8 Reasons to buy generic medicines in India

Allopathic medicines have a higher acceptance of their immediate action and simple pathway. Life-saving drugs are thoroughly effective because of their precise formulation and accurate drug therapy. Although massively produced, still they incur an expensive price tag. How should one manage their prescription bills, then?

Welcome to the world of generic medicines! These are genuine drug formulations, the same as branded medications, without the additional hidden cost of promotion and marketing.

Effective and safe, generic drugs give patients the same cure at a much lower price. Here are 7 reasons to shop generic when refilling your next prescription:

1. Same as branded drugs 

Generic medications and branded drugs share the same Pharmacopoeia formulation, meaning they are the same thing. There's a public misconception that generic drugs are not as effective as branded medicines.

Patients can easily switch from branded to generic prescriptions without being afraid of the latter's efficacy. Every pharmaceutical company in India manufactures generic drugs. As a patient, you may promptly buy generic compositions to compensate for clinical bills, the absence of your preferred brand, or a health emergency.

2. Cost less than half 

Generic medicines in India cost less than half compared to their branded counterparts. Both use the same formulation, but the latter includes expenses invested through branding and patenting the drug's commercial name for a limited time, subject to expiry.

Generic drugs are cheaper because they reach the retail pharmacy minus commission, unlike branded medications. Also, generic companies aim to manufacture clinically viable drugs commercially at a low-end price.

3. Effective and safe choice 

The belief that generic medicines are ineffective is a misconception. They undergo stringent quality control upon preparation, similar to branded medications. They follow the same pharmacopoeial formulation used to manufacture branded drugs. 

India is the largest supplier of generic drugs worldwide, meaning production standards comply with global healthcare criteria. Taking generic drugs is a crucial step towards affordable clinical expenses.

4. First right to prescription 

Generic medicines in India comprise over 70% of prescriptions, meaning they already have a wide acceptance amongst patients. The aim of generic medications lies in supplying life-saving drugs at an affordable price, especially when the average Indian spends less than 500 on monthly prescriptions. 

Besides, the prescription rule commends doctors to prescribe based on formulation and not brand names, a leading reason quality healthcare is more affordable in India than in the rest of the world. 

5. Certified formulations 

It's often rumoured that generic medicines compromise on ingredients, making them harmful and not safe to prescribe. All drugs available for commercial use are prepared based on pharmacopoeia formulations. 

Every formulation in this registered book of medications undergoes rigorous trials and clearance before being released for public health application. Generic drug manufacturers must also follow stringent methods to ensure no defects in the medicines, eliminating any chance for public health issues. 

6. Safe from toxic promotions 

With digital marketing, pharmaceutical companies often use manipulation to promote their products by highlighting the benefits alone. This practice lures unsuspecting patients while establishing a dangerous precedent against the safety of drug delivery systems. 

Generic medicines don't advertise through aggressive promotions. The pharmaceutical companies that manufacture generics concentrate more on making life-saving drugs affordable.

Besides, investing purely in research and development paves towards further research to plan more compositions vital to fight against the mutating patterns of pathogens. 

7. First choice of government hospitals

Healthcare rates in government hospitals are peanuts when compared to a private clinic. Generic medicines play a vital role in keeping the rates low. More than often, a higher percentage of patients visiting government hospitals cannot afford private treatment. 

Besides, distributing generic drugs from the hospital pharmacy helps cater to quality healthcare among the massive patient population. 

8. All the top pharma companies of India manufacture generics

Still sceptic about generic medicines? Third-largest in manufacturing therapeutics, India annually produces over 60,000 specific types of generics spread over 60 categories.

There are nearly 40 generic manufacturers in India, including the top 7 pharma giants who export from India. 

India nearly supplies around 57% of the global medication demand. It was worth up to $42 billion in revenue during FY 2021. It again establishes that all major clinical prescriptions worldwide, including India, have reserved their trust over generic formulations. 

Safe practices when buying medications

Whether shopping for OTC drugs or refilling your prescription, here are some safety practices to ensure you are taking the right medicine:

• Check for ingredients and dosage value (For example, an adult requires paracetamol 650 to lower a fever, check for paracetamol and 650 mg on the back of the crimp.)
• Every pharmaceutical ingredient is prepared based on pharmacopoeia (IP/BP/USP). If you don't find it mentioned at the back of the medicine, there's a good chance it's a fake.
• Verify the manufacturer's name, address, manufacturing and expiry date (never buy if either is missing)
• Learn your dosage from the pharmacist.
• Check the seal when buying syrups and suspension bottles.
• Stop taking medications if you experience side effects upon consumption.
• Always consult with your doctor before taking any medications (even if it's an OTC product).

In Conclusion

Generic medicines in India are increasingly gaining popularity over branded drugs. While both are equally effective, most patients prefer the former for convenient availability and affordable rate. Thanks to online pharmacies, there has been growing mass awareness about purchasing generic medications.