Generic Medicine

What Does This Mean?
A generic medicine is a medicine which contains the same active ingredients as the original patented one, however it is much cheaper to purchase. It is usually a different shape or colour to the original brand, but it does exactly the same job.

Why is this Good for the Patient?
As demands on the health service grow, generic medicines provide patients with safe and effective treatment while reducing the cost of pharmaceutical care. Generic medicines are widely demanded in many EU countries and are increasingly prescribed by general practitioners.

Generic medicines stimulate competition between the pharmaceutical companies as soon as the patent on the original brands expires. This means that your doctor can prescribe medicines safely and the costs to the surgery are reduced, allowing your surgery to provide more services for the budget they are given.

What You Need to Know
If you take regular medication try and remember its strength and its name. Sometimes you may be given a different brand; by going to the same pharmacy for your prescription each time you may avoid this. If you are worried about your medicines your doctor or pharmacist will be happy to discuss them and put your mind at rest.

Your Medicine Cabinet
Here is a guide for everyone on how to self treat safely: Keep all medicines in a secure place, out of reach of small children. Medicines should be kept in their original package or container with the dosage instructions. Always read the instructions and do not exceed the stated dose. Do not keep any medicine which is past its sell by date.
Below is an example of a general home medicine cabinet. Most self medication treatments for minor illnesses can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy. Your pharmacist can advise you on a wide range of products and their safe use in the home.

Thermometer - to check temperature. A child may have a fever if the temperature is over 38˚C / 100.4 F

Oral Pain Relief - paracetamol or ibuprofen in mixture and tablet form

Cough Mixture - to prevent or loosen the cough (suppressant or expectorant)

Cold Relief Products - decongestants in spray, drops or rub formula

Antiseptics - creams or sprays for minor cuts, grazes or burns

Hayfever/Allergy Relief - antihistamine in syrup for the young and tablet form for older children/adults

Anti-diarrhoeal Solutions - oral rehydrations like Dioralyte

Aspirin