3 Most Important Things to Consider Before Taking a Substitute Medicine

A generic or substitute medicine is a pharmaceutical product identical to a branded medication in terms of dosage, safety, efficacy, route of administration, quality, performance, and usage. Manufacturers of generic medicine ensure that it has the same therapeutic effects as the branded version, thereby achieving bioequivalence.

Any substitute medication must work the same in the body as the brand-name counterparts. It must have the exact dosage, form, administration, safety, potency, and labelling (with some minor exceptions). Furthermore, it must meet the same rigorous standards of quality.

Read more– Fundamentals of generic-medicine

Substitute medications are generally cheaper than their brand-name alternatives because those who apply for a substitute drug do not have to undergo the same animal and clinical testing necessary for the original brand-name medicine to verify its safety and effectiveness. This abridged pathway is why the application is referred “abbreviated new drug application.”

Substitute medicines are usually sold at a much more affordable price than their branded counterparts, with a reported 80-85% reduction in upfront research costs. They can be a great financial boon for those seeking effective treatments, as IMS Health institute says.

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 perform inspections.

The FDA proclaimed the Drug Competition Action Plan in 2017 to aid in the acceleration of market rivalry for generic medications and increase the efficiency and visibility of the generic drug examination process while still upholding 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 be prescribing generic medications, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has reaffirmed their 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 outcome

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’s Happiness

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 medication.

3. Save Cost and Time

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

To ensure systematic implementation of therapeutic substitution policies in institutional settings, it is essential to consult a Drug and Therapeutic Committee and all those concerned. 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.

What Should be Your Approach to Substitute Medicines?

You should be aware of comparable doses in the same pharmacological group and any medical condition impacting the patient while considering substitute medication.

For instance, all medications in the ‘gliptins’ oral antidiabetic medicine class have the same efficacy and require dose reduction for those with moderate to severe renal impairment, aside from linagliptin, which does not require this adjustment. Consequently, if a patient with renal impairments needs to take one of these drugs, linagliptin is the recommended option.

Takeaway Message

Substitute medications save you time and money and give the same results as their branded counterparts. Substitution can be a viable and advantageous solution if all parties agree in a professional setting under the guidance of a doctor, with authorised medicine lists and an operating Drug and Therapeutic committee.

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. You can save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery* pan India.

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

References –

• https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic-drugs-questions-answers#q1
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5620794/