myths and misconceptions about generic medicines
Medical researchers and pharmaceutical firms invest significant time and money in research to develop better, more potent medicines for different ailments. These organizations spend their resources on the invention and development of better drugs. Thus, when the medicine is finally developed and ready for mass consumption, the developer gets a patent for the medicine for a stipulated period.
Once the patent period is over, other companies can produce the same medicines containing the same molecule and sell them in the market as generic medicines. These organisations adopt the molecule from the parent composition. Thus, they spend much less than the organizations that undertook the research. Hence, making generic medicines is affordable when compared to branded drugs.
In other words, generic medicines are affordable versions of branded medicines.
Overall, generic drugs are 40 to 60% lower in price compared to branded drugs. But despite their advantages, many people remain confused about generic vs. brand name drugs. It is not uncommon for people to doubt the efficacy and quality of generic medicines in India. Ideally, pharmacists are best positioned to provide patients with pertinent information about generic drugs and ease their concerns. Vested interests of those in the pharma channel supplying the medication – propagate myths about generic drugs rather than dispel them. In India, the unquestionable attitude towards certain professions makes these myths even more deep-rooted in patients.
At Medkart, every patient with a prescription is informed about the available options. The staff also counsels patients about generic drugs versus brand-name drugs and answers questions about active versus inactive ingredients to ensure that patients thoroughly understand generic drugs.
So, let me take this opportunity to dispel the four most common myths and misconceptions about generics in India.
Myth 1: Generic Drugs have a different formulation compared to Branded Drugs.
In most cases, generic medicines mimic branded medicine completely. There is no difference in the formulation. Sometimes, in mass manufacturing, some variability may occur, but these differences are minimal and allowed within limits by the government. We must not forget that the production of a generic drug begins when the pharma industry already has a long track record and history of the performance of branded medicine.
Myth 2: All branded drugs have generic counterparts
So, when a medicine is manufactured, the pharma company that developed it has a patent. This patent could be for two, five, or ten years. During this time, the branded drug will not have any generic counterpart. The generic counterparts come into the market only after the patent has expired.
Myth 3: Generic drugs are not as effective as their brand-name counterparts
We have battled against this misconception since day one. At Medkart, we ensure that the patient is entirely free of any doubts about the efficacy of the medicine before they make a purchase. And that’s why we insist on touch and feel. Generic medicines are indeed as effective as their branded counterparts, and the difference in price does not mean that the quality is different too.
Myth 4: The Government does not support generic medicines.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. The government has numerous schemes on the central and state level to create channels of affordable healthcare for the general public. One good example is the Jan Aushadhi scheme. It helps make medications available to patients who need them the most and adds the honourable Prime Minister’s credibility to generic medicines.
The government has also put some laws in place to target the beginning of the chain, i.e., the physicians must follow international standards of prescription and mention the ‘generic name’ of the medicine instead of the brand. Such laws can effectively curtail the menace.
The myths and misconceptions against generic medicines don’t stop here. Different forms and stages of bias exist everywhere against generic medication. But we feel confident that constant efforts to clear the misinformation and spread awareness can help patients make the best health choices.
As a society, we must find new opportunities to give generic medicines a chance. Promoting the use of generic drugs is a way to promote affordable healthcare, avoid harm, and eliminate wasteful practices.
– Ankur Agarwal
The author is an IIM alumnus and founder of Medkart Pharmacy. He strongly believes in sharing knowledge to help people choose better, especially when it comes to medicine consumption. He talks passionately about generic medicines and entrepreneurship. You can follow him on (his LinkedIn profile)
