What are brand-name medicines?

When a company invents a new medicine, the company gives it a brand name that is often memorable. This is commonly referred to as the original brand.

What are generic medicines?

Generic medicines work in the same way as the original medicines. They have the same active ingredient as the original brand. However, they go by different names.

They can only be made once the patent expires on the original medicine. A patent protects an invention from being copied.

Many medicines with the same active ingredient are available as different brands. This may include an original brand and sometimes several generic brands.

All types of medicines can have generic brands. This includes:

• capsules
• creams
• eye drops
• inhalers
• liquids
• patches
• tablets

Biosimilar medicines are generic medicines that are very similar to the original brand of a biological medicine. A biological medicine contains substances made with living cells or organisms that have been genetically modified. They work like proteins in your body.

What are active ingredients?

An active ingredient is the chemical that makes the medicine work.

What else do generic medicines contain?

Generic medicines can have different fillers and colours from the original brand. However, all the ingredients must meet the same quality and safety standards.

Do generic medicines look the same as brand name versions?

Generic medicines may be different from the brand-name version in their:

• colour
• shape
• size
• taste
• packaging

This is often due to trademark regulations.

Are generic medicines as good as brand-name medicines?

Generic medicines work in the same way as brand-name medicines. They contain the same amount of active ingredient that acts in the same way.

Generic medicines can only be sold in Australia if they meet the same strict standards as the original brand. This covers:

• quality
• safety
• effectiveness

These are checked by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Why are generic medicines often less expensive?

Generic medicines may cost less than brand-name medicines. This is because the manufacturers have not spent money on the medicine's discovery, development and marketing.

Generic medicines must have the same active ingredient as the original medicine. They must also deliver the same amount of active ingredient in the same way as the original brand.

Should I take a generic medicine?

It’s usually your choice whether to buy a brand-name medicine or a generic version, if one is available. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe a specific brand.

Here are some things to consider:

• A generic medicine may be cheaper than the original brand.
• You may want to stick with a brand to avoid confusion, especially if you take many different medicines.
• If you have allergies, you should check whether a generic medicine has ingredients that you are allergic to.
• Your doctor may recommend you take the original brand for some medicines.

Should I ask for a generic medicine?

You can ask your doctor to prescribe a generic medicine. You can also ask your pharmacist if they have a more affordable brand of the same medicine.

There may be times when you can’t switch between brands. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Not all medicines have a generic version available.

What is active ingredient prescribing?

Active ingredient prescribing supports the safe prescribing, dispensing and use of medicines.

Under this initiative, Australian health professionals must write the active ingredient on the prescription.

Active ingredient prescribing makes it easier for you to identify medicines that have the same ingredient.

This will help you to avoid:

• accidental double-dosing
• taking a medicine that you're allergic to
• taking medicines that interact with another medicine

Active ingredient prescribing also helps you to talk about generic medicines with your doctor. This may reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Resources and support

If you have any questions about generic medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.