A medicine has 2 names

1.Generic
2.Brand

• Generic Medicines usually cost a lot less than their branded equivalent, but are of same quality.
• Different generic forms of the same medicine may look different to the branded versions.
• Different generic forms of the same medicine are just as safe and effective as each other.

A generic is a medicine which is an alternative version of a branded medicine. It will often have been made by a different manufacturer. E.g Panadol is a brand name of a commonly used medicine, its generic name is paracetamol.

Drug companies research and develop new medicines. These medicines have a generic name as well as the brand name. The branded medicines are pateneted for a time to prevent other companies from copying them.

A manufacturer can produce a generic version of a branded medicine after its patent has run out. They are less expensive and using generics saves the NHS millions of pounds. The manufacturing facilities of all pharmaceutical companies, whether they are makers of branded or generic drugs, must pass the stringent, regular inspections by Medicines Health Regulations Authority. There is absolutely no difference in the manufacturing standards set for generic and brand name pharmaceutical companies. The approval process for both may take several years.

Generic medicines are made by companies who are subject to the same tight government controls as those who make branded products. In fact some of the manufacturers who make generics are owned by larger companies who also make branded products.

Generic medicines may differ from their equivalent brand in colour, shape size and sometimes taste. You may notice this if you take regular medicines and you present supply looks different – do discuss any concerns with you pharmacist when your prescription is dispensed.

Some tablets and capsules have special coatings so that the medicine acts in the body for longer. For a few of these medicines, the dose has to be carefully adjusted for you. In these cases you may feel it is best for you to stick to one brand.

When applying for approval of generic drug, a pharmaceuticals company must supply a great deal of information about the product, the manufacturing processes, equipment and personnel to the MHRA. In addition, a listing of all ingredients, both active, must be revealed. The major difference between the review of a generic drug and the review of a new drug is that the manufacturer of the generic drug is not required to duplicate the original medical studies proving the safety and effectiveness of that chemical compound.

Since medical usefulness of the brand name drug has already been established, further testing is not required.