Canadians and Americans often use generic drugs to fill their prescriptions. Name brand drugs are known to cost much more than their generic counterparts. The rising cost of prescription drugs in America has lead many US citizens to seek generic Canadian drugs, which are sometimes up to 50 percent cheaper than American generic drugs. However, some people are leery of buying Canadian drugs, especially the generic brand. Canadians and Americans alike want to be sure Canadian generic drugs are effective and safe.

The quality of generic Canadian drugs

Generic drugs usually contain the same ingredients as name brand drugs, but cost much less. The makers of generic Canadian drugs take great care to try and match most of the same ingredients included in the original to their own generic product. This allows them to provide equally effective medication, but at a fraction of the cost. A label comparison will show some difference in ingredients, but the main medicinal ingredient (the active ingredient that actually cures you or makes you feel better) must be the same.

The reduction in price is directly related to the fact that generic drugs aren’t produced by big name pharmaceutical companies. Pharmacists report that more than 20 percent of prescriptions are filled with generic drugs by the patient’s choice. Hospitals also commonly use generic drugs.

Since more Americans than ever before are buying Canadian generic drugs, there’s a general concern about the safety factor. Some American pharmaceutical drug companies are against generic Canadian drugs, but that’s no surprise. It doesn’t matter of you’re buying Canadian generic drugs or American, the standards are high. All drug manufacturers must meet certain requirements before their drug is released to the public. Health Canada takes many measures to assure the safety of generic Canadian drugs.

Health Canada and generic Canadian drugs

Health Canada is responsible for clearing and monitoring all generic Canadian drugs. Generic Canadian drugs are checked for safety, quality, and effectiveness. Generic Canadian drugs are scrutinized just as heavily as name brand drugs. However, there are slight differences in how generic Canadian drugs are judged.

Manufacturers wishing to sell generic Canadian drugs must often perform many of the same tests done by the makers of the original. If the original makers have tested their product on humans and animals, then the makers of the generic brand must too. They can also opt to show how the generic brand performs against the original. The generic drug must provide the same amount of medicinal benefit, and must past inspection to be released.

To judge the performance of generic Canadian drugs, Health Canada uses a panel of scientists, doctors, and other health care professionals. This is the best way to receive a wide amount of feedback from a large group of professionals who are familiar with the results of the brand name medication. So, if you’re considering generic Canadian drugs, know that there are measures taken to assure that you’ll receive products of the highest quality.