Generic vs Branded Medicines in India: What You Should Know

Walk into any pharmacy in India and you may find the same medicine sold under many different names and at very different prices. Understanding why can help you save money without compromising on your treatment.

What is the salt or active ingredient?

Every medicine contains one or more active ingredients, often called the salt or molecule. For example, paracetamol is the active ingredient in many fever tablets sold under dozens of brand names. The active ingredient is what treats your condition.

The other ingredients, called excipients, help form the tablet, give it colour or help it dissolve. These can differ between manufacturers, but they are not meant to change how the medicine works.

Branded, branded generic and generic

In India, the terms are used a little differently from other countries.

• Innovator brands are the original products from the company that first developed the molecule
• Branded generics are copies made by other companies and sold under their own brand names, which is what most medicines in Indian pharmacies are
• Generic or unbranded generics are sold mainly under the salt name, such as through Jan Aushadhi stores, and are usually the lowest priced

When the active ingredient, strength and dosage form (tablet, syrup, extended-release tablet and so on) are the same, these products are intended to give the same effect.

How quality is regulated

Medicines in India are regulated by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) along with state drug control authorities. All manufacturers must hold a valid licence and are expected to follow Good Manufacturing Practices. Medicines must meet the standards of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, and regulators regularly test samples from the market.

Like anywhere in the world, quality can vary between manufacturers. Buying from a licensed pharmacy that sources from authorised distributors is the best way to reduce the risk of substandard or fake products.

Why are prices so different?

Price differences usually come from marketing, packaging and brand positioning rather than the medicine itself. Some essential medicines also have price caps set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority. A cheaper option is not automatically lower in quality.

When to be careful about switching

For most common medicines, switching between brands with the same salt and strength is straightforward. However, some medicines need extra care because small differences in blood levels can matter. These include certain medicines for epilepsy, thyroid, heart rhythm, blood thinning and organ transplant. For these, talk to your doctor before switching, and try to stay with one brand once you are stable.

Also check that the dosage form matches. A regular tablet and a sustained-release tablet of the same salt are not interchangeable.

Ask your pharmacist about substitutes

Our registered pharmacists can help you compare options for your prescription.

• Ask whether a lower-priced option with the same salt, strength and form is available
• Check that the substitute matches any special release type such as SR, ER or CR
• Make sure you do not end up taking two brands of the same medicine by mistake
• Keep your doctor informed if you change brands for long-term medicines

At Bhaaskar Medicals, we never substitute a medicine without your consent.

The bottom line

A medicine with the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form from a licensed manufacturer is designed to work like its branded counterpart. If you are unsure, please consult your doctor or speak to one of our pharmacists before making a switch.