"I have heard of equivalent drugs, but are they as safe as branded ones?"

I have heard of equivalent drugs, but I am not sure exactly what they are and whether they are as safe as 'brand-name' drugs. Could you please explain? Aldo P.

An equivalent, or 'generic', medicine is one that has the same active ingredient, pharmaceutical form, route of administration, dosage and mode of delivery as a 'brand-name' medicine whose patent has expired. This means that, from a therapeutic point of view, they are identical. As far as safety is concerned, the active ingredients of equivalent medicines have already been extensively studied and their clinical use has been established for many years. The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) assesses them as safe and guarantees the same quality, efficacy and safety as the original medicine. So, you can rest assured: an equivalent medicine offers the same guarantees as the brand-name medicine.

The only differences you might notice are in the excipients (non-active substances), colour, shape or storage conditions, but these do not affect the quality or efficacy of the medicine in any way. The main advantage for citizens is the cost savings. Equivalent medicines cost less because the manufacturers did not have to bear the initial research and development costs. This translates into substantial savings, especially for medicines reimbursed by the National Health Service. Obviously, it is always important to consult with your general practitioner.

To learn more about or compare equivalent medicines, Cittadinanzattiva has created the app IOequivalgo, with which you can compare prices, safety and efficacy of equivalent medicines. Here are two useful links: the website of the Pharmacy Agency and the website on equivalent medicines