Generic medicines contain the more info same active ingredient as the brand-name versions and are often far cheaper. That is why many patients now buy generic medicine online, from eye drops such as bimatoprost to weight loss capsules such as orlistat. A little care makes the process safer.
First, the prescription: a valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. A careful store will ask for it. Avoid any website that does not ask for one.
Look closely at the product: the active ingredient, the strength and the pack size should be clearly listed. Generic tablets may look different from the brand you know, and that is expected.
If you want more detail, see this plain-English guide covers the key checks.
A few examples: bimatoprost eye drops are used once a day in the evening, and you should wait five minutes between different drops. Generic orlistat is taken with meals that contain fat and works best with a reduced-fat diet, plus a multivitamin at bedtime.
When your parcel arrives, compare the pack with your prescription and keep the leaflet. Tell your doctor which product you are taking.
More tips are on this page.
This article is for general information only. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine.