Generic Drugs

Q. What's the difference between a brand name and a generic drug?

A. There are no differences as far as quality, purity, effectiveness, and safety between generic drugs and higher-priced brand name drugs. All drugs sold in Canada must be approved by the federal government, and this includes generic drugs. Each product must also meet the strict regulations established by The Food and Drug Act, and both generics and brand name drugs are subjected to the same rigorous standards .It is in the price that you'll see a big difference. Generic drugs cost much less on average.

Q. What about the ingredients?

A. The active ingredient in a generic drug and branded drug must meet exactly the same scientific norms and standards set by the government. In addition to active ingredients, all medications contain inert substances called fillers and sometimes there may be a difference in the amount and type of these in a product. Because they are inert, fillers generally do not cause any effects in humans.

Q. Will the generic drug work as well as the brand name drug?

A. You may find that the generic drug has a different name and looks a little different, but it works the same as the brand name drug you have been using. When applying to sell a generic equivalent of a brand name drug, the manufacturer must prove that the product is as safe and effective as the branded version. The manufacturer must also prove to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care that the active ingredients in the medicine are as pure, dissolve at the same rate, and are absorbed in the same manner as the original product.

Q. Whom do I ask about getting low cost generic drugs?

A. Ask your doctor or your pharmacist. You may already be receiving a generic drug. If not, it may be because a generic equivalent of the drug prescribed by your doctor is not yet available. These health professionals can answer questions about generic drugs.

Q.. What rules do pharmacists follow in Ontario?

A. Pharmacists generally dispense generic drugs if there is one available. When they receive your prescription, they choose the product from within a list produced by the Ontario government, called the Ontario Drug Formulary. Even if the pharmacist chooses to dispense the brand name, the rules state that they must inform you that a generic is available.

Q. What if my doctor wants the brand name drug?

A. Your doctor must issue you a written prescription and sign in their handwriting, the words “no substitution” on the prescription. For medication that you are on for long periods of time, your pharmacist may ask you to get a new written prescription occasionally so that their records are up-to-date for the insurance company.

Dispensing Fees

Q. What is a dispensing fee?

A. Pharmacies charge a fee for each prescription filled. It is known as a professional fee, because it applies to the service of the pharmacist in caring for your medication profile. Pharmacists are university-trained professionals, just like doctors, lawyers and accountants, who also provide specialized services. The professional fee covers the professional services that your pharmacist provides. The dispensing fee also covers the costs associated with doing business such as salaries of the pharmacy staff, store rent and other overhead expenses. The fee is usually constant for each prescription dispensed because the responsibility and degree of professional care provided by the pharmacist are the same whatever the cost of the treatment.

Q. What do I get for a dispensing fee?

A. The pharmacists’ professional duty is not simply to fill prescriptions but to be a health care provider, by providing counselling, information and education. Each time you bring in a prescription, pharmacists provide a range of professional services:

Checking for drug-drug interactions and discussing any concerns with your physicians

Accurate dispensing of the medication in a container appropriate for the dosage form

Making sure that you have complete instructions about how and when to take the drug, what side effects to watch for, what to do if side effects occur

Providing information to you and your family about your illness as needed


Ensuring that you understand what your medication is intended for, how you should determine that it is working well and what to do if it does not seem to be working

Detecting and keeping track of adverse or allergic reactions; recommending appropriate course of action when these occur.

Q. What should I look for in a pharmacy?

A. Make sure that you are comfortable speaking with your pharmacist. That way, you will be more able to get the most out of this relationship. Look for hours of operation that meet you and your family’s needs.

Q. What is my responsibility as a patient?

A.

Make sure that your pharmacist know you and your physician.

If you are taking any non-prescription or herbal remedies.

If you have drug or food allergies.

What chronic medical conditions you may have, such as high blood sugar levels.

If your doctor tells you to change your drug dosage or to stop any medication.

You and your family should use only one pharmacy for all your prescription and    non-prescription needs.

Follow your pharmacist and doctor’s advice on any lifestyle changes that have    been recommended.