Faq
Q: What are generic drugs?
A generic drug is a copy of a brand-name pharmaceutical that contains the same active ingredient and is equivalent in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance and intended use.
Q: Are generic drugs as safe as brand-name drugs?
Yes. Health Canada approves each generic drug based on testing result proving that the generic drug is safe and effective. Generic drugs present the same risks and benefits as their brand-name counterparts.
Q: Do generic drugs take longer to work in the body?
Bioequivalence studies are conducted on humans to compare the absorption of generic drugs with their brand counterpart. A generic drug can only be approved if these studies concluded that there is no statistically difference or if scientific rational justifies a biowaver.
Q: Why are generic drugs less expensive?
Generic drugs are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have the investment costs of the developer of a new drug. New drugs are developed under patent protection. The patent protects the investment including research, development, marketing, and promotion by giving the company the sole right to sell the drug while it is in effect.
Q: Are brand-name drugs made in more modern facilities than generic drugs?
No. Both brand-name and generic drug facilities must meet the same standards of good manufacturing practices. Health Canada won't permit drugs to be made in substandard facilities. Health Canada conducts inspections each year to ensure standards are met. Generic firms have facilities comparable to those of brand-name firms. In fact, brand-name firms are linked to an estimated 50 percent of generic drug production. They frequently make copies of their own or other brand-name drugs but sell them without the brand name.
Q: If brand-name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients, why do they look different?
In Canada, trademark laws do not always allow a generic drug to look exactly like the brand-name drug. However, a generic drug must duplicate the active ingredient. Colors, flavors, and certain other inactive ingredients may be different.
Q: Does every brand-name drug have a generic counterpart?
No. Brand-name drugs are generally given patent protection from the date of submission of the patent. This provides protection for the innovator who laid out the initial costs (including research, development, and marketing expenses) to develop the new drug. However, when the patent expires, other drug companies can introduce competitive generic versions, but only after they have been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer and approved by the Health Canada.
Q: What is the best source of information about generic drugs?
Contact your physician, pharmacist, or insurance company for information on your generic drugs. You can also contact our customer service department for more information.
Q: What is bioequivalence?
It is a Health Canada requirement that the active ingredient of a generic drug be absorbed into the body and metabolized in approximately the same amount over approximately the same period as the active ingredient of the innovator drug. Bioequivalence is demonstrated in two ways. Dissolution testing determines if the generic drug product dissolves in approximately