SAVE EVEN MORE WITH GENERIC DRUGS

More and more patients are finding ways to save on their drugs by purchasing generics. At our online pharmacy, you can save even more on the already discounted drugs, if you purchase the generic version. But what is a generic drug? Here are some common questions that our pharmacists are often asked.

What is a generic drug?

A generic drug is a medication who’s active ingredients, safety, dosage, quality and strength how it is taken, performance and intended use are identical to that of its brand name counterpart. In fact, it is its identical copy of a brand-name drug.

When a drug is “discovered” for the first time, the manufacturer receives a patent on the medication and is the only manufacturer who can produce and sell this particular drug during the patent period under the chosen brand name.

However, once the patent expires, other manufacturers can begin producing and selling the drug with the same active ingredients. These drugs, called generic drugs, are usually less expensive than the brand name counterparts.

Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?

Both FDA and Canada Health require that all drugs be safe and effective and strict rules apply to manufacturing requirements. Both institutions have a single quality standard for all drugs, both brand and generics.

Generics use exactly the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts, meaning they are genetically equivalent. Thus they work the same way in the body, are delivered in the same way and at the same time and thus both medications have same risks and benefits.

Visit www.healthcanada.com for more information about the quality control of generic medications.

Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?

No. Generic drugs work exactly in the same way and within the same amount of time as their brand name counter parts. When a manufacturer wants to market a generic version of a drug, it must provide evidence to the FDA that the generic drug works in the body just like the brand-name drug, and within the same amount of time.

Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?

Yes. FDA and Health Canada require generic drugs to have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs.

Are there differences between a brand-name drug and its generic alternative?

Yes. Although the active ingredients, usage and effects of the brand name and generic drugs are identical, there are some minor differences in the way the drugs look. Shape, packaging, colors, flavors, package labeling might be different. This is due to trademark laws that do not allow a generic drug to use the image of the brand name drug.

Why are generic drugs less expensive?

The high cost of a brand name medication covers the initial costs of research and development and marketing.

A brand name medication is usually heavily advertised and that is why new medications have a patent. It allows for the protection of the investment by giving the manufacturer the sole right to sell the drug.

Because the manufacturers of generic drugs do not have to do any research and rarely advertise, they can sell their products at substantially lower prices. In addition an introduction of a generic version on the market increases the competition, pushing the prices down.

Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.

Who makes generic drugs?

An estimated 50% of generic drugs production comes from major drug companies producing both brand name and the generic drugs. They frequently make copies of their own or other brand – name drugs but sell them without the brand name and at lower prices. There are also manufacturers who only produce generic drugs.

Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic drugs?

No. Health Canada set strict standards of “Good Manufacturing Practices” for both brand-name and generic drug facilities Health Canada won’t allow medications to be made in substandard manufacturing facilities. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those of brand-name firms.

Is there a generic version for all brand name medications?

No. Manufacturers can only produce generic drugs after the brand-name version of the drug loses its patent protection. On average, brand name drugs are given a patent protection for 20 years. During this time, no generic versions are allowed to be produced or sold. Even after a patent expires, manufacturers may choose not to make a generic version of a particular drug. Today, about half of all brand-name drugs have generic counterparts.

Why should I use a generic drug?

Generic drugs can provide real value. Generic drugs usually cost from 30%-75% than their brand-name counterparts, and, since Health Canada is very strict about approving generic drugs, you can be assured that the generic drug you receive is a safe and effective alternative to the brand-name drug.

How do I get a generic drug?

Ask your doctor to indicate on your prescription that a generic drug may be used. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to better understand the generic choices available to you. Your physician will likely prescribe a generic drug or will refer to a drug by the brand name.

Our Canadian online pharmacy will not change your brand name medication for its generic version, unless precised by your physician. Ask your doctor about your options or contact our Pharmacy Consultant at 1 800 887 6890 .

Do I have the choice not to substitute a generic drug for a brand name?

Yes, you have the right to refuse a generic substitution. Our pharmacy will not substitute a brand name drug for a generic, unless precised by your doctor.

Now that I know all about generics, what do I do?

To find out about the generic version of your particular brand name drug, type in the name of your brand name drug in the Drug Search box. If the generic equivalent of your brand name drug exists, it will appear in the drug search results and will be marked .

Else, call 1 800 887 6890 and ask our Pharmacy Consultant and they will help you find the generic version and will advise you.

SAVE EVEN MORE WITH GENERIC DRUGS

More and more patients are finding ways to save on their drugs by purchasing generics. At our online pharmacy, you can save even more on the already discounted drugs, if you purchase the generic version. But what is a generic drug? Here are some common questions that our pharmacists are often asked.

What is a generic drug?

A generic drug is a medication who’s active ingredients, safety, dosage, quality and strength how it is taken, performance and intended use are identical to that of its brand name counterpart. In fact, it is its identical copy of a brand-name drug.

When a drug is “discovered” for the first time, the manufacturer receives a patent on the medication and is the only manufacturer who can produce and sell this particular drug during the patent period under the chosen brand name.

However, once the patent expires, other manufacturers can begin producing and selling the drug with the same active ingredients. These drugs, called generic drugs, are usually less expensive than the brand name counterparts.

Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?

Both FDA and Canada Health require that all drugs be safe and effective and strict rules apply to manufacturing requirements. Both institutions have a single quality standard for all drugs, both brand and generics.

Generics use exactly the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts, meaning they are genetically equivalent. Thus they work the same way in the body, are delivered in the same way and at the same time and thus both medications have same risks and benefits.

Visit www.healthcanada.com for more information about the quality control of generic medications.

Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?

No. Generic drugs work exactly in the same way and within the same amount of time as their brand name counter parts. When a manufacturer wants to market a generic version of a drug, it must provide evidence to the FDA that the generic drug works in the body just like the brand-name drug, and within the same amount of time.

Are generic drugs as strong as brand-name drugs?

Yes. FDA and Health Canada require generic drugs to have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as brand-name drugs.

Are there differences between a brand-name drug and its generic alternative?

Yes. Although the active ingredients, usage and effects of the brand name and generic drugs are identical, there are some minor differences in the way the drugs look. Shape, packaging, colors, flavors, package labeling might be different. This is due to trademark laws that do not allow a generic drug to use the image of the brand name drug.

Why are generic drugs less expensive?

The high cost of a brand name medication covers the initial costs of research and development and marketing.

A brand name medication is usually heavily advertised and that is why new medications have a patent. It allows for the protection of the investment by giving the manufacturer the sole right to sell the drug.

Because the manufacturers of generic drugs do not have to do any research and rarely advertise, they can sell their products at substantially lower prices. In addition an introduction of a generic version on the market increases the competition, pushing the prices down.

Today, almost half of all prescriptions are filled with generic drugs.

Who makes generic drugs?

An estimated 50% of generic drugs production comes from major drug companies producing both brand name and the generic drugs. They frequently make copies of their own or other brand – name drugs but sell them without the brand name and at lower prices. There are also manufacturers who only produce generic drugs.

Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic drugs?

No. Health Canada set strict standards of “Good Manufacturing Practices” for both brand-name and generic drug facilities Health Canada won’t allow medications to be made in substandard manufacturing facilities. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those of brand-name firms.

Is there a generic version for all brand name medications?

No. Manufacturers can only produce generic drugs after the brand-name version of the drug loses its patent protection. On average, brand name drugs are given a patent protection for 20 years. During this time, no generic versions are allowed to be produced or sold. Even after a patent expires, manufacturers may choose not to make a generic version of a particular drug. Today, about half of all brand-name drugs have generic counterparts.

Why should I use a generic drug?

Generic drugs can provide real value. Generic drugs usually cost from 30%-75% than their brand-name counterparts, and, since Health Canada is very strict about approving generic drugs, you can be assured that the generic drug you receive is a safe and effective alternative to the brand-name drug.

How do I get a generic drug?

Ask your doctor to indicate on your prescription that a generic drug may be used. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to better understand the generic choices available to you. Your physician will likely prescribe a generic drug or will refer to a drug by the brand name.

Our Canadian online pharmacy will not change your brand name medication for its generic version, unless precised by your physician. Ask your doctor about your options or contact our Pharmacy Consultant at 1 800 887 6890 .

Do I have the choice not to substitute a generic drug for a brand name?

Yes, you have the right to refuse a generic substitution. Our pharmacy will not substitute a brand name drug for a generic, unless precised by your doctor.

Now that I know all about generics, what do I do?

To find out about the generic version of your particular brand name drug, type in the name of your brand name drug in the Drug Search box. If the generic equivalent of your brand name drug exists, it will appear in the drug search results and will be marked .

Else, call 1 800 887 6890 and ask our Pharmacy Consultant and they will help you find the generic version and will advise you.