How To Differentiate Between Generic Drugs and a Branded Drug
These days, there are so many pills and drugs available on the market, it is next to impossible to identify exactly what a particular drug is just by looking at it. To do this, not only would you have to identify the actual active ingredient, you would also need to decide upon a number of factors relevant to that drug - for example whether it was branded, or whether it was a generic drug.
There are a number of techniques you can use to do this - and in this article we will address the main differences between a generic drug and a branded drug - so that you have a better chance of telling which is which, if you so need to.
Appearance of Generic Drugs
More often than not, generic drugs will look seemingly plain in comparison to its branded associate. Generic drugs are usually white and colour and round - possibly with the milligram dose etched into the side.
Let's take the example of Viagra for instance. The generic version of the drug has the following qualities:
- Rounded pill shape
- Milligram dose on one side of the pill
- White in colour
If we compare and contrast this to the branded alternative, you will soon see the difference. For comparison purposes, this is what Viagra looks like:
- Diamond pill shape
- Milligram dose on one side of the pill - brand logo on the other
- Blue on the outside, white on the inside
Fortunately, the branded version is very easy to identify. However, when it comes to immediately identifying the generic drug, it is a whole lot more difficult. For this reason, generic drugs need to be stored away carefully in their packaging so that they do not get confused with other similar looking substances.
What To Do If You Get Generic Drugs Mixed Up
Unfortunately, from time to time, you may find that you get your generic drugs mixed up. If this is the case, you may have difficulty determining which is which - and therefore which one you should be taking at which time.
In almost all cases, the solution to this is simply to discard the drugs that have been mixed up, and of this leaves you short - speak to your doctor for a refill prescription. It is better to be safe than sorry.