Generic vs. brand-name medicines

Key facts Generic medicines have the same active ingredient as brand-name medicines and work in the same way, but may look different and contain different non-active ingredients. Generic alternatives are often cheaper than brand-name medicines. This is because the company that produces the medicine did not need to invest money in developing and marketing it. In Australia, you can only sell generic medicines if they work the same way as the brand-name medicine. Prescribers in Australia must include the name of the active ingredient on prescriptions. This can help you know exactly what you are taking and avoid mistakes. Are