By Hemant Sharma Medicines are an essential part of healthcare, but their rising cost often creates a burden on patients. This is where generic medicines play a crucial role. In India, generic drugs are widely promoted by the government under schemes like Jan Aushadhi Yojana, as they are affordable and equally effective compared to branded medicines. However, many people struggle to identify what a generic medicine is, how it differs from branded versions, and how to confirm its authenticity.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to identify generic medicine.
1. Understanding Generic Medicines
- A generic medicine is a drug that has the same active ingredient, dosage, strength, safety, and effectiveness as a branded medicine but is sold under its chemical name rather than a brand name.
- Example:
- Branded Name: Crocin
- Generic Name: Paracetamol
Thus, generics are not inferior; they are simply non-branded alternatives approved by health authorities like the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India.
2. Check the Packaging Label
When you pick a medicine strip or bottle, carefully observe:
- Generic Name: Written in bold or standard font (e.g., “Paracetamol 500 mg”).
- Absence of Fancy Branding: Unlike branded medicines, generics usually do not have eye-catching logos or marketing symbols.
- Manufacturer Details: The name and address of the manufacturing company are mentioned. Always ensure it is a licensed pharma company.
3. Look for the Active Ingredient
- Generic medicines mention the active salt name (e.g., Amoxicillin, Metformin).
- Branded versions highlight the company’s trade name but also mention the salt in smaller print.
- If the drug is labeled only by its chemical composition, it is a generic medicine.
4. Price Difference
- One of the easiest ways to identify generic medicines is the price tag.
- Generics are usually 50–90% cheaper than branded drugs because they save on marketing and advertising costs.
- For example, a branded paracetamol strip may cost ₹30, while a generic version may cost just ₹5–10.
5. Check in Jan Aushadhi Stores
- The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) provides verified generic medicines at subsidized rates.
- Medicines bought from these government-authorized stores are guaranteed to be generic and meet quality standards
6. Verify with a Doctor or Pharmacist
- A simple way to confirm is to ask your doctor to prescribe medicines by generic name.
- You can also request your pharmacist to show you the generic version of a branded drug.
- Most pharmacists can immediately point out the generic option because it carries only the salt name.
7. Physical Appearance
- Generic medicines may differ in color, shape, or packaging compared to branded ones, but their effectiveness remains the same.
- What matters is the salt composition, not the outer appearance
8. Regulatory Approval Marks
- In India, every licensed medicine (including generics) must carry:
- Batch number
- Manufacturing and expiry date
- License number (starting with “Mfg. Lic. No.”)
- These ensure that the drug is legally manufactured and safe to use.
9. Difference Between Generic and Branded Medicines
| Feature | Generic Medicine | Branded Medicine |
| Name | Chemical salt name (e.g., Ibuprofen) | Brand name (e.g., Brufen) |
| Price | Low, affordable | High due to marketing |
| Effectiveness | Same as branded | Same as generic |
| Packaging | Simple | Attractive, branded |
| Availability | Jan Aushadhi, pharmacies | Regular pharmacies |
Final Thoughts
Identifying a generic medicine is simple if you know what to look for: focus on the salt name, plain packaging, price, and manufacturer details. They are not substandard or weaker versions but affordable alternatives approved by regulatory authorities. With growing awareness and government initiatives, generic medicines are becoming a trusted way to reduce healthcare costs without compromising on treatment quality.