THE SUN DOCTOR

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What does the word genetic mean? Is it different from generic drugs?

Genetics refers to the biological make-up of an individual based on the genes they have. Genes are units of biological material found in our cells that “dictate” how our body develops and different traits that we get. We get a set of genes from each of our parents, which means that traits are passed down from our parents to us such as skin colour, hair colour, eye colour and blood type. Genes could also carry traits that cause disease or that make it easier for someone to get a particular disease, for example hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell disease, some cancers, some psychiatric disorders, among others. This means that there are some diseases that we are at higher risk of developing if our parents or other close relatives also had them.

The active ingredient in a drug is known as the generic name of that drug. This is different from the brand name, which is the name given to that drug by a specific company. For example, the active ingredient chlorpheniramine (generic name) is known by the brand name piriton, allergy relief, Nyquil, Chlorphen .

Another use of the term generic is in reference to medication that is made to be similar to the original medicine that was developed by a specific company. This generic medication is similar to the original medication, but is usually cheaper since the company that developed the original molecule had to bear the cost of developing the drug, taking it through research and drug trials and seek approval from the relevant authorities.