Generic medicines have historically played a crucial role in healthcare systems worldwide. Referred to as off-patented drugs, generic medicines possess the same dosage, strength, quality, form, effect, intended use, side effects, and route of administration as branded drugs. In the United States, approximately 90% of prescriptions are for generic medicines. The production of generic drugs in the US has increased due to the growing prevalence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, which require long-term management with maintenance medications.
In the Philippines, the President has prioritized alleviating the financial burden on individuals purchasing medicines for maintenance and other treatments when he assumed office. He stated that the presence of cheaper generic medicines in the market would foster competition and lower prices.
The President’s announcement embodies the essence of R.A. 6675, also known as the Generics Act of 1988. This legislation aims to promote, mandate, and ensure the production, distribution, use, and acceptance of drugs and medicines identified by their generic names.
Generika Drugstore, a pharmacy that has long championed this cause, has been instrumental in making quality and affordable generic medicines and other healthcare essentials accessible to the Filipino market. The company actively participates in expanding the acceptance and utilization of generic medicines through various consumer education initiatives, dispelling persistent myths. Here are some of them:
MYTH 1: Generic Medicines are not safe
THE TRUTH: Through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all medicines, whether branded or generic, go through a series of inspections and approval processes, usually taking around 60 days up to 6 months, to assure that these drugs are safe and of the highest quality. Likewise, the FDA regularly ensures that pharmaceutical products and establishments in the market comply with high-quality standards with good manufacturing practices.
MYTH 2: Generic medicines are not as effective as branded medicine
THE TRUTH: Generic medicines are as effective as branded medicines because both use the same active ingredient.
The Generics Act of 1988 defines active ingredients as the chemical component of medicines that is responsible for the therapeutic effect of any pharmaceutical product thus, emphasizing that the composition of both generic and branded products is equally potent and efficient. Apart from that, generic medicines are required to be the same as brand-name medicine in dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality, as well as in the way it is taken.
MYTH 3: Generic Medicines are sold at a low price because it is low-quality
THE TRUTH: Generic medicines undergo the same rigorous FDA approval process as branded medicines. They are, however, more affordable since they do not have to repeat the RND testing and clinical studies done by the originator brand.
No less than the World Health Organization (WHO) has given its support and approval in the promotion of generic medicines as a vital strategy to address challenges in affordability and accessibility to essential medicines. For its part and for the longest time, Generika Drugstore has helped empower Filipino communities by making generic medicines readily available so patients are able to sustain their treatment regimen and complete their journey towards full recovery.
Generika Drugstore, a part of the AC Health Group, is a nationwide network of pharmacies in the Philippines. Its primary goal is to ensure that Filipinos have access to high-quality and affordable generic medicines along with PLUS Services. Generika Drugstore has received multiple awards that acknowledge its significant role in promoting the health and well-being of the Filipino population.