What is The Difference Between Branded and Generic Medicines?

When your doctor prescribes an expensive branded medicine, do you ever wonder if there’s a cheaper alternative available? The answer is Generic medicines. The main difference between branded and generic medicines is usually the price and branding, while the active ingredient and intended effect remain the same. India supplies around 20% of the world’s generic medicines across 60 different classes of medicines [1].  

Still, many people hesitate to choose generic medicines because they are unsure about their quality, safety, and effectiveness. Some believe that lower price means lower quality, while others simply trust branded medicines more because of familiarity. 

In this blog, we will explain how branded and generic medicines work in simple words. By the end, you will understand why branded medicines can cost up to 90% [2] more than their generic equivalent, and why that difference does not reflect a difference in quality.

What are Generic Medicines? 

Generic medicines are versions of a medicine whose original patent has expired, allowing multiple licensed manufacturers to produce them. They contain the same active ingredient, dose, and strength as their branded counterpart, and must prove bioequivalence, meaning they work the same way in the body, before they can be sold.

What are Branded Medicines? 

Branded medicines are essentially the same medicines but sold under a specific company or brand name. They are usually more expensive because pharmaceutical companies spend money on marketing, advertising, and brand promotion, and these costs are often passed on to customers.

Branded medicines are different from patented medicines, and they may not have been originally discovered or developed by the same company selling them under a brand name.

Difference Between Generic and Branded Medicines

Branded and generic medicines differ mainly in three areas: price, inactive ingredients (excipients), and appearance. However, they are similar in many important ways, including effectiveness, active ingredients, dosage, medicine form, indication, labelling, and testing protocols. 

In terms of effectiveness, branded and generic medicines work the same way and are expected to provide the same results. The main differences are usually related to how the medicine looks, what inactive ingredients are used, and how much it costs. 

To understand this better, let’s look at the similarities and differences listed below: 

Parameters	Branded Medicines	Generic Medicines	Reasons
Effectiveness	No difference	No difference	Both work equally well when taken in the prescribed dosage
Active Ingredients	No difference	No difference	Both Contain the same active ingredient and provide the same therapeutic effect
Dose	No difference	No difference	Both are available in the same strength and dosage as approved standards.
Indication and Labelling	No difference	No difference	Both are used for the same medical conditions with similar usage instructions
Similar Testing Protocol	No difference	No difference	Both must meet regulatory quality, safety and efficacy standards before approval.
Medicine Form	Same	Same	Both are available in similar forms such as tablets, capsule, syrups, etc

Now that you know how generic and branded medicines differ, you might also want to see the complete picture of generic medicines in India, including how they are made and how to be sure yours are safe.

FAQ’s

1- What is the difference between branded and generic medicines? 

Generic and branded medicines differ from each on three areas: price, appearance and inactive ingredients. Despite these differences, both provide the same effect. 

2- Does a generic medicine work differently from its branded version?

Yes, generic medicines are equally effective because they contain the same active ingredients and follow the same safety and quality testing as branded medicines to ensure they provide the same medical benefits. 

3- Generic vs branded medication: What’s the difference?

Generic and branded medication differs from each other in price, inactive ingredient, appearance and marketer. Other than that, they provide same effectiveness and similar safety.