generic

As soon as patent protection for a medicinal product has expired (after ten years), other manufacturers may also produce the product without being required to present clinical or preclinical references. These medicinal products are known as generic (unbranded) medicinal products.

It is important that a generic medicinal product is exactly equivalent to the original medicinal product, also known as the innovator product. The generic medicinal product contains the same active substances at the same concentration as the original medicinal product. It also has the same pharmaceutical form (e.g. tablet, capsule or injection fluid). The generic medicinal product has the same therapeutic efficacy and safety as the original medicinal product. Biological medicinal products also have generic variants, the so-called biosimilars.

A generic medicinal product may differ from the original product in terms of shape and colour. Generic medicinal products are regularly marketed under the generic name of the active substance. The generic medicinal product often contains other excipients. As with all other medicinal products, warnings about excipients are listed on the packaging and in the package leaflet.

Pharmacists and generic medicinal products

Doctors in the Netherlands frequently use the generic name of the active substance to prescribe medicinal products. Pharmacists then use the generic name of the active substance to find the medicinal product the doctors have prescribed. This can create a situation where pharmacists supply a generic medicinal product instead of the (original) innovator product. This is in fact correct as the generic medicinal product contains the same ingredients and has the same effect and safety as the original.

The pharmacist can provide you with additional information. If you experience any problems after switching from a branded medicinal product to a generic product or the other way round, it is important to discuss this with your pharmacist. The product may contain other excipients. Ask your pharmacist if you would like more details about generic medicinal products.