Experiences with generics

A “generic drug” contains the same active ingredient as the original brand name product on which is it based. Provided it is well made, it is to all intents and purposes identical to (and hence interchangeable with) the branded product. Quality requirements for generics need to be the same as for the corresponding original branded products. Generics are usually manufactured without a licence from the innovator company and are only marketed after expiry of the latter’s patent or other exclusivity rights. A generic drug may be marketed either under the approved international nonproprietary name of the active substance or under a new proprietary (“brand”) name chosen by its manufacturer [23]. Good generic medicines are affordable alternatives to more costly, patented brand name products; by providing precisely the same medical benefit at a lower price, generics reduce the cost of pharmaceutical care.