Please note: The print version of this factsheet has been replaced by the Why are we offered a choice of medicines? brochure. Order for free.

Generic medicines are as safe and effective as the original medicines. They sometimes cost less and therefore provide better value for money. 

Generic medicines are different brands containing the same active ingredient as the original patented brand.

When a pharmaceutical company first develops a new medicine, it takes out a patent. This makes sure no other company can make or sell that particular medicine. Patents last a certain period – usually 10 to 20 years – then other companies can make the same medicines. These medicines are called generics, or generic medicines.

Many common prescription medicines are available as generic medicines. For example, simvastatin is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in Australia. For years, it was sold only by the brand name Zocor. Now the patent has expired, there are a number of generic brands available which can be substituted for the original brand, such as Lipex, Simvastatin-DP, Simvar and Zimstat.

Are generic medicines the same as the brand name medicines?

They have the same active ingredients — the substances that make the medicine work. They have the same potential effect on the body. They have the same potential side effects as the original medicines.

They are different in some ways. They may have different inactive ingredients, such as fillers. They are likely to have different packaging and may be a different colour. They may be a different shape or may be capsules instead of tablets.

Are they safe?

All medicines have some risks. 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 medicine. If they contain the same active ingredient they will have the same effect. Generic medicines may use different inactive substances such as fillers. They may not be safe for people who are allergic to an inactive substance, such as gluten, lactose or preservatives.

Are there any reasons I shouldn’t use generic medicines?

Possibly. Sometimes your doctor may advise you not to change from the brand name.

There are a limited number of medicines that cannot be substituted for the brand medicine. For example, people who take warfarin, which affects clotting of the blood, should use only the brand they start with unless advised to change by their doctor. There are a limited number of other medicines in the same position.

People who are highly allergic to an inactive substance in a generic medicine should avoid that medicine. Adverse reactions are extremely rare; however people with severe allergies need to check all medicines carefully before starting them by reading consumer medicine information leaflet or talking to your doctor/pharmacist. Several different brand names can be confusing. If you are discharged from hospital or visit a doctor or pharmacist that you don’t usually go to, you may be  prescribed a different brand of the medicine you are used to taking. Be sure to check the active ingredient and strength on the label to avoid  accidentally taking a double dose.

Some people may not want to change brands to avoid confusion.

Why would I want to use generic medicines?

They may cost you less, which provides better value for money. Some generics may not cost you less at the pharmacy, but they still provide value for money for the health system because of the way medicines are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

For more information

NPS and CHF are partners in the Community Quality Use of Medicines program.