Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name versions and are often far cheaper. For that reason, 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 always ask to see 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.
To read a fuller guide, see this plain-English guide covers the key checks.
Some common examples: bimatoprost eye drops are click here used once a day in the evening, and you should leave 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.
On delivery, check the name, strength and expiry date and read the patient leaflet. Tell your doctor which product you are taking.
You can read more here.
This article is for general information only. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine.