Generic Prescribing

We are trying to encourage patients to:

'Pay for the medicine and not the brand name!'

Manufacturing requirements are the same for both branded and generic preparations. Every manufacturer has to prove that their medicine works and is of the appropriate quality.

The manufacturer of a generic medicine must demonstrate 'essential similarity' between the generic preparation and the brand leader, ie it works as well, is as effective and is as safe.

The Board which oversees problems related to medication safety has stated that defective medicine reports are no greater for generic medication that for branded medicines with respect to both number and severity.

•  There is currently £9.1 million overspent on prescribing.

•  The news constantly reports a lack of money for cancer treatments etc.

•  Money can be saved through generic prescribing.