How to differentiate between generic medicine and branded medicine
A generic drug is a replica of a branded drug. The generic medicine has the same active ingredient, efficiency, strength, reliability, dosage, route of administration, safety, quality, and expiry date like the branded medicine. The difference between them is of inactive ingredient or filler used in it. These all are the inner changes, but how can one differentiate between a generic and a branded one by just looking at a package?
However, in some cases, the packaging or labeling of the drug may provide some clues as to whether it is a generic or brand drug. Here are some factors to consider:
1) Name:
Brand drugs usually have a unique brand name that is recognizable and often easier to remember than the generic name. Generic drugs, on the other hand, typically have a simpler, more generic name that reflects the active ingredient.
For example, Voveran 100 mg is the brand name of Diclofenac sodium 100. In contrast, the generic form will be available as Diclofenac sodium 50/100 gm.
2) Price:
Generic drugs are generally less expensive than brand drugs, so if you see a significantly lower price than you would expect for a certain drug, it may be a generic.
For example, Crocin 500mg (Brand name of paracetamol) tablets are available at 30 rupees for 15 pills, while paracetamol 500mg (generic medicines) is available at Rs.14. Thus, by looking at a price, one can understand whether it is a generic or branded drug.
3) Manufacturer:
Brand drugs are typically manufactured by the company that holds the patent for the drug, while generic drugs are produced by other companies after the patent has expired. Look for information about the manufacturer on the packaging.
4) Appearance:
While the appearance of a drug is not a reliable indicator of whether it is a brand or generic drug, some manufacturers may choose to make their generic version of a drug look different from the brand name version. This is usually done to avoid confusion between the two products.
However, the best way to determine whether a drug is a generic or brand drug is to check with a healthcare professional or pharmacist. They can provide you with accurate information about the drug and its origin.
