Is Brand Name Best? Brand name versus generic pharmaceuticals in clinical practice

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Published: Jun 8, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18192/uojm.v7i1.1438
Keywords:
Pharmaceuticals, Generic, Brand Name

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Andrea Bakker
University of Ottawa

Abstract

In the last few years some of the biggest ‘blockbuster drugs’, that is the drugs that make pharmaceutical companies billions of dollars, have lost their patents. This means that generic manufacturers are able to produce these medications at a fraction of the cost. But what really differentiates generics from brand name medications? This commentary will explore how differences in licensing affect drug efficacy and how the pharmaceutical landscape in Canada affects patient care.

RÉSUMÉ

Au cours des dernières années, les brevets de certains des plus grands « médicaments vedettes», c’est-à-dire des médicaments qui rapportent des milliards de dollars aux compagnies pharmaceutiques, sont arrivés à échéance. Cela signifie que les fabricants de médicaments génériques peuvent désormais produire ceux-ci à moindre coût. Mais qu’est-ce qui différencie véritablement les mé- dicaments génériques de ceux d’origine? Ce commentaire examinera comment les différences en ce qui a trait aux licences affectent l’efficacité des médicaments, et comment le panorama pharmaceutique au Canada affecte les soins de santé. 


Article Details

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2017): Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
Section
Commentary
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Author Biography

Andrea Bakker, University of Ottawa

2017 MD Candidate

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