Editorial: Are Generics Equivalent to Originator Brands?

Abstract

The term ‘generic medicine’ often elicits a negative connotation about the drug product in question as being a copy, imitation, substandard, counterfeit, fake or cheap poor alternative. Other perceptions by lay people and healthcare professionals, denote diminished quality, safety and efficacy. Generic drugs are designed to have the same active ingredient, dosage form, route of administration, strength, safety, efficacy and indications as the innovator brands. The World Health Organization (WHO) specification further requires that generics be bioequivalent to originator medicines.