Bonitas Member Magazine B-Living Issue 1, 2019 | Page 24

The generic manufacturer’s costs are relatively low,
because the product has already been developed and
tested by the brand-name company. So makers of
generics can pass the savings along in the form of lower
prices to pharmacies and ultimately to consumers. The
competition among multiple companies producing a
generic version of a medicine also helps keep the price
low.
Is my medicine generic or brand name?
The price is usually a give-away as generics are much
cheaper. The labels of brand-name medicine usually
show the name of the medicine with the name of the
manufacturer underneath this. In the case of generics,
the name of the medicine appears followed by the name
of the active ingredient in the medicine.
Why should I use generics?
Because generics are usually cheaper, they help you
get maximum value from your benefits. In addition, the
recent increase in VAT means that everything, including
medicine, will become more expensive. By using generics
you can alleviate some of the financial burden. It is also
essential to pay attention to the medicine you have been
dispensed and its cost as well. In some instances, thirty 20
mg tablets is more expensive than fifteen 40 mg tablets.
Organics
Similarities
Works the same
Equal strength
Same testing standards
Complies with same standards of
quality, safety & efficacy
Exact same active ingredient
Monitored by manufacturer
Is used in the same way
Exact same dosage
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How to get generic medicine
In the current pharmaceutical market, 60% of all
medicine produced is generic. Thus, there are usually
generic equivalents available for most medicines. If
you’re paying a lot for your brand-name medicine and
want to switch to a generic, it may be easier than making
a doctor’s appointment. In most cases, you can ask your
pharmacist to provide you with a generic equivalent
without consulting with your doctor. When it comes to
medicine for acute illness such as a stomach bug or a
cold, you can ask your pharmacist to provide you with a
generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed.
However, in some instances, doctors will instruct
pharmacists to only dispense a brand-name medicine. If
this is the case, you should talk to your doctor directly
about why they have prescribed that specific medicine,
and whether there are any other options for your
condition.
In the case of chronic medicine, you may also want to
look at the specific formulary for your Bonitas option to
ensure your medicine will be covered. Pharmacy Direct,
our courier pharmacy for chronic medicine, assists
members in ensuring their medicine is generic and will
be covered by their specific option.
vs
Generics
Differences
Size, shape, colour and
packaging may differ
May contain different inactive
ingredients like colouring,
starches, sugar, flavourants
and preservatives