Have you ever wondered what the difference is between generic and branded medicines?

Which is more effective: the affordable one or the more expensive one?

In an interview with Dr. Mariane Bonita-Bautista on Good Morning Kuya, she clarified that generic and branded medicines have the same active ingredient and quality.

“Ang mga generic tsaka mga branded na mga gamot ay actually pareho po ng active ingredient ng strength at saka po yung kalidad po or nagagawa po nito sa katawan natin,” she said

Dr. Bautista clarified that price should not be used as a basis to determine the quality of a medicine for a patient.

“Hindi porke mas mahal po yung isang gamot, mas epektibo po ito,” she said

“Hindi porke generic ay mahina po yung gamot,” she added

Dr. Bautista cited studies, wherein it proves that there is no difference between generic and branded medicines, especially heart medications.

“Sa katunayan, meron po tayong mga studies lalong-lalo na na-publish po sa JAMA or Journal of American Medical Association kung saan meron po tayong 47 na mga artikulo na nakita po kung saan walang pinagkaiba ang generic sa branded medication lalong-lalo na po sa mga para sa puso natin ng mga gamot,” she said

She also mentioned case-control studies showing that generic and branded medications offer the same benefits.

“Meron din po tayong mga studies po, kung saan po worldwide naman po. Nag-kompara sila ng generic tsaka ng branded po sa parehong-parehong klase po ng mga tao or tawag natin dito ay case-control study kung saan nakita din talaga nila na pareho po yung benepisyo ng isang generic at saka branded medication,” she explained

When it comes to effectiveness, Dr. Bautista advised consulting a doctor to make sure which medicine is right for them.

“Sa pagdedesisyon, mas maganda magtanong sa doktor. 'Wag po tayong mahihiya na porke usapang presyo ito, nakakahiya pong tanungin sa doktor,” she said

When it comes to affordability, Dr. Bautista advised that patients can ask the doctor whether the prescribed medicine has a generic counterpart that is more affordable.

She also believes that there are times that affordability may help patients to take their prescribed medicines consistently.

“May pagkakataon kasi talaga na mas makakatulong sa pasyente kapag consistent nilang naiinom yung gamot dahil naa-afford nila yung gamot na iniinom nila,” she said

So if you are still confused which one is more effective – the generic or branded? It’s better to seek consultation with a doctor to get advice that is appropriate to your condition.

Dr. Bautista also advised the public to make sure that the medicine is FDA-approved and came from a legitimate pharmacy, to ensure it is safe to purchase and take.

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