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- A generic medicine has the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form as the reference medicine, and must be shown to become available in the body in a comparable way.
- The name, colour, shape, packaging and inactive ingredients can differ, making the medicine look or taste different.
- Always check the active ingredient, strength, dosage instructions, dosage form and your name before you start.
- Do not use both packs at the same time if they contain the same active ingredient; taking it twice can be dangerous.
- Most people can switch safely, but extra care is needed with certain medicines that have a narrow therapeutic range, with devices, or with a known allergy to an inactive ingredient.
- Do not stop an essential medicine because its packaging is different; call the pharmacy or prescriber if you are unsure.
- Record your symptoms and the batch number and brand if a new side effect develops after switching, and have severe reactions assessed immediately.
- A preference for the same appearance may have a safety reason if you have memory, sight or language difficulties, and deserves discussion.
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