharmaceutical industry already has a lengthy history of successfully branded medications before the development of a generic drug starts.
2. Quality compromise as they are less expensive
Another myth around generic medicine in India is that of quality. Consumers believe that generic medicines could be better quality because they are priced lower than their branded counterparts.
But, the fact is that all branded-generic medications are produced following the same high standards as proprietary manufacturers in terms of their development, testing, and packaging. In certain cases, numerous branded-generic medications are made in the same plant where patented medications were made using the same procedures and standards. Also, all generic medicines are approved by CDSCO and need to follow WHO-GMP standards.
3. All branded ones have a generic substitute
The pharmaceutical business that invented the drug holds a patent when it is manufactured. The term of this patent may be two, five, or ten years. The branded medicine won’t have a generic alternative during this time. Only once the patent has expired do the generic alternatives enter the market. Therefore, not all branded medicines will have a generic substitute only those with expired patents are available for generic drug manufacturing.
4. The government does not support generic drugs
Nothing is more false than it is. The central and state governments have several programmes to provide the general population with inexpensive healthcare. This will help drive the popularity of generic medicines in India.
The Jan Aushadhi scheme is a prime example. More than 8000 Jan Aushadhi stores in India are operated by Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI). This ensures that generic medicine is accessible to every individual at a fair price.
Moreover, the government has also implemented legislation requiring doctors to write prescriptions under international guidelines and to use the drug’s “generic name” rather than its brand name. Such regulations can successfully reduce dependence on branded drugs that increases medical expenses.
5. It takes more time to get results
Generic or branded, both medications share the same active component and dosage form as the original product and the same active ingredient’s potency. As a result, generic medications are designed to be just as effective as brand-name medications.
6. Generic drugs cause side effects
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in India keeps an eye on generic and non-generic medications and checks for adverse drug reactions. There are no additional negative side effects associated with generic medications. But, if a certain branded drug can create a side effect in some patients, its generic alternative can also cause the same.
7. They are priced low as they are not good enough
A generic drug is identical to a non-generic drug in terms of therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. While generic medications are less expensive, their quality is unaffected. Generic drug manufacturers do not have to invest in marketing, testing, or research and development, which enables them to sell their products for less money.
8. Generic drugs are those that are near the expiry date
Generic drugs are approved by the Drugs Control Advisory Board. Meaning, it has to meet all safety and quality requirements. The low price of generics is because of lack of investment in research and patenting it. This does not imply that the medication is out-of-date or near its expiry date. Generic drugs has the same shelf life as its branded counterparts and they have same efficacy. Therefore, it is a complete myth to believe that generic medicines have nearer expiry date.
Conclusion
The rumors and falsehoods about generic medications don’t end here. There are many different types and stages of prejudice against generic medications. But we are certain that persistent efforts to dispel myths and fight the lack of awareness around generic medicines in India.
We must, as a society, look for innovative ways to support generic medications. It is possible to enhance accessible healthcare, prevent injury, and stop wasteful behaviors by encouraging generic medications.
At Medkart, we provide generic alternatives for branded medicines across 100+ stores in India. You can walk into any of our stores with a prescription, and our pharmacist will help you with a generic substitute for prescribed branded medicines.
Alternatively, you can downloadMedkart android app, Medkart iOS app, and visit the website medkart.in to order medicines online in Inda.
