The actual differences between a brand-name ibuprofen and a generic one

• By  elEconomista.es ,  ecodiario.eleconomista.es
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• September 21st, 2017
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When it comes to ibuprofen, there is considerable confusion about the effectiveness of a particular brand compared to its generic counterparts. 

One of the questions that we ask the most is what will be better or if there is any difference of relevance between the two anti-inflammatories to distinguish which is the safest. 

However, there are some characteristics that we must know and take into account.

First we must understand what a generic drug is and what particularities it associates with. 

Generic drugs are an identical or bioequivalent version of a brand-name drug made by another company. 

For the approval of the sale of generic medicines the pharmaceutical company in charge of its distribution must submit an abbreviated application of the drugs to the Federal Agency of Medicines.

For approval of a generic drug, it must contain the following properties:

- Containing the same active ingredients as the brand name drug.

- be identical in terms of their concentration, dosage form and route of administration.

- Have the same instructions for use (leaflet).

- Be bioequivalent.

- Comply with the same batch, purity and quality requirements.

- Be manufactured under the same strict standards as brand name drugs.

This is why a generic ibuprofen has the same active ingredients as a brand-name ibuprofen. 

Assuming we take the same dose, there is no reason why we should worry about whether one product is more effective than another. Generic ibuprofen products differ slightly in their non-active ingredients, but all have the same active ingredient as ordinary ibuprofen.

Generic medicines. Image: Pixabay

Why are generic drugs cheaper?

Generic drugs represent 89% of the prescriptions dispensed in the companies and only 27% of expenses in medicines. 

Part of the reason that generic drugs can be marketed at such low prices is because generic companies have no obligation to carry out clinical trials to explore new drugs. 

The process of receiving market approval for brand new drugs is significantly more expensive and time consuming.

One of the benefits for generic drugs is that they enter a market that already has a customer base that is actively committed to the brand. 

So companies do not have to spend on resources for marketing and advertising, since the drug is familiar to health professionals, prescribers and patients.