Are 'generically equivalent' medicines really pharmaceutically equivalent?

摘要

A RECENT article in The Pharmaceutical Journal discusses the expiry of the patents on some 46 different medicinal products over the next two years. The general tenor of the piece is to regard this as "a good thing", in view of the savings to the NHS as a consequence of the substitution of generic products for the original branded product.In the current economic climate, anything that reduces these costs is greatly to be welcomed, but only if "the safety, protection and well-being of the patient" is in no way compromised. Thus, the fundamental question is: "Is a generic substitute precisely equivalent to the original branded product, in terms of safety, efficacy and all other relevant aspects?"I have before me examples of generic lisinopril 20mg tablets from three different manufacturers. They are, in appearance, respectively: white, round, biconvex; white, elliptical; dull pink, round, biconvex.