Frequently Asked Questions About Generic Drugs
| Q: |
What's the difference between a brand name and a generic drug? |
| A: |
There are no differences as far as quality, purity, effectiveness, and safety between generic drugs and higher-priced brand name drugs. All drugs sold in Canada must be approved by the federal Therapeutics Products programme. Each product must also meet the strict regulations established by The Food and Drug Act, and both generics and brand name drugs are subjected to the same rigorous standards.
It's in the price you'll see a big difference. Generic drugs cost much less on average. |
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| Q: |
What about the ingredients? |
| A: |
The active ingredient in a generic drug and branded
drug must meet the same scientific norms and standards
set by the Therapeutics Products programme. The excipients
- or fillers - used in generic and branded medicines come
from a limited range of available products and, in many
cases, come from the same supplier. |
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| Q: |
Will the generic drug work as well as the brand name
drug? |
| A: |
You may find that the generic drug has a different name
and looks a little different, but it works the same as
the brand name drug you have been using. When applying
to sell a generic equivalent of a brand name drug, the
manufacturer must prove that the product is as safe and
effective as the branded version. The manufacturer must
also prove to the Provincial Ministries of Health that
the active ingredients in the medicine are as pure, dissolve
at the same rate, and are absorbed in the same manner
as the original product. |
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| Q: |
Whom do I ask about getting low cost generic drugs? |
| A: |
Ask your doctor or your pharmacist. You may already
be receiving a generic drug. If not, it may be because
a generic equivalent of the drug prescribed by your doctor
is not yet available. These health professionals can answer
questions about generic drugs. |
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| Q: |
Who makes Canada's generic drugs? |
| A: |
The generic manufacturing companies are independent
Canadian companies who research, develop and manufacture
drugs in Canada. They employ sophisticated scientific
and advanced manufacturing technology to develop products,
which include generic pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals,
innovative medicines, non-prescription and private label
medications. |
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| Quality |
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| There is only one standard for drug quality in Canada. Generic
products are the same quality and efficacy as branded drugs.
Generic companies have sophisticated laboratories and state-of-the-art
manufacturing facilities. |
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| Availability
and Affordability |
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| Generic drugs are carried in retail pharmacies in Canada.
Canadian hospitals and all provincial drug plans use them
to help control skyrocketing drug costs. More than 40 percent
of all prescriptions in Canada are filled with generic drugs,
but a generic equivalent is not available for every brand
name drug. Under the Canadian Patent Act, brand name companies
have a lengthy period of patent protection to sell their products
without generic competition. |
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| Generic Drugs
are: |
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- Quality medicine
- Much lower in price than brand name drugs
- Used to fill over 40% of all prescriptions in Canada
- Saving Canadians almost $1 billion annually and that figure
is growing every year
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| For the Health
of all Canadians |
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| Generic drug manufacturers have helped Canadians enjoy affordable
health care for more than thirty years by offering quality
medicine at substantial cost savings. Skyrocketing health
care costs means controlling drug prices is essential. Greater
use of generic drugs is one way to save our health care system
money while preserving the level of service to which we have
become accustomed. |
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| Medicines work
better when used wisely |
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- Listen to what your doctor and pharmacist say about taking
your prescription and non-prescription drugs.
- Do not expect to receive a prescription every time you
visit your doctor. There are often simpler and less expensive
ways of treating an illness.
- Use medicines carefully. Many drugs do not mix with alcohol
and other drugs. Ask your pharmacist.
- Follow the directions on the label. Misuse of medication
is harmful and can even be fatal.
- Keep medicines out of the reach of children.
- Do not share your prescription drugs with others. One
person's cure may be another's poison!
- Store in a cool dry area. Your bathroom's medicine cabinet
is not always the best choice for drug storage.
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