When it comes to
therapeutics, Filipinos have many misconceptions surrounding generic medicines.
According to a survey, more than 70% of Filipino
respondents prefer branded medicines while only 15% prefer generic drugs. This
study also found that only 7% of the participants know the correct definition
of “generic drug” and almost half of 48% believes that generic medicines are
less effective than branded medicines.
A homegrown heritage brand
and a pioneer in the generics industry, RHEA Generics’ goal has been to empower
Filipinos to prioritize their health and wellness within their means.
Furthermore, the company advocates the use of relatively affordable medicines
that could help Filipinos prevent illnesses or boost their immunity as much as
branded medicines could.
With this, here are some
of the top misconceptions on generic medicines debunked by RHEA Generics:
THE MYTH: Generic medicines are not as effective as
branded medicine
The TRUTH: Generic
medicines are as effective as branded medicines because both use the same
active ingredient. The Philippine Law on Generics also known as the Generics
Acts of 1988 defines active ingredients as the chemical component of medicines
that is responsible for the therapeutic effect of any pharmaceutical product
thus, emphasizing that the composition of both generic and branded products are
equally potent and efficient.
THE MYTH: Generic Medicines are not safe
The TRUTH: Through the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all medicines, whether it is branded or
generic, go through a series of inspections and approval processes, usually
taking around 60 days up to six months, to
assure that these drugs are safe and of the highest quality.
Likewise, the FDA regularly ensures that pharmaceutical products and establishments in the market comply with high-quality standards with good manufacturing practices. Through the post marketing surveillance, FDA inspects drug establishments verifying that all products are FDA-registered and safe for consumption.
As a trusted Filipino
medicine brand, RHEA Generics also goes through the same rigorous process to
assure that all medicines distributed are safe and of world-class-quality.
THE MYTH: Generic Medicines are sold at low price because
it is low-quality
The TRUTH: Generic
medicines are cheaper since these drugs are distributed without the patent
protection making it much cheaper than branded medicines. Patent protection
provides an exclusive right for the distribution of a certain product. This
simply means that generic drugs are based on a developed branded medicine whose
patent protection rights have expired thus, cutting a huge cost in developing
and marketing new medicines.
In a report by the
Department of Health, it was revealed that 99% of Filipinos refuse to buy their prescription
medicines because of its expensive price with 71% allotting less than P1,000
for their monthly medical supplies.
With the goal to help
Filipinos attain affordable healthcare, RHEA Generics provides world-class
quality and safe health products. RHEA Generics, one of the Philippines’ most
trusted names in the field of generic medicine, producing unibranded medicines.
RHEA Generics has
partnered with some of the world’s best pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer,
Viatris, Sanofi, GSK, Otsuka, Merck, Fresenius Kabi, AstraZeneca, OEP, Lundbeck
and Boehringer Ingelheim to assure world-class-quality medical products for
every Filipino.
There are many other
misconceptions about generic medicines that we still believe nowadays but we
definitely can’t risk our health by. When in doubt, we encourage you to seek
medical professional health to ensure proper diagnosis and medication.
To know more and purchase
RHEA Generics medicines, visit the nearest Mercury Drug store near you.
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About RHEA
Generics
With more than 40 years in the industry of producing
quality and affordable medicine, RHEA Generics is one of the most trusted names
in health and wellness in the Philippines. It has partnered with some of the
world’s best pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Viatris, Sanofi, GSK,
Otsuka, Merck, Fresenius Kabi, AstraZeneca, OEP, Lundbeck and Boehringer
Ingelheim to provide world-class medicine for the Filipinos.