The literature search and meta-analysis carried out by the Polish researchers included 47 studies (38 of which were randomised controlled trials), covering nine subclasses of cardiovascular medications [1].

Safety and efficacy

In trials involving beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, antiplatelet agents, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and alpha-blockers, generics were found to be equally as safe and effective as their brand-name equivalents.

Cost

Generic drugs typically cost 30% to 60% less than the branded medicine and have the potential to reduce the price of the branded drugs due to competition.

Compliance

Patient compliance was found to be better with generics compared to their brand-name equivalents, with lower co-payments being given as a key factor.

Quality

Generic drugs are produced under strict standards to guarantee their quality. The authors also noted that many generic medications are produced under the licence of the manufacturer of the original brand-name product after patent expiry and are therefore subject to the same manufacturing and process quality requirements as the original product.

The fact that generic drugs do not have to undergo the large, expensive clinical trials that are required for approval of brand-name drugs gives rise to questions about the quality and safety of generics. However, in this research the authors conclude that for most patients taking most medications, generic substitution is not a problem, and saves the patient money.

Related articles

Different routes for generics and brand-name drugs

Benefits and risks of generic substitution

Reference

1. Lewek P, Kardas P. Generic drugs: the benefits and risks of making the switch. J Fam Pract. 2010;59(11):634-40.