FREQUENTLY ASKED BENEFITS QUESTIONS

Q:  Dear Expert,

Are the generic or no-name prescription or over-the-counter drugs you buy at large discount chains, like Wal-Mart, a lower quality than those available through a pharmacy, like Shoppers Drug Mart?

Signed,
Curious

A:  Dear Curious,

In a word, no. Generic drugs and medicines sold in Canada, either by prescription or over-the-counter, must meet the same consumer standards as brand name drugs, regardless of where they are sold. As you may know, Canada provides drug manufacturers with “patent protection”, meaning that for a set number of years no one is allowed to copy their patent protected drugs to allow them a reasonable period to recover the costs of research and development — a staggering price tag for the development of a new medicine. Once the patent expires (commonly ten years), other drug manufacturers can copy the drug and sell it under a “generic name”. A common example of this is Tylenol, which is Acetaminophen. Tylenol is the brand name. However, if you look on the same shelf, you often find a drug store or generic brand of the same drug called “Acetaminophen”. What’s the difference? Nothing. Large chains can purchase large quantities of medicines and therefore pass the saving on to you through lower dispensing fees and product costs — economies of scale. Remember that commercials may be a big contributor to how you feel about brand versus generic drugs, so talk to your pharmacist or doctor about generic alternatives before reaching for the brand name.

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