India’s affordable pharmaceutical industry has made our country one of the leading suppliers of drugs across the world. However, not every drug prescribed by a professional at a hospital in Navi Mumbai is cost-effective. If you have ever wondered whether an affordable counterpart of an expensive, branded medicine is available, you aren’t alone.
Generic medicines offer the same health benefits as their branded counterparts, but at a cheaper price. In this post, we’ll share the details of generic and branded medicines to help you make an informed choice between the two.
Difference Between Generic and Branded Medicine in India
What are Generic Medicines?
Generic medicine has the same chemical composition as its branded versions. The dosage, use, and health benefits of generic and branded medications are similar, except that the branded version comes in fancy packaging and has a unique brand name.
Generic medicines, on the other hand, do not have special packaging. They are affordable because manufacturers do not pay for expensive marketing, advertising, and packaging, making them a cheaper alternative to their branded counterparts. Besides, generic medicines are produced when the manufacturer’s patent expires.
What are Branded Medicines?
When research departments in pharmaceutical companies launch a new drug, they are supposed to run clinical trials and have them approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). They sell this newly launched medication under their brand name. These are the original versions of the generic medicines.
The manufacturer spends significantly on marketing to promote the new drug to healthcare companies. Since a single company solely produces branded medication, it is sold at an exponentially higher rate than generic medication.
Key Differences Between Generic and Branded Medicines
Let’s clear the major differences between these two popular medicines:
- Composition: The composition of both drugs is similar, with the same ingredients being used in the generic medicines as in the branded ones. The shape and color, however, may differ. As mentioned above, packaging might also be different, but for most people, both drugs work similarly.
- Pricing: Generic medicines are cheaper than branded drugs. Manufacturers price branded medicines higher to recover their expenditures on production and marketing.
- Regulatory Requirements: Branded drugs are rigorously tested for effectiveness before being released. Authorities match generic medicines with branded ones to see if they are equal to their original variants and have similar effects.
Consumer Awareness and Choice
So, which medicine is better? It’s best to consult your healthcare provider for guidance. They will tell you if a cheaper alternative to a branded medication is available and whether it’s suitable for you. Some doctors advise patients to stick to the branded versions due to individual sensitivity.
However, patients who need a certain drug for long-term use may consider generic drugs, as they offer the same relief and are light on the wallet. Visit an affordable hospital in Navi Mumbai for generic medications.
Always check with your doctor before using generic variants. It’s also advisable to go over the ingredient list to ensure the drug contains no allergens that could trigger a reaction.