Are generic medicines safe?

Research shows that 97% of people know about generic medicines and of those, up to 76% are thinking of switching to generic medicines.But are they safe?

The National Prescribing Service (NPS) provides information that can assist consumers to make informed decisions about switching to a generic medicine.

Generic medicines have the same active ingredients as brand name medicines – the substances that make the medicine work. They have the same potential effect on the body and the same potential side effects as the original medicines.

But 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.

On the safety side the manufacturer must prove to the Australian Government that they contain the same active ingredient as the original medicine.

Generic medicines (like patented medicines) may use inactive substances such as fillers and these may be different to the original product. They may not be safe for people who are allergic to certain inactive substances, such as gluten, lactose or preservatives.

Adverse reactions to generic medicines are extremely rare but people with severe allergies need to check all medicines carefully before starting them by reading the Consumer Medicine Information leaflet or talking to their doctor/pharmacist.

People who are discharged from hospital or visit a new doctor or pharmacist may be prescribed a different brand of the medicine they are used to taking.

For more information contact the Medicines Line on 1300 888 763, or the Consumers’ Health Forum of Australia at www.chf.org.au.