The Question Everyone Asks
When a doctor prescribes a medicine, you are often given a choice: pay for the branded version or opt for a cheaper generic. Many patients worry that "cheaper" means "less effective." In most cases, this is a myth.
What Makes a Medicine "Generic"?
A generic medicine contains the same active ingredient, at the same dose, in the same form (tablet, capsule, syrup) as the original branded drug. It must meet the same standards for:
- Bioequivalence — how quickly and completely the active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream
- Purity and quality — same manufacturing standards
- Safety — same risk profile as the original
Regulatory authorities in most countries (including Bangladesh's DGDA) require generics to demonstrate bioequivalence before approval.
Why Are Generics So Much Cheaper?
The price difference is not about quality — it's about research and marketing costs:
- No R&D cost: The original manufacturer spent years (and billions) developing the drug. Generic makers just replicate the formula.
- No patent: Once the original drug's patent expires (typically after 20 years), any manufacturer can produce it.
- Less marketing: Generic companies spend far less on advertising.
These savings are passed on to the consumer.
What Can Differ Between Brand and Generic?
While the active ingredient is identical, there can be minor differences in:
- Inactive ingredients (excipients): Fillers, binders, coatings, and colourings may differ. This rarely affects efficacy but can matter for people with specific allergies.
- Appearance: Shape, colour, and size may look different.
- Taste: Coatings and flavourings can vary.
For most medicines, these differences are clinically insignificant.
When Might Brand Name Matter?
For a small number of medicines with a narrow therapeutic index — where even tiny differences in blood levels can matter — doctors may prefer branded versions:
- Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone)
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Lithium (mood stabiliser)
- Some anti-epileptic drugs
For these medicines, switching between brand and generic should only be done under medical supervision.
The Bottom Line
For the vast majority of common medicines — paracetamol, antihistamines, antacids, antibiotics, vitamins — generics are just as effective as their branded counterparts and can save you significant money.
At MediStore, we stock both branded and generic options so you can make the choice that's right for your budget and health needs.