After all the hard work put in to create a safe and effective drug, the drug companies expect to sell enough to cover the costs and then some.
In order to do this, they build up their brand name and image. In fact, many branded drugs are household names. Actors and athletes often appear in commercials and ads promoting the use of these medicines– and it works!
Generic drug manufacturers create the medicines using the same formulation as the innovator brand. Therefore, there is no more guesswork or research involved. Branded drug packaging should include the generic name. In a way, generic drugs get free advertisement because of this.
In the end, generic drugs are not less effective than branded drugs. You get the same medication at a more affordable price.
Myth #4: Branded drugs work faster than generic drugs.
Because the branded drug companies conduct more research than generic manufacturers, they continuously try to innovate to set themselves apart from the competition.
Branded drugs may have the same active ingredient as a generic drug, but come in a fast-release capsule or once-a-day formulation.
This is where branded drugs have an edge versus generic drugs without modified-releases. A fast-release capsule work faster than a normal capsule no matter what. It is important to remember that faster does not always mean better.
Myth #5: My doctor prescribed a branded drug, that means I have to get it.

Unfortunately, this occasionally happens because of promotions of certain brands through medical representatives. Violative prescriptions do not have generic names and cannot be filled. The generic name should also come before the brand.
Under the Republic Act no. 6675, known as the Generic Drug Act of 1988,
“All medical, dental and veterinary practitioners, including private practitioners, shall write prescriptions using the generic name. The brand name may be included if so desired”.
Doctors who prescribe brand names without the generic name are liable to reprimand and fines. A pharmacist should not fill a prescription without the generic name. If your doctor did not write the generic name, kindly remind them to do so.
The purpose of promoting generic drug use is to make health more accessible for all. Generics have the same standards and safety requirements as branded drugs. However, if you still prefer a brand there is nothing wrong with that.
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