Why does the medication have a different name?
These are trade or brand names registered by the manufacturer. In different countries, manufacturers will often use different trade names. The medications have the same active ingredients, but may look different and have a different trade name. e.g. Adalat XL (Canada) and Adalat Oros (New Zealand).
What is a "Generic" medication/drug?
Generic drugs are regulated medications that have the same active ingredients as the original brand name drug, but that are usually cheaper in price. One third of all drugs dispensed are "generic". Comparative testing is performed to ensure that generics are equal to the "brand" version in:
•Active Ingredient (e.g. "Atorvastatin" is the active ingredient in brand name Lipitor)
•Dosage (e.g. 20 mg of the active ingredient)
•Safety (e.g. same or similar side effects, drug interactions)
•Strength
•Quality
•Performance (e.g. 20 mg of a "generic" can be substituted for 20 mg of the "brand" and have the same results)
•Therapeutic use (i.e. both "generic" and "brand" would be prescribed for the same conditions)
This means that "generic" drugs can be used as a substitute to a brand medication with the same therapeutic results. Exceptions may exist and you should always consult your doctor before switching to a generic medication or vice versa. Please read "What are the differences between generic and brand medications?" for more information.
What are the differences between generic and brand medications?
Generics and brand equivalent drugs contain the same active ingredients, but they may be different in the following ways:
•Shape
•Size
•Color
•Markings and scores
•Cost
The fillers that are added to make the brand or generic are what gives the drug its color, shape and size. These fillers have no medical use and do not change the effectiveness of the medication. A generic drug contains the same active ingredients and must be equivalent in strength and dosage to the original brand name drug.
Why do generics cost less than the brand name equivalents?
Generic drugs are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have the investment costs that the developer of a new drug has.
Prescription Required
A prescription drug is a licensed medicine that is regulated by legislation to require a prescription before it can be obtained. You must submit the prescription you obtained from your physician to order this medication.
Over the Counter Medication
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines that may be sold without a prescription and without a visit to a medical professional, in contrast to prescription drugs. Non-drug medical devices, such as diabetic management supplies, are also considered OTC.
What is the International Generic Program?
The International Generics Program is aimed at providing customers with the generic versions of medications that are currently only available as brand names in Canada. All pharmaceuticals obtained through our International Generic Program are the generic equivalents of approved brand name drugs. Most of these prescription drugs are manufactured in UK MHRA, Australian TGA, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), German PIC and Health Canada inspected facilities located overseas in India. Moreover, they can be purchased at hefty discount prices above and beyond our already low prices on Canadian medications.
You will benefit from free shipping on any order for prescription medication that is part of our International Generics Program and valued over $99.00 USD (not including shipping and handling fees).
What is a World Brand product?
World Brand products are brand-name items made by the same manufacturer as the equivalent product you'll find at your local pharmacy. The products are imported, stored, dispensed and shipped from our associated pharmacy facilities in Germany, India and New Zealand.