GENERIC MEDICINES

Most medicines have two names. One is called the brand name and the other name is the active ingredient. Diferent brands containing the same active ingredient may be assessed as being “the same” so one brand can be substituted for another brand. The first brand on the market is called the innovator brand and subsequent brands are called generic brands or generic medicines.

Your doctor may write a prescription for you using either the brand name or the active ingredient name. Your pharmacist can offer you a choice of brands - the innovator brand, or an alternative brand provided it has been assessed as “the same”. You can say which brand you prefer. People may be confused when they have two brands of the same medicine and may take both, often with serious results.

Your pharmacist can advise you how to identify your medicines and manage them in a safe and effective way.

For more information on generic medicines, ask your pharmacist or visit
www.askyourpharmacist.com.au