Generic Medicines

This leaflet answers some of the most common questions about generic medicines. In particular, it includes information about how generics compare to original medicines. You can also discuss the use of generic medicines with your doctor or pharmacist.

Medicines & side effects

Medicines can help us live longer and healthier lives. They can help cure or treat an illness or disease and can also prevent some conditions from developing in the first place.

Most of us will not experience any problems when using medicines. However, all medicines have some risks and a small number of people may develop side effects (also known as adverse reactions). This leaflet tells you what to do if you think you have had a side effect to a medicine.

Taking medication safely

Nearly all of us will need to take medicines at some point in our lives. These may be:

1. medicines that are only available with a prescription from a doctor, dentist or certain nurses (known as prescription-only medicines); or
2. medicines that you can buy over-the-counter without a prescription (sometimes called OTC medicines).

This leaflet tells you how to use medicines safely and effectively.