Generic Medication
A generic medication contains the same active ingredient as the branded version but is sold under its INN at lower cost.
A generic medication contains the same active ingredient as the branded version but is sold under its INN at lower cost.
Also known as
Generic drug, Unbranded medication, Brand name vs generic, Bioequivalent drug, INN medication
Why travellers need to know
Generics make medication dramatically cheaper abroad, especially in countries with strong generic manufacturing (India, Thailand, Brazil). They contain the same active ingredient at the same dosage and must meet the same regulatory standards. For travellers who need to buy medication abroad, asking for the generic by INN name is almost always cheaper than asking for your home brand, which may not exist locally anyway.
Real-world example
You take Lipitor (atorvastatin) for cholesterol. At a pharmacy in Delhi, a local generic of the same molecule costs a small fraction of the branded price. The active ingredient, dosage, and efficacy are identical. The price difference reflects India's generic manufacturing scale.
Country-specific notes
🇮🇳 India
Largest generic supplier by volume; much cheaper
India is the largest supplier of generic medicines by volume, at around a fifth of global supply. Medicines are usually far cheaper than Western branded equivalents. Quality is regulated by CDSCO, and many Indian manufacturers hold WHO prequalification for some of their products.
🇺🇸 United States
Ask for generic by name; pharmacists can substitute
US pharmacists can substitute a generic for a branded prescription unless the doctor specifies 'dispense as written'. Always ask 'is there a generic available?' as generic prices can be 80% lower. Discount programmes such as GoodRx and warehouse pharmacies such as Costco can cut generic prices further.
🇯🇵 Japan
Generic use in Japan has risen sharply under government targets
Japan's generic share rose to around 80% by volume under a government target, though shortages of some generics have been common since 2021. Hospital pharmacies often stock both branded and generic versions. Availability for unusual or newer medications may be limited.
For complex or uncommon medications in Japan, hospital pharmacies are more reliable than retail pharmacies for sourcing the correct generic equivalent.
Frequently asked questions
Are generic medications as safe as branded ones?
Yes. Generic medications must contain the same active ingredient at the same dosage and meet the same regulatory standards for safety and efficacy. Minor differences in inactive ingredients (fillers, coatings, colouring) exist but rarely affect how the medication works. Regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, MHRA) require bioequivalence testing.
How do I find the generic name of my medication?
The generic name (INN) is listed on your medication packaging, usually in smaller text below the brand name. It's also on the patient information leaflet. Your pharmacist or doctor can confirm it. Your Nomedic record stores both brand and generic names.
Nomedic stores your medications with both brand names and INNs, so any pharmacist worldwide can find the local generic equivalent from your record.