Over the years, it has become completely commonplace to purchase generic medicines at the chemist. They’re the same thing after all, right? Plus they’re half the price! Now, if you want to save even more, you can do the same with your pet.  However there are a number of myths surrounding generic pet medications. In this article, our vets compare Nugard to Advocate where they look at the facts around generic medications, why they are just as good as brand-name and how lower price doesn’t mean lower quality. 

What is the difference between brand name and generic drugs?

The difference between brand name and generic drugs is in how they are produced. While “brand name” refers to the name given to the drug by the original company (eg; Panadol), where generic drug refers to a drug produced after the active ingredient found in the brand name drug (paracetamol). The cost can also differ by as much as 80 percent. This is because generic drug companies do not bear the same investment costs as the brand name company.

Myths

1. They aren’t as effective as brand name. 

With regards to the effectiveness of the drugs, generic drugs have the same quality active ingredient as brand name drugs. Both Nugard and Advocate have the same efficacy and last the same amount of time.

2. They are not regulated like name brands.

All drugs, brand-name or generic, must comply with strict directives and supervision of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

3. They’re just cheap knock-offs that don’t use the same, or uses less, active ingredients as the name brand!

This is another misconception. As an example,  Nugard and Advocate both contain the same active ingredients, in the same concentrations, in the exact same amounts. Both Nugard and Advocate combine imidacloprid with moxidectin. They both treat fleas, their larvae, as well as preventing heartworm, hookworm and roundworm in dogs and cats. In cats they also prevent lice, earmites and lungworm. In dogs they will also combat mange, mites and lice as well as whipworm and both will do it for 30 days.

We know that many people are apprehensive about using them, but don’t let the myths scare you. There are a lot of benefits to generic medications and we hope that you can find these benefits for your pet and the hip-pocket too! Take comfort in knowing that you are giving your pet the best care possible.