Prescription drugs versus branded generics

Did you know that if a doctor prescribed a drug to you, and you found out it was very expensive, there could be cheaper, equally good alternatives? Yes, this is true. The alternatives are called branded generics, or in other words, generics of the prescription drugs or branded drugs.

Why then the disparity in prices? Prescription drug manufacturers are the inventors of the drug. To cover their huge costs of research and development invested in bringing out the drug, they are protected by a long patent period (20 years in the United States), during which the manufacturer has sole right to produce and distribute the drug. As the patent period comes to a close, other manufacturers can opt to produce the drug too. They are usually thoroughly tested by the manufacturer, and will have to be approved by the Drug Administration of that particular country. Since they don't have to pay the high investment and marketing costs that the original manufacturer had to bear, generic drug manufacturers can afford to sell the same drug at a substantially lower cost. Sometimes, in the course of the patent period, the innovator may also authorize other pharmaceutical companies to manufacture the same drug under its patent. That is why, for instance you see so many brands of paracetamol in the market. They are all branded or prescription versions. The generic versions are also available in pharmacies, are unbranded, and hence cheaper than the other brands. Generics come even as cheap as 40-70% of the cost of the original prescription drug.

Generic drugs are absolutely safe to use. They use the same active ingredients as the prescription drug, and are hence said to be bioequivalent to the original. The only allowable change is in the inactive ingredients, colors and flavors that go into the drug. Generic drugs are therefore replicas of the branded one, not only in terms of its key ingredients, but also in strength, stability, dosage, how it is consumed, etc. They also have the same side effects as the original brand.

Prescription drugs Versus Branded Generics Given the above facts, would you go in for a prescription drug when cheaper generic variants are available? While there is absolutely no difference in quality, or strength (as explained above) of the two, our bodies react differently to the same drug. Hence, some people feel that their systems react better to prescription drugs. On the other hand, there are those who prefer generics, not just because of the cost factor, but also because they might work better on their bodies. There are instances of generics working better than the original branded drug when the manufacturer uses the same active ingredients, but manages to produce the drug using a better technology. The conclusion to the much-debated Prescription drugs Versus Branded Generics topic is really a personal choice.

On the socio-economic front, the presence of generic drug manufacturers is quite a boon to those who can't afford expensive medical treatment and insurance. In recent years, increasing awareness of the generics market has increased the sales of generics by three times, over a 5-year period. Indeed, getting into the habit of checking generic options with your health care practitioner could save you a lot of money, without comprising on the quality of your health care.