What is Generic Medicine??
As per myth the term ‘generic’ implies the drug is a cheaper, less effective and duplicate version of the brand name product. In reality, generic drugs are of the same quality and as effective as of the branded medicine. Without any difference, the generic drug is the same in potency, dose, and method of intake, quality, and indications and works similar to brandedmedicines..
India is the world’s largest producer of generic drugs. When a physician prescribes a drug, they either use the drug’s brand name or the generic name. The brand name is given by the drug’s original maker or patent-holder . A generic version of the same drug uses a different name which is called the generic name.
Whenever a drug is invented and fits criteria for patentability, the patent is granted to the applicant for 20 years, giving the owner of the intellectual property a monopoly to recover their expenses. After the patent expires, the drug falls into the public domain and then it becomes available to use without license.
The WHO defines a generic drug as a pharmaceutical product usually intended to be interchangeable with the originator brand product, manufactured without a license from the originator manufacturer, and marketed after the expiry of the patent or other exclusivity rights.
In the post-expiry phase, any manufacturer may manufacture the same drug and sell it under an International non-proprietary name usually at a lower price. Because generics break this affordability barrier for all patients, Indian law encourages doctors to prescribe generic drugs to patients and for pharmacies to sell them.
A generic drug contains the same active substances that the branded version does and gives the same clinical results and efficacy irrespective of whether they have different colours, shapes, tastes or prices.
Generic drugs neither hamper nor discourage innovation. In fact, they should be encouraged and marketed more aggressively so that people can afford good-qualityhealthcare.
The socio-economic impact of COVID-19 has been bad and the common person’s capacity to spend has come down majorly. At this time, but also in general, people need to be alert and know their rights. They should always request their doctors for generic drugs where ever its possible, in case there are no alternatives, they should discuss their concerns and issues with their doctors. Doctors should also be more conscious of their obligations and try their best to improve access to healthcare..
Many people across India tend to opt for generic medicines, given the increasing cost of healthcare. While they are way cheaper than branded drugs, generics are also backed by the Indian government which has strongly recommended the physicians to prescribe medicines by generic name.
There are different phases through which a drug is developed and reviewed. As per the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), it’s their responsibility to evaluate drugs as a generic medicine. The conducted studies show that both branded and generic medicines are bio-equivalent. The authorities also confirmed that the generic drugs have the same amount of pharmaceutical ingredients and adhere to the manufacturing practices requirement but differ in size, color and shape.
Editor- Dr. Monica Bhatia
An International business leader with over 20 plus years of experience of leading businesses in India, UAE, Africa & other emerging markets.
