Difference Between Generic And Branded Medicine In India
If you've ever been to a pharmacy in India, you may have noticed that there are two types of medicines available: generic and branded. However, many people are unaware of the difference between the two. In this article, we will explore the differences between generic and branded medicine in India.
What Are Generic Medicines?
Generic medicines are copies of branded drugs that have the same active ingredients, dosage, strength, and intended use. They are marketed under their chemical name rather than a brand name and are usually sold at a lower price point than branded medicines. In India, generic drugs are heavily promoted by the government as a way to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to everyone.
Generic medicines are also subject to the same quality standards as branded medicines. The Indian government has set up the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to regulate the prices of medicines and ensure that they meet certain quality standards. The NPPA also regulates the prices of branded drugs to prevent manufacturers from overcharging consumers.
What Are Branded Medicines?
Branded medicines are drugs that are marketed under a specific brand name by a pharmaceutical company. They are usually more expensive than generic medicines because the manufacturer has invested heavily in research and development, clinical trials, and marketing. Branded medicines are usually protected by patents, which give the manufacturer exclusive rights to produce and sell the drug for a certain period of time.
Branded medicines are often perceived by consumers as being of higher quality than generic medicines, although this is not always the case. The quality of a medicine is determined by its active ingredients, dosage, and manufacturing process, which are the same for both branded and generic drugs.
Why Are Generic Medicines Cheaper Than Branded Medicines?
The main reason why generic medicines are cheaper than branded medicines is because their manufacturers do not have to invest as much money in research and development, clinical trials, and marketing. Instead, they can focus on producing the drug at a lower cost and passing those savings on to consumers. In addition, generic drugs are often produced by multiple manufacturers, which increases competition and further drives down prices.
Are Generic Medicines Safe?
Yes, generic medicines are safe as long as they are manufactured and marketed by reputable companies that follow the same quality standards as branded medicines. The Indian government has set up the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to regulate the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs in India. The CDSCO conducts inspections of manufacturing facilities, tests samples of drugs, and monitors adverse drug reactions to ensure that drugs are safe for use.
Conclusion
In summary, generic medicines and branded medicines are two types of drugs that are available in India. Generic medicines are copies of branded drugs that are sold at a lower price point, while branded medicines are marketed under a specific brand name and are usually more expensive. Both types of medicines are subject to the same quality standards and are safe for use as long as they are manufactured and marketed by reputable companies. Ultimately, the choice between generic and branded medicines depends on individual preferences and budget constraints.