6 things you need to know about generic drugs

All you need to know about use of generic drugs.

Medical Council of India (MCI) wants all doctors to prescribe generic medicines. Is it safe? What are the issues associated with it?

1. Do we produce generic drugs ?

    
     ♥️ India is the largest provider of generic drugs ranking fourth globally. It exports to over 200 countries, including the highly regulated markets of US, Europe, Japan and Australia.

2. So what are generic drugs? Are they Safe?

     ♥️ The generic drugs are medicines having same efficacy and therapeutic value as that of branded medicines. Generics are approved only after they meet the required standards.

     ♥️ If drugs were to be allowed to be sold by its International Nonproprietary Name (INN), i.e, generic name, no company can induce a larger number of prescriptions for its own product.

    ♥️ This in turn would curb the ability of large companies to overprice their products by bribing doctors.

3. Will the patients fall short of required drugs?

      ♥️ The new move to prescribe drugs by generic names gives the choice of selecting the drug to the patient and the pharmacist.
   
      ♥️ This would indeed put an end to the current doctor-pharma company nexus.

      ♥️ This practice of drug kickbacks to doctors is the reason behind surging prices of drugs.
     
      ♥️  It will not only benefit patients but the move will also strengthen public health in the country

4. Are these generic drugs effective?

    ♥️ Yes, generics are as efficacious as branded ones. The Drug regulatory authorities ensure the drug is same as a brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, quality, the way it works, the way it is taken and the way it should be used.

5. How to ensure the quality of generic drugs?

The only way we can ensure quality of drugs be it branded or generic drug is through regular inspection of the facilities, audits, testing the drugs, strict quality control, and deterrent punishment of companies violating regulatory standards.

6. What are the benefits of generic drugs?

 ♥️ The cost of generics is less than branded ones.

 ♥️ The potency and safety are comparable to that of branded drugs.