What to Know Before Taking a Substitute Medicine: 3 Key Things to Consider

Substitute or generic medicines are safe, effective, and often significantly cheaper alternatives to brand-name drugs. They contain the same active ingredients and deliver the same therapeutic results. However, before switching to a substitute medicine, it’s essential to understand how it works, why it costs less, and what to consider to ensure your treatment remains effective and safe. Here’s a quick guide to help you make an informed decision.

Read more: Fundamentals of generic-medicine

What Are Substitute Medicines?

Generic medicines are bioequivalent to branded drugs, meaning they have the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration. However, they are often sold at lower prices because they skip the costly process of original drug development and marketing.

Did You Know? 
The cost of substitute medicines can be up to 80-85% lower due to savings on research and marketing.

How Regulatory Bodies Ensure Quality?

1. The FDA Action Plan

Substitute medications have the same risks and advantages as brand-name drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generic Drugs Program conducts an exhaustive review of the drugs to ensure that they meet the predetermined standards and performs inspections.

The FDA announced the Drug Competition Action Plan in 2017 to accelerate market competition for generic medications, enhance the efficiency and transparency of the generic drug review process, and maintain the rigorous scientific standards of the generic drug program.

Read More: Difference between Generic medicine and Branded Generics

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Initiative

Following the Prime Minister’s statement that physicians should prescribe generic medications, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has reaffirmed its backing of the initiative.

However, they have stressed that the government must guarantee the availability of generic medicines from Jan Aushadhi stores and their quality through adequate regulation.

Important Things to Consider Before Opting for Substitute Medicines

You should consider the following three factors before opting for a substitute medicine.

1) Better Health Outcomes

At your healthcare facility, and similarly any other public care centre, the most prevalent justification for medication substitution is the lack of access to the prescribed medication. At the drug dispensary, with medical approval, a practitioner other than the one who initially prescribed the medicine may authorise the change.

Given the impracticality of approaching the prescribing physician every time a change is requested, therapeutic substitution is a viable alternative that can provide better therapeutic outcomes and help prevent harm to the patient. Additionally, it can minimise therapeutic costs.

2. Patient Satisfaction

The patient is usually quite appreciative of being informed as to why their prescribed medication is unavailable and offered an appropriate substitute. They are also grateful that the hospital is doing its utmost to source the original medicines.

3. Cost and Time Savings

Doubtless, opting for substitute medications instead of branded ones offers a considerable financial benefit without compromising the results.

To ensure the systematic implementation of therapeutic substitution policies in institutional settings, it is essential to consult a Drug and Therapeutic Committee and all relevant stakeholders. This effort can not only bring a variety of general advantages, but it can also result in a better-managed inventory of necessary medicines.

Sometimes, opting for therapeutic substitutions may not be the most economical option; however, it can be a time-efficient solution.

Your Approach to Substitute Medicines

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medicines. Some substitutions require adjustments based on individual health conditions.

For example, in the diabetes drug class “gliptins,” most options require dose modification in patients with kidney disease, except for linagliptin. In such cases, personalised selection is critical.

Takeaway

When advised by your healthcare provider and backed by regulatory standards, substitute medicines are a safe and effective alternative to brand-name drugs. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions or looking to reduce treatment costs, informed substitution ensures that your health never takes a backseat.

You can save money by selecting alternative medicine advised by Truemed’s expert doctors. Get free teleconsultation from our expert doctors once you order medicine from our online pharmacy, Truemeds. You can also download our Truemeds app and avail yourself of branded and generic medication.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge; we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before practising any information mentioned.

Expert Quote

“Substitute medicines are clinically equivalent to branded ones—as long as the right formulation is chosen for the patient’s condition.”

-Dr. Sachin Singh

References

• Research, C. F. D. E. A. (2021, March 16). Generic drugs: questions & answers. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic-drugs-questions-answers#q1
• Kairi, J. K., & Sharma, A. K. (2017). Substitutes of Prescription Medicines – A review of concerns relevant to doctors and patients. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH. https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2017/28552.10439
• Guedes, E. P., Hohl, A., De Melo, T. G., & Lauand, F. (2013). Linagliptin: farmacology, efficacy and safety in type 2 diabetes treatment. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1758-5996-5-25