What guarantee is there that generics are true replicas ?
The Medicines Control Council ( MCC ) carries the responsibility of making sure that generic drugs are safe and effective in South Africa . Generic manufacturers have to prove their medicine is bioequivalent to the innovator brand before a product is allowed into the South African market .
Competition has exploded among manufacturers of generic equivalents of brand names , which is driving the cost of generics so low , that some are practically free . Even brand-name products , still protected by patents , are feeling the price squeeze . The increased uptake in generics spells good news for consumers . Generic medicines cost on average between 30 and 80 % less than the original product .
It ’ s hardly surprising that generic prescribing is as high as 70 % in most medical practices . Generics are used in all areas of medicine including oncology and approximately 65 % of acute and chronic ailments / diseases . Increased consolidation in the healthcare industry is also having a positive impact on medicine prices and availability . The Pharmacy Act of 1997 and the Medicines Control Amendment Act , among other things , have made it mandatory for dispensers of medicine , be they doctors or pharmacists , to offer the patient a generic substitute if one is available .
Why should I consider generics ?
Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients , in the same strength and dose . Drugs also contain inactive ingredients that have no healing effect but are used , for example , to give the tablet a protective coating or to bind the ingredients . In most cases , generic drugs are much cheaper than originals and that means you save money . Chat to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure you get the best advice for your unique concerns .
“ Generics are a way of saving millions on healthcare costs in South Africa and more specifically making your medical aid go so much further and work better for you ,” says Von Benecke . “ Ultimately , these measures mean generous savings for consumers and are consistent with Government ’ s overarching goal of health reform .”
Fast facts about generics
Generic medicine contains the same active ingredient ( s ) as the original brand of medicine .
Generic medicine has to pass the same strict manufacturing tests and Government quality standards as the original brand of medicine .
Generic does not mean a lower standard of quality .
The same strict manufacturing , quality and safety standards are applied to a generic medicine and original brand of medicine alike .
B-Living Issue 1 , 2017 Page 16