What is the difference between brand and generic?Updated a year ago

What are Brand and Generic medications?

Generic medications are a tablet with the same active medical ingredient as an equivalent brand name medication. Brand name medications refer to the first to market product with a specific active medical ingredient. 

Do generic drugs work the same as brand name drugs?

Generic medications function the same way as brand name medications. They have the same active ingredients and are identical in terms of:

• Quality
• Dosage (how much and how often you take it)
• Strength
• Route of administration (how you take it)

Are generic drugs the same price? 

They are typically priced more competitively, and can be up to 80% less expensive than the brand name equivalent.

Are generic drugs safe?

Generic medications are regulated by Health Canada just like brand name medications. They must perform the same way as the branded medication they are based on. They are tested to ensure they are just as safe and effective as the brand name medication.

Do generic drugs look the same?

Generic medications may look similar to brand name products, but will differ slightly, as each generic pill must look unique. Typically there is one brand name product and there can be several generic products. 

When do a get a brand name drug?

In Ontario, pharmacists have the right to dispense the "lowest cost interchangeable product" which is typically a generic version of a brand name product. You may get a brand name product if: 

• You specifically request a brand name product
• You are allergic to a non-medical ingredient in a generic product
• You find that you respond better to the brand name product over the generic
• You can afford the brand name product
• There is only a brand name product available, and no generic available
• The generic product is on backorder or is unavailable.