Generic vs. Branded Medicines

Over the years, the use of medications had become an invaluable aspect in health care. Medications used to treat acute(short term) and chronic(long term) diseases have been available to consumers. Given these uses, can we really say that medicines are beneficial? – given the high cost of these drugs

First, let us talk about how these drugs come to reach their market prices. Once a drug has been hypothetically discovered, it would go through a series of tests before it would be recognized by the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) as a scientifically-proven therapeutic drug. Then the drug would be patented and the manufacturer would have its sole rights as producer,marketer, and distributor of the drug. Fortunately, the patent of these drugs become expired in a decade or so. Once they expire, other manufacturers may reproduce the same drug but with a different brand name or they may opt to reproduce the drug and sell it using its generic name.

What’s the difference of the brand and generic name? A generic name is the official medical name of the active ingredient of the drug that produces its therapeutic (desired) effect. While the brand name is the trade name the manufacturer gives to the medicine. The brand name is chosen by the manufacturer, usually on the basis that it can be recognized, pronounced and remembered by health professionals and members of the public. An example would be Alaxan FR - this is the well-known brand name given by United Laboratories (UniLab) to the generic medicine ibuprofen. (Brand names are capitalised; generic names are not.)

Usually, branded medicines are more costly compared to their generic counterparts simply because of the additional expenditure that the manufacturer spends on the drug’s research, advertising, packaging, etc.

With regard to their quality, they are identical with the branded ones in terms of strength, dosage, form, safety, characteristics, and intended use as long as they follow the set government’s standard. However, some manufacturers produce these drugs illegally and sold at prices cheaper than that of generic drugs while compromising on its quality. Good thing the government now sponsors the Botika ng Bayan, a government-run pharmacy that provides the public with quality generic medications. Another is the Generics Pharmacy, although I am not certain if this is also under the administration of the government.

If you still have any questions about buying branded or generic medicines over-the-counter, it is still best to ask your pharmacist for advice.