Make the switch

We sometimes switch patients from the original brand-name version of a medicine to a different brand (or unbranded version) of the same medicine, which is better value and more readily available. These can be called ‘generic’ or ‘bioequivalent’ medicines.

These medicines are usually much more cost-effective because they are made by different manufacturers. When patents (legal rights) on the original brand-name medicines expire, other manufacturers can then produce the product at a much lower cost. This means many other brands of the same medicine may be used in the UK, e.g. Panadol, Anadol, Hedex – which are all different brand-names for paracetamol.

Sometimes we make a switch to a new, or different medicine altogether. Where new research or national guidance shows that a different medicine or formulation is more effective, safer, or better value for treating a specific health condition, switching can support better treatment and fewer side effects. We may also propose switching to a different medicine where there is a supply issue with your current medicine, to ensure you still get the treatment you need.

Switching medicines helps the NHS to get more people the treatment they need, when they need it.

The NHS is responsible for using public funds in the most effective and sustainable way possible. Switching medicines allows the NHS to make substantial savings, which can be reinvested into other services and new treatments.

Prescribing different versions of medicines is also a key part of making sure resources are available for more patients. If there are manufacturing or supply chain problems for a particular medicine, switching to a different version of the medicine ensures that patients get their medication on time.

Generic medicines are other versions of brand-name medicines that contain the same active ingredient, and are equally safe and effective. They are interchangeable with brand-name versions, as they are identical to the original branded product in terms of active ingredients, dose, and how they work.

Bioequivalent medicines (sometimes called ‘biosimilar’) are other versions of brand-name biologic medicines. A biologic medicine is a type of medicine made from living cells or organisms, rather than being chemically synthesised like traditional medicines, and they are used to treat many kinds of diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetes.

Bioequivalent medicines are interchangeable with brand-name biologic versions, as they work in the same way as the original biologic medicines, and are equally safe and effective.

Any medicines prescribed by the NHS are tested and regulated to the same national standards by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to ensure the same levels of quality, safety, and effectiveness.

Your NHS team will only prescribe medicines after assessing your individual health and medication needs, and will only recommend medicines that are clinically appropriate and right for you.

Switching to a generic or bioequivalent version of your usual medicine will mean that you get the same treatment and feel the same benefits as usual, as they will work in the same way as the original brand-name medicines, and are equally safe and effective.

Where new research or guidance reveals that a different medicine or formulation is better for treating your health condition, switching to a new medicine is expected to give you the same, or better, treatment and potentially fewer side effects.

Switching medicines is always done with patient safety as a priority. We do not expect patients to experience problems as a result of switching medicines, but as with any medicine, any unexpected side effects should be reported to your pharmacist or GP surgery, who can address and monitor them.

Because they may be made by different manufacturers, other versions of your medicine might have a different appearance to your usual medicine, but this does not affect how they work.

Differences in how your medicines look can be due to variations in inactive ingredients and manufacturing processes, or simply different packaging and labels.

Many other brands of the same medicine may exist and be used in the UK, e.g. Panadol, Anadol, Hedex – which are all different brand-names for paracetamol. While they may all look slightly different, they work in the same way.

Always let your NHS team know about any known allergies or intolerances before starting a new, or different version of your medicine, so they can assess that it is suitable for you.

As with any medicine, always check the labels and follow the directions printed on the packaging, and keep it for reference.

If you need help with any medicines you are taking, contact your pharmacist or GP surgery. They can address any concerns and monitor your progress.

If you are making a medicines switch your NHS team will have already assessed your individual health and medication needs, and made a recommendation that is clinically appropriate and right for you.

Here is how to get the best out of your medicines, or get support if you need it:

• Always let your NHS team know about any known allergies or intolerances before starting a new medicine.
• Check the label: Always follow the directions printed on the medicine label and keep it for reference.
• If you need help with any medicines you are taking, contact your pharmacist or GP surgery. They can address any concerns and monitor your progress.
• Report side effects: We do not expect patients to experience problems as a result of switching medicines, however, it is extremely important to report any side effects to your pharmacist or GP surgery. You can also report any side effects or suspected adverse reactions to any medicine to the UK's medicines safety watchdog, the MHRA, via the Yellow Card scheme.
• Contact the NHS New Medicine Service (NMS): If you are prescribed a new medicine, in some cases you may be able to get extra support and advice from your local pharmacist through the free NHS New Medicine Service.