1. What are generic drugs?
2. Are generic drugs as safe as the original drugs?
3. Why generic drugs are cheaper?
4. Does a generic drug have the same effect as the original product?
5. Aspects of generic drugs consumers should know
6. Where can I get information on the generic name of a medicine? 

1. What are generic drugs?

Generic drugs are medicines that contain the same active ingredient as the brand products (also called innovator drugs). There is equality in dosage, strength, safety, quality, how it is taken, intended use and effectiveness.

2. Are generic drugs as safe as the original drugs?

Yes, pharmaceutical regulation for generic and innovator drugs is the same to ensure all medicines are safe and effective. Since the active ingredients for both generic and original drugs are the same, their benefits and risks are also the same.

3. Why generic drugs are cheaper?

This is because generic drugs do not require patent protection anymore (patent protection is given to an innovator drug to safeguard the investment that has been spent on research, development and promotion of the drug). Often relatively less is spent on research and development of the generic equivalent. Generic drug producers also spend less on promotion of the generic drug as compared to its brand product because its use and effect is already known

4. Does a generic drug has the same effect as the original product?

Yes, the pharmaceutical regulatory body ensures that a generic drug has the same quality, strength, purity and stability as the original product.

5. Aspects of generic drugs consumers should know about.

Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as the original products; in fact they are interchangeable with the original drugs. As such they are not inferior to the original medicines.

In most situations, the use of generics can lead to savings in medicine cost, either in cases where patients pay for their medicines totally or partially. When patients do not pay for their medicines at all, the savings will revert to the medicines providers.

A lot of people are not aware about medicines price, therefore do not realize that they can choose a brand or a generic product that is cheaper than what they are being prescribed. Consumers and patients must always ask their doctors if there are cheaper alternatives available that are suitable for their condition.

6. Where can I get information on the generic name of a medicine?

You may obtain this information from the pharmacists at hospital pharmacies or community (retail) pharmacies.

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