Introduction
When you hear ‘generic medicine’, chances are you think of Jan Aushadhi. But here’s the truth: even the medicine in your first- aid box could be generic – it’s not just about the label. So, what’s the difference between generic and branded generic medicines?
Pharmaceutical companies spend years and crores developing a new drug. To protect that effort, they receive a 20-year patent in India, during which only they can manufacture and sell it under a brand name. Once the patent ends, the medicine becomes a generic – any manufacturer can produce it using the same salt (active ingredient). Now here’s where it gets tricky: some companies manufacture and sell it under the salt name (like Jan Aushadhi), while others either manufacture or just market it under a new brand name – these are branded generics like Dolo. Often, the manufacturer and marketer are different companies. This overlap between names and companies confuses people, leading many to believe that branded medicines work better – when they actually contain the same salt. In this blog, we’ll bust myths around generic medicines so you can make informed, wallet friendly choices.
Let’s Debunk Common Myths About Generic Medicines in India
Myth 1: Generic Medicines Are Not Safe in India
Fact: No, it is completely untrue that generic medicines are not safe in India. Medicines are generally tested before they reach the market. Every month, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) releases a list of medicines, categorizing them into standard and non-standard quality. Medicines manufactured by big pharma companies are also listed on this list. However, there is nothing to worry about, as all medicines, whether branded or generic, must pass quality checks.
Myth 2: Generic Medicines Are Less Effective Than Branded Ones
Fact: Generic medicines manufactured by big pharma companies are labeled as branded medicines; however, the active ingredient (salt) remains the same. Generic medicines are effective. However, it is not always the medicine that should be blamed – the effect of the medicine also depends on factors such as how it is stored. Is it kept at the right temperature? Is it exposed to direct sunlight? Are you shaking syrups before consumption? If you do not take care of these things, even a branded medicine may fail to show its intended effect and could increase the chances of side effects.
Myth 3: Doctors Don’t Recommend Generic Medicines
Fact: When you ask someone why they don’t trust generic medicines, many will say- “even doctors don’t prescribe them!” And to some extent, that’s true – but the full picture is a little more complex. Doctors in government hospitals do prescribe generic medicines because their prescriptions are regularly audited. On the other hand, doctors in private hospitals often don’t prescribe generics – not because they don’t work, but because their hospitals also conduct audits and require them to prescribe medicines available in their in- house pharmacies. These pharmacies often stock specific brands, thanks to commission from pharmaceutical companies. I interviewed a doctor for my blog and asked what they do when a particular brand doesn’t work. The answer was simple: “I switch to another brand with the same composition.” That means medicines with the same active ingredient and strength will give you the same effect-whether it’s generic or branded. If your doctor prescribes a branded medicine, go to a pharmacy, ask for the medicine written on the prescription, check the composition, and you will find a variety of other medicines with the same composition.
Quick Tip: If you’re already convinced and looking for affordable and trusted options, you can now buy medicine online from licensed platforms that offer verified generic medicines and fast, reliable online medicine delivery. It’s a safe, convenient way to save both time and money.
Myth 4: Generic Medicines Are Only for the Financially Deprived
Fact: Not at all. If Sonam Kapoor, who has diabetes, is taking metformin – which went off-patent long ago – she is definitely taking the generic version of metformin. It’s a common misconception that many people have, but the truth is, most of the medicines in India are generic. It’s just that some are heavily marketed and some are not – and that has nothing to do with their effectiveness.
Most of the time, it’s simply that your doctor is prescribing the expensive, branded version of a generic medicine – and you end up overpaying without even realizing it.
Myth 5: Generic Medicines Are Fine for Minor Illnesses, Not Serious Conditions
Fact: Generic medicines are used to treat both minor and serious conditions including life threatening ones like heart disease, diabetes and depression. The branded generic also have the same active ingredients, providing the same effect as their branded counterpart. In fact, many hospitals and doctors regularly prescribe generic for chronic and severe conditions because the medicines have long been in the market and have proven to work well. The only difference lies in price not in efficacy.
Myth 6: Generic Medicines Are Near Expiry
Fact: A little modification to this myth is that generic medicines are those that have already expired their patent period, and not those that are near the expiry of their shelf-life. An expired medicine can be identified by checking the manufacturing date and expiry date (or best before date) on the label.
Conclusion
People spread rumors about everything, but what makes a smart person stand out from the ordinary crowd is that he doesn’t trust those rumors until he fact-checks everything himself.
The same goes for generic medicines – don’t just believe what you hear. Take a moment to understand the facts. Generic medicines are tested, trusted, and widely used not just in India but around the world. Next time someone tells you they are not effective or safe, you’ll know better – and you can help clear up the myth for others too.
