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Generic medicines home

Enquiries about
generic medicines

For more information
about generic medicines
email us an enquiry.

Ask our pharmacists

Expert medicines
information for the cost
of a local call.

Medicines Line
1300 888 763
Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm AEST

Are generic medicines safe? Are generic medicines safe?

Image of a man called Gonzalo saying 'They meet the same standards.' Also has the message that ‘Generic medicines are an equal choice. They contain the same active ingredient.’

In Australia, generic medicines have to meet the same high manufacturing and safety standards as the original brand of medicine.

Government standards: quality control for medicines

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The TGA conducts assessment and monitoring to make sure therapeutic goods (including medicines) available in Australia are of an acceptable standard.

The TGA approves all prescription medicines before they can be marketed or supplied in Australia. The TGA applies the same high standards of review to all prescription medicines.

This ensures the quality, safety and effectiveness of all prescription medicines sold in Australia. So you can be assured that a generic medicine will be as safe as the original brand of medicine.

Are generic medicines right for me?

Generic medicines are as safe as the original medicines. The manufacturer must prove to the Australian Government that they contain the same active ingredient as the original brand medicine.

While a generic brand of medicine is as safe as the original brand, for some consumers, there may be other points to consider:

  • Generic medicines and original brand medicines may contain different inactive substances such as fillers. Depending on the inactive substance, they may not be safe for people who are allergic to a particular inactive substance, such as gluten, lactose or preservatives. Adverse reactions to inactive substances are extremely rare. However, people with severe allergies need to check all medicines carefully before starting them by reading a Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet or talking to your doctor/pharmacist.
  • For a very small number of particular medicines, it may not be appropriate to change from the original prescribed brand for medical reasons.

All medicines have benefits and risks. It is important to know about the medicines you are taking and discuss your options with your doctor or pharmacist.

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