Generic medicines have played a crucial role in healthcare systems worldwide, providing a viable alternative to branded drugs. These off-patented drugs are bioequivalent to their branded counterparts in various aspects, including dosage, strength, quality, form, intended use, side effects, and route of administration1. In the United States, generic medicines constitute 9 out of 10 prescriptions, while their production has increased due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, which require long-term medication.
In the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., upon assuming office, emphasized the importance of reducing the financial burden on individuals purchasing medicines for maintenance and other treatments. He recognized that the availability of cheaper generic medicines would foster competition and lower prices2. This sentiment aligns with the spirit of the Generics Act of 1988 (R.A. 6675), which aims to promote, require, and ensure the production and acceptance of drugs and medicines identified by their generic names.
Generika Drugstore, a dedicated advocate of this cause, has long been committed to making quality and affordable generic medicines and healthcare essentials accessible to the Filipino market. The company actively participates in consumer education efforts, dispelling persistent myths surrounding generic medicines. Let’s debunk some of them:
MYTH 1: Generic Medicines are not safe.
THE TRUTH: All medicines, whether branded or generic, undergo a thorough inspection and approval process by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This process typically takes 60 days to 6 months and ensures the safety and high quality of the drugs. The FDA also enforces stringent standards for pharmaceutical products and establishments, guaranteeing compliance with good manufacturing practices.
MYTH 2: Generic medicines are not as effective as branded medicines.
THE TRUTH: Generic medicines are equally effective as branded medicines because they contain the same active ingredient. The Generics Act of 1988 defines active ingredients as the chemical component responsible for the therapeutic effect of any pharmaceutical product. This definition emphasizes that both generic and branded products have equally potent and efficient compositions. Furthermore, generic medicines are required to be identical to brand-name medicines in terms of dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, quality, and administration3.
MYTH 3: Generic Medicines are sold at a low price because they are low-quality.
THE TRUTH: Generic medicines undergo the same rigorous FDA approval process as branded medicines. The reason for their affordability lies in the fact that they do not need to repeat the research and development testing and clinical studies conducted by the original brand. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports and approves the promotion of generic medicines as an essential strategy to enhance affordability and accessibility to vital medications4. Generika Drugstore has been instrumental in empowering Filipino communities by providing readily available generic medicines, enabling patients to sustain their treatment regimens and achieve complete recovery.
