Dosage Equivalence
Dosage equivalence is confirming that a medication available abroad delivers the same amount of active ingredient as yours.
Dosage equivalence is confirming that a medication available abroad delivers the same amount of active ingredient as yours.
Also known as
Dose matching, Strength equivalence, Bioequivalence, Therapeutic equivalence
Why travellers need to know
Medications abroad may be available in different strengths, formulations (tablets vs capsules vs liquid), and combinations than at home. A pharmacist can only match your dosage correctly if they know your exact current dose. 'I take the blue pill for blood pressure' is not enough information. Having your dosages documented by INN, strength, and frequency means accurate matching anywhere.
Real-world example
You take omeprazole 40mg capsules for acid reflux. At a pharmacy in Bangkok, the available strengths are 10mg and 20mg. The pharmacist advises taking two 20mg capsules to match your 40mg dose. Without knowing your exact dosage, you might have bought the 20mg and unknowingly halved your dose.
Country-specific notes
🇮🇳 India
India is the world's largest generic drug manufacturer — the same molecule may have 20+ brand names
Indian pharmacists can advise on generic equivalents by INN name. Quality varies by manufacturer — ask for branded generics (e.g. Sun Pharma, Cipla) for better assurance on complex medications.
Carry your medication's INN (international non-proprietary name) — it's language-neutral and recognised by pharmacists worldwide.
🇩🇪 Germany
German pharmacies are required by law to substitute with a cheaper generic unless the prescriber explicitly prohibits it
The Aut-idem rule requires generic substitution by default. For narrow therapeutic index drugs (warfarin, levothyroxine), prescribers can write "aut idem" to prohibit substitution.
If you need the exact brand (e.g. for anti-epileptics or thyroid medication), ask your GP to write "aut idem" on the prescription before travelling.
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan has strict bioequivalence standards — international generics are not automatically accepted
A US or European generic may not have an exact Japanese equivalent. Hospital pharmacies are safer than retail pharmacies for complex or unusual medications. Some foreign medications require import approval.
Ask your specialist to write a detailed medication summary letter in English and Japanese if you have complex pharmaceutical needs during a Japan stay.
Frequently asked questions
What if my exact dosage isn’t available abroad?
A pharmacist can often combine lower-strength tablets to match your dose (e.g., two 25mg tablets instead of one 50mg). If no combination works, a local doctor can prescribe the closest available strength and adjust the frequency. Never change your dosage without professional guidance.
What is the safest way to switch to a local equivalent medication?
Consult a local doctor or pharmacist rather than switching on your own. For narrow therapeutic index drugs (warfarin, lithium, levothyroxine, anti-epileptics), even a small difference in bioavailability can have serious effects. Always carry enough of your home supply to avoid needing a switch in the first place.
Your Nomedic record lists every medication with its exact strength, form, and frequency, so a pharmacist abroad can match your dose precisely.