Generic medicines tend to be cheaper than brand names. Here's how much you could save

Any Australian who has filled a prescription at the chemist will have been asked if they want a branded product or the generic version. Here's how the TGA puts it: "If you take the same dose of a generic medicine as an existing medicine, the same amount of active ingredient is absorbed by your body over the same period of time." Facts Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the original brand Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the original brand Generic medicines always contain the same amount and type of active ingredient as the original brand Generic medicines always contain the same amount and type of active ingredient as the original brand All medicines sold in Australia, whether a generic or original brand, must meet the same quality standards set by the TGA All medicines sold in Australia, whether a generic or original brand, must meet the same quality standards set by the TGA Generic medicines, and their sites of manufacturer, are evaluated and approved by the government before they can be sold Fiction A generic medicine is less expensive because it contains less active ingredient or meets lower standards A generic medicine is less expensive because it contains less active ingredient or meets lower standards The government has different rules or regulations for generic medicines The government has different rules or regulations for generic medicines Generic medicines may not work as well because they aren't required to undergo as much testing or human trials before sold What's the difference between generic and brand-name medicine? The TGA says generic medicines can only be sold in Australia if they meet the same strict standards of quality, safety and effectiveness as the original brand. "The generic medicine has to be tested by the TGA to have the same effectiveness so it goes through quite stringent examination," Ms Conway says.