subject: Understanding Generics In Canadian Pharmacy [print this page] Understanding Generics In Canadian Pharmacy
Are you wondering how a Canadian pharmacy can sell their drugs at a discount of 30-60 percent as compared to their counterparts in the US? The answer lies in one word -'Generics'. This is the reason behind the success of the Canadian pharmaceutical industry which, according to the Wall Street Journal, accounts for 50% of all American prescription drug imports. Canadian Pharmacy: What Are Generics And How Do They Help?
To understand what generics are and why they can be produced cheaply, you need to understand the process of drug development. Read on to find out for yourself. The 800 Million Dollar Pill
A substantial amount of money goes into developing a new drug. Out of the hundreds that are formulated only five would make it to clinical trials and out of the five, one will make it to the market. So for every drug launch, the pharmaceutical company involved in its development, has to bear losses in research of several hundred projects. It is only natural that they would want to protect their interests with patents and sell these drugs at a higher price. This is precisely what happens in the US. The US pharmaceutical industry is probably the only market in the world where R&D is still happening and Americans are paying the price for all the medical innovation in the world. Once a drug has been formulated, it is easier to reverse engineer the drug with very little expenses involved. The costs for clinical trials of these reverse engineered drugs are also very low. These products are called 'generics' and are at the heart of the success story of the Canadian pharmacy industry. Patents and When They Expire
Patents protect such 'generic' sales. However, after the patents expire or are considered invalid as a result of geographical and legal reasons, competitors manufacture generic versions. These generic versions adhere to the same safety standards and provide the same effects. It is like a replica of the original product but at a fraction of the cost. Canadian pharmacies are full of such generics. In fact, there is a hot-list of the highest selling products in the US that have been targeted by Canadian pharmacies to produce cheaper generic versions. Are Generics from a Canadian Pharmacy the Same as Branded Drugs?
Generics can be said to be identical to the branded drugs in terms of efficacy and safety standard. In medical parlance one would say that it is therapeutically equivalent to the patented product. However, in terms of appearance of the pills, it may be different. This is simply because the company that manufactures it is different. But the fact that these companies sell these products considerably cheaper and there are many choices available to the consumer makes them an attractive alternative. Is Buying Generics from a Canadian pharmacy Safe?
Canadian pharmacy industry has been built around the concept of generics. The regulators have ensured that stringent measures are in place to ensure safety of the consumer. So, if you are buying from an authentic Canadian pharmacy, you can rest assured that the product is fit for use. However the emphasis is on the word 'authentic'.
