Simple, Affordable, Reliable
What is a generic medicine?
A generic medicine is an alternative brand of an original brand name medicine. Both the generic and the original brand contain the same ‘active ingredient’, the chemical which makes the medicine work. Generic medicines are also required to have the same dosage and effectiveness as the original brand.
Are generic prescription medicines effective?
A generic prescription medicine works in the same way as the existing medicine. What matters is the active ingredient, which is the same in the generic brands and the existing brand. All medicines will have the same potential health benefits, and the same potential side effects. Some active ingredients are only effective for some patients and this will be the case whether you use the original or a generic medicine.
All brands of the same medicine, regardless of price, have the same active ingredient and have been authorised for supply in Australia.
Choosing a generic medicine helps to keep the PBS sustainable today and into the future, freeing up funds that help the Government to fund new & expensive medicines in the future.
Are generic medicines safe?
Generic medicines are required to meet the same strict standards of quality, safety and effectiveness as the original brand. These standards are set by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and is responsible for regulating medicines.
Simply Pharmacy choose Sandoz as their first choice in generic brand supplier. Sandoz is the global #1 ranking in biosimilars, generic antibiotics and generic oncology medicines. Sandoz holds leading positions in areas ranging from generic cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS), pain and ophthalmology to respiratory and hormonal therapeutics
If you have any questions regarding generic medicines please ask your pharmacist for further information.
Sources:
https://www.tga.gov.au/community-qa/generic-prescription-medicines-fact-sheet
https://www.sandoz.com.au/our-work/prescription-medicines
https://www.sandoz.com/our-work/what-we-do
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/generic-medicines-vs-brand-name-medicines
Fun Facts about Sandoz generics
Sandoz’ Simple, Smart Packaging is easy to understand, helping you make informed decisions about your medicines.
- Most Sandoz products use their active ingredient name rather than a brand name, helping you to become familiar with the medicine and avoid ‘doubling up’.
- Ingredients such as gluten and lactose are listed to easily identify the potential for allergies or reactions.
- Displaying a graphic of the medicine helps you identify it and avoid confusion with other medications.
- Therapeutic icons remind you what your medication is for, why your Doctor has prescribed it, and help you recall instructions for taking the medicine.
See Our Blog Posts
Hand Care – How To Protect Your Skin
This winter, keep your hands protected. Here are a few tips for protecting your skin from drying out…
Read more