While the generic medicine you receive at your local pharmacy in Manitoba may look slightly different from the branded version, generic medicines are just as effective as their branded counterparts. Both versions of your medication have the same active ingredients, and both the packaging and manufacturing are required to pass the same quality standards.
So, what’s the difference between the two?
The differences lie primarily in the circumstances of creating the drugs. Branded medications that you get from your local pharmacy in Winnipeg, Manitoba, are new discoveries developed through research and clinical trials. The companies that create these medicines get patent and exclusivity protection for several years. They gain patents and exclusivity to profit from their research and innovation.
Meanwhile, generic drugs are the same high-quality medications and are considered chemical copies of the original brand. Moreover, they are available at a lower cost than their branded counterparts. Once the patent for the branded drugs expires, generics can then enter the market through a shorter approval process. Nonetheless, they must still meet the same quality, effectiveness, and safety standards as brands.
Moreover, brand names and generic drugs may contain different inactive ingredients. Trade laws may also forbid generic drugs to look the same as their branded versions. So, although they contain the same active ingredients, the differences may lie in the appearance of non-active ingredients like fillers, dyes, and preservatives which can change the size, shape, and color of the drug.
We at Vermillion Pharmacy offer high-quality pharmaceutical services and medications to meet your health needs. For inquiries about our products and services, reach out to us today.
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