Cheaper but just as safe and effective, lesser known brands of over the counter medicines offer greater choice in how you spend your healthcare dollars
What is the difference between lesser known and brand name medicines?
While lesser known and brand name medicines contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredient they differ in their product names, costs, manufacturing methods and availability1
Brand name medicines are typically more expensive due to the costs associated with developing a new medicine and its approval for use in the market1. Research and development of new medicines takes years and millions of dollars which is why and they are protected by patents when first approved. But once the patent on a particular medicine expires, other manufacturers can make that same medicine at a lower cost and pass those savings on to consumers under lesser known brands.
Both types must meet strict regulatory standards for safety and effectiveness in Australia2.
Is there any difference in the efficacy of lesser known and brand name medicines?
No. Regardless of the name on the box, lesser known brands of medicine must comply with the same strict standards of efficacy, quality and safety as the original brand.1
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) which registers all medicines sold in Australia describes them simply as “an additional brand of an existing medicine”2. They also state that lesser known brand medicines “must meet the same standards of quality, safety and effectiveness as the original brands”2.
That means lesser known medicines must demonstrate bioequivalence by having the same effect on the body as the original medicine1.
So next time you’re at the pharmacy and the staff ask whether you’d prefer an original or lesser known brand, rest assured there’s no difference in efficacy so the choice in brands is up to you3.
Is there any difference in the quality of the ingredients in lesser known brand medicines?
No. As the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia explains, “they contain the same active ingredient as the original brand, and can be expected to be work just as well.”1
The main advantage of lesser known brands is that they cost less than the original brand of medicine which ultimately improves access to medicines for more Australians.
Do lesser known brand medicines use different formulations or less effective ingredients than brand name medicines?
Lesser known brand medicines must contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients as the big name brand medicines but may contain different inactive ingredients incorporated in the manufacturing process.1
Known as excipients, these inactive ingredients include or sweeteners (lactose, glucose, sucrose, sorbitol), starches or colouring agents1&4. They are often used as flavourings, colourings, fillers or bulking agents which allow the active pharmaceutical ingredient such as paracetamol to be formed into dosage forms such as an oral tablet or liquid syrup for pain relief.4
Are less known brand medicines like the “counterfeit” option of the pharmaceutical world?
Australian standards for regulating medicines are among the strictest in the world so consumers can be confident that lesser known medicines are in no way illegal copies or somehow inferior to original brand medicines.2 As the TGA explains, “all brands of the same medicine, regardless of price, have the same active ingredient and have been authorised for supply in Australia.”2
Is there any situation where a brand name medicine would be preferable to a lesser known brand?
Sometimes doctors prefer their patients to have a particular brand of medicine. In this case, they will prescribe a specific brand and tick the “brand substitution not permitted” box on the prescription.3
This is more likely with prescription medicines such as blood thinners as well as treatments for neurological conditions and some mental health conditions where even the slightest variation in a medication formula can influence treatment.
People with a known allergy to certain inactive ingredients, such as a colouring, preservative, lactose or gluten, may also choose to use a branded medicine if it’s free from the additive they’re at risk of having an unwanted reaction to.
Why are lesser known medicines available for some medications but not others?
As the TGA explains, “the original medicine may be the only version available because the medicine is relatively new in the market”2.
Pharmaceutical patents which protect the formula of a certain medication last 25 years in Australia but in other markets, such as the United States where many drugs are developed, it can be less.5
Until the patent expires, no other company can make that medicine. It’s why you’ll see dozens of brands of paracetamol on sale for pain management in Australia but only one brand of a novel medicine to treat a rare cancer or autoimmune condition.
If you’re interested in trying a lesser known brand of medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
References:
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Self care card: Generic medicines. [n.d.] Accessed July 12, 2024.
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Therapeutic Goods Administration. Generic prescription medicines: Fact sheet. 31 August 2020. Accessed July 12, 2024.https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/generic-prescription-medicines-fact-sheet
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. About prescriptions. 5 March 2024. Accessed July 12, 2024. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicines/about-prescriptions#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20your%20health,negative%20reaction%20to%20other%20brands.
- Haywood A, Glass BD. Pharmaceutical excipients – where do we begin?. Aust Prescr 2011;34:112-4. Accessed July 12, 2024. https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/pharmaceutical-excipients-where-do-we-begin.html
- Australian Government IP Australia. What are patents? [n.d]. Accessed July 12, 2024. https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/patents/what-are-patents
