A generic medicine is the equivalent of a well-known pharmaceutical product with proven efficacy and safety, that has been successfully utilised over an extended period time, and of which the patent has expired. Such a generic medicine has the same active ingredient as the original pharmaceutical product and is supplied in the same strengths and dosage forms. The Medicines Control Council (MCC) will only allow the marketing of a generic equivalent medicine after its manufacturer has satisfied the MCC that the product is bioequivalent and thus meets the same strict quality, safety and efficacy registration criteria, as is required for the original pharmaceutical product. Companies that specialise in the manufacture of generic products have over the years attained levels of technological expertise, similar to that of the manufacturers of the original medicines. |
