Expensive is better; that is what we are made to believe from an early age. Does it stand true in terms of your medication? No, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Other inexpensive options available in the market are equally good.
The generic medicines are cost-effective in comparison to the branded medicines, which are expensive.
So before decoding which one is better for your health and budget, we should go through the details of them.
What are branded medicines?
These are the medicines produced by a pharmaceutical company and are then sold under a trademark. Thus, giving it an advantage over its competitors in terms of brand respect.
Why branded medicines are expensive-
- Companies make hefty investments in the development and legalisation of a medicine.
- There is then extensive marketing of the medicine that makes the total cost higher than the production cost.
- To improve monetisation, companies often imply patent rights to the medicines.
What are generic medicines?
Generic medicines are the cost-effective alternative to the branded medicines. These have the same active pharmaceutical ingredients as the branded ones, the dosage strength, and intended effects. These may, however, differ in size and shape from that of the branded form.
Why are generic medicines low-cost?
- Lesser marketing and thus lesser total production cost of the product
- No patents
- A lesser number of middlemen
Generic vs Branded Medicines: Key Differences
Here is a clear difference between generic and branded medicines to clear your understanding of both in different aspects-
| Parameter | Generic Medicines | Branded Medicines |
| Active ingredient | Contains the same active ingredient as the original medicine | These have an original active ingredient that is developed and marketed under a brand name |
| Effectiveness | The purpose is to deliver the same effect as the branded ones. | Required therapeutic levels were managed and optimised during the development phase. |
| Safety and quality standards | Should follow all the compliance details | Should comply with the regulatory standards at all stages of development. |
| Appearance | It may differ in colour, shape, size, or packaging | Usually has a consistent brand-specific appearance |
| Cost | Generally cost-effective | Mostly expensive |
| Marketing expenses | Very low promotional costs | Money spent on marketing is high |
| Availability | Usually available almost everywhere | It has limited availability |
Generic or branded: which ones are effective?
Both generic and branded medicines have similar effectiveness. They’re similar and equivalent in terms of therapeutic response as –
- Same active pharmaceutical ingredient
- Same dosage
- Bio-equivalent
- Same intended effect
How can you save more money?
By choosing generic medicines, you can lower a considerable amount of expense on health care. To help reduce the financial burden even more, we can opt for buying generic medicine online. Also, generic medicine in India online can be purchased from registered online platforms. These tips can help you save money:
- Generic replacements of branded medicines
- Purchase online by comparing prices
- Prefer generics for long-term health conditions
Final thought
The choice of medicine should not be based only on one aspect. One should look for more than one aspect, like availability, safety, and pricing. While branded medicines have established results, generics have worked their way up and give the same effect at much lower prices than those of the branded medicines. Several companies produce and sell generic medicines in India and are regulated by the government agencies of India. Some of the well-known generic producers are Zeelab Pharmacy, Sastadawaiwala, 1mg, etc., where you can buy generic medicine online. Also, there are many generic medical stores where anyone can purchase affordable and effective products. The government has also invested in generic medicines and runs platforms like Jan-Aushadhi.
This can help build an affordable healthcare option and support people in taking better care of themselves without worrying about money.
FAQ
Q. How are generic medicines cheaper than branded medicines?
A. It is because generic medicines don’t have huge marketing and involve fewer middlemen.
Q. When might a branded medicine be preferred?
A. Under certain cases, such as modified release tablets or a special combination of medicines, a branded product can be preferred.
Q. Is it possible to tell that generic medicines don’t work as fast as branded medicines?
A. No, the effect of a medicine is dependent on the salts, the formulation itself and a little from person to person.
Q. Are generic medications used by doctors?
A. Yes, doctors can prescribe medicines that are generic, but only when it comes to a patient’s health condition and dosage program.
