Health and medicine are sensitive topics, and it’s natural to be cautious. Many people instinctively trust branded and doctor-prescribed medicines, while often associating generic medicines with lower quality due to their lower cost. Despite the high prices of branded medications, we still lean toward them. But is this the right approach? Are we fully informed about generic medicines, their safety, and their quality?
This article will help clear up common misconceptions and provide clarity on the facts about different types of medicines. We’ll answer questions like, “How do you assess the quality of medicines?” “Are generic medicines safe?” and “Do lower prices mean lower quality?” Let’s dive in:
Types of Medicines & How Generic Medicines Offer 50-80% Savings
Medicines fall into two main categories:
- Patented Medicines
- Generic Medicines
Patented Medicines are developed by innovators who hold exclusive rights over their production for a set period. During this time, no other company can manufacture them. In India, patented medicines are quite rare.
Generic Medicines make up the vast majority of medicines available. Once the patent on a drug expires, any company can produce it under various names, while the composition remains the same. Essentially, almost all medicines you buy today are generics.
Understanding Different Types of Generic Medicines
There are three types of generic medicines:
- Branded Generics
- Trade Generics
- Store Generics
1. Branded Generics
These are generic medicines that companies market directly to doctors, who then prescribe them to patients. Companies incur marketing and distribution costs, which is reflected in the pricing.
2. Trade Generics
These are sold directly by companies to pharmacies without extensive marketing efforts. Pharmacies may offer these as alternatives when they don’t have the exact medicine prescribed by your doctor. Since marketing costs are reduced, the price is lower.
3. Store Generics
These are medicines sold exclusively by a particular pharmacy chain, cutting out external marketing and distribution costs. Store generics are sold at a reduced price, but maintain the same quality. This model is widely practiced in developed countries—major chains like CVS and Walgreens in the US have successfully adopted this approach.
Quality is Key
It’s important to understand that the quality of all these medicines is the same. What matters most is not the type of medicine, but where it’s manufactured. The manufacturing process is complex and requires strict adherence to quality standards to ensure effectiveness.
India has several world-class manufacturing facilities that produce medicines for both branded and generic companies. Whether it’s a branded generic, trade generic, or store generic, the quality is determined by the manufacturing facility.
Why Choose Store Generics?
At KashmirHealth, we offer store generics that are manufactured in the same top-tier facilities used by other leading brands. The only difference? We pass the savings on to you—our store generics are priced 50-80% lower because we eliminate costly marketing and distribution channels.
Next time you visit KashmirHealth.com or one of our partner stores, compare our brand of medicines with those from other companies. You’ll see that they’re made in the same facility, but we offer them at a fraction of the price.
Conclusion
When it comes to medicines, quality is determined by the manufacturing process, not by the name on the package. At KashmirHealth, we ensure that you receive the highest quality medicines at the lowest prices, empowering you to make smart, informed healthcare decisions.