Medicine Name Changes

What if the name of my usual medicine changes?

Summary

It is important that we make best use of the money we spend on medicines, without reducing the quality of the treatment patients receive. If more money is spent on medicines than is available, the extra money has to come from other areas of healthcare.

The use of generic medicines can save the NHS millions of pounds.

A medicine has two names:

  • a generic name e.g. Amoxicillin
  • a brand name e.g. Amoxil

Generic medicines are NOT inferior to branded medicines.

Generic forms of the same medicine may look different from the brand and each other, BUT they are as safe and effective as branded medicines.

Generic medicines usually cost a lot less than their equivalent branded medicine.

Making changes to your medicines does not mean that you are receiving a reduced quality service.

Why could the name of your medicine change?

There are two main reasons for a change of name:

  • You are being prescribed a different medicine because your doctor or healthcare professional thinks it may be better for you.
  • You are being prescribed exactly the same medicine, but it has a different name. The new one will probably be what is called a ‘generic’ medicine.

What should you do?

Your doctor or healthcare professional should explain why the name of your medicine is changing. If they don’t tell you, it is quite right for you to ask them.

Or you can talk to your pharmacist. Sometimes it is the pharmacist who changes your brand depending on what they have in stock but they should explain this to you.

What does “generic medicine” mean?

When a medicine is first developed, they are given two names; generic and a brand. In most cases it does not make any difference if your medicine is prescribed by the generic name or the brand name as the treatment is the same.

Generic Name

The generic name for a medicine is the name of the active ingredient or ingredients, that provide the useful effect of the medicine. For example, “amoxicillin” which is used to treat bacterial infections.

BOB ICB Generic Medicines PIL. Developed from Buckinghamshire CCG Generic Medicines PIL. Approved at Medicines Optimisation Team Governance (MOTG) Sept 2024, review Sept 2027.

Brand Name

The brand name is given by the company who makes the medicine, many companies can manufacture the same medicine under different brand names. For example, amoxicillin is also known by the brand name “Amoxil”.

Does it matter if a different drug company makes my medicine?

No. All medicines are produced by companies who must meet tight standards in safety and quality. In fact, many companies who make the generic medicines are owned by big drug companies who make branded drugs.

Does it matter if my medicine looks different?

Generic medicines may look different. They may have a different colour, shape, size or even taste. However, they will have exactly the same medical effect as they contain the same active ingredients.

Why do we use generic medicines?

They are usually less expensive and can save the NHS millions of pounds. If we make these simple savings and treat you just as well, we will have more money to spend on other things – like hip and knee replacements.

What should you do if you are worried about a change in the appearance and name of your medicine?

Doctors and pharmacists know which drugs can be safely prescribed and dispensed by generic name. In some cases, your doctor or healthcare professional may feel it best for you to stick to one branded product and not take the generic equivalent. An example of this would be when you are taking tablets and capsules that have special coatings, so the medicine acts more slowly in the body. Discuss any worries or concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.

Comments, compliments and complaints

We want to give our patients the best possible care and treatment.

Please let us know how we are doing. Compliments and comments are welcome as well as any concerns you have. You can also ask for advice.

Just contact the confidential Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):