Brand-name vs. generic

When getting a prescription filled at the chemist, often you will be asked whether you want the brand-name medication or the generic alternative. Generic medicine alternatives are usually cheaper than brand names and come in different shapes, colours and tastes. Kathy Treacy (right) of Alive Pharmacy in Cairns said when it comes to the effect of the medicine, a generic brand is virtually the same as a named brand.

WHEN getting a prescription filled at the chemist, often you will be asked whether you want the brand-name medication or the generic alternative.

Generic medicine alternatives are usually cheaper than brand names and come in different shapes, colours and tastes.

Kathy Treacy of Alive Pharmacy in Cairns said when it comes to the effect of the medicine, a generic brand is virtually the same as a named brand.

“In Australia, the generic brands are required to have an equivalent amount of active ingredient in each tablet,” Ms Treacy said.

“Our regulations are pretty strict because we need to be able to substitute to patients.

“The active component is always the same, the differences lie in the inactive components; the binders, the fillers, the lubricants; these don’t have any therapeutic effect and come down instead to differences in shape, size and colour.”

Most people can take a generic medicine without adverse effect, but different ingredients can be a cause for concern for people with allergies.

Ms Treacy said people with allergies should ask for advice from their pharmacist when purchasing medication.

“Generally, people will want to save money using the generic option, and it’s safe to say that it will work just as well,” she said.

“I have had discussions with people who’ve talked with their doctor and agreed to stay on the branded (medicine) because of things like allergies.”

“But pharmacists give customers the choice and we try to stock both versions.”

This time of year typically sees a spike in cold and flu medication purchases.

“We are seeing more cold and flu stuff in the winter months, so more general antibiotics,” Ms Treacy said.

“As far as prescription stuff goes, we do a lot of cardiovascular medication, blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes medication.”

IN AUSTRALIA, THE GENERIC BRANDS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT OF ACTIVE INGREDIENT IN EACH TABLET

KATHY TREACY

Picture: BRENDAN RADKE BE PREPARED: The winter chill has seen more Cairns residents purchasing antibiotics and other medicines that treat influenza symptoms. Pharmacist Kathy Treacy with generic and branded antibiotics at Alive Pharmacy on Lake Street.