The discover of a new drug is given a patent for 20 years. After expiry, other manufacturers can make the same drug under a different brand name. If you know the generic name of the drug, you can buy the generic brand (instead of the original brand) at a lower cost.
Generic name Proprietary name General use
Paracetamol Panadol pain and fever
Diclofenac sodium Voltaren pain and swelling
Mefenamic acid Ponstan "
Chlorphenamine Piriton runny nose, rashes, itch, allergy
Loratadine Clarityne "
Cetirizine Zyrtec "
Cimetidine Tagamet gastric, heartburn, stomach ulcer
Omeprazole Losec "
Glocosamine Viartril-S joint supplement
Amoxicillin Augmentin antibiotic
Isotretinoin Roaccutane acne
Atenolol Tenormin high blood pressure
Prazosin Minipress "
Nifedipine Adalat LA high blood pressure, angina
Frusemide Lasix diuretic
Simvastatin Zocor cholesterol
It is possible to purchase generic drugs from the hospital pharmacy. Recently, I bought Piriton at 5 cents per pill, at NUH pharmacy. I also bought vitamin C and calcium for the same price. Compared to the price of commercial supplements, the cost is lower at hospitals.
ReplyDeleteHau Keat
Buying generic drugs is like buying an insurance coverage.
ReplyDeleteThey may cover the same thing, but cost different at different places.
We keep out eyes open, buy an Insurance plan where tbe expenses are low.
There are financial advisers out there who can help compare the difference for you.
I found a prescription discount card that saves nearly 80% on generic drugs. It's at www.rxdrugcard.com. You can look up your drugs to see their price before you enroll.
ReplyDelete