Health Guides
Generic Drugs Online: How They Compare With Brands on Price
How generic drugs online compare with brand-name medicines on price and quality, what can differ between them, and how to choose a careful website when ordering.
- Quality generic medicines
- Prescription required
- Ships to the USA, UK, Canada & Europe
Many people now look for generic drugs online because brand-name medicines can be expensive, especially for treatments taken every day or for many years. A generic medicine contains the same active ingredient, at the same strength, as the original brand, and it is usually sold at a much lower price. This guide explains what a generic is, how generic medications online compare with brands on price and quality, and how to choose a careful website.
We also include a table of common brand and generic names across the ranges we stock, so you can see which generic matches the brand your doctor mentioned.
Key takeaways
- A generic contains the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form as the brand, and must be shown to work in the body in the same way.
- Generic drugs online usually cost less because the maker does not repeat the original research and several companies compete.
- Shape, colour, name and inactive ingredients can differ. The active ingredient and strength should not.
- When you buy medicine online, choose a site that asks for a prescription, gives full product details and has clear contact information.
- A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
What is a generic medicine?
When a company develops a new medicine, it usually has a patent that stops others making the same drug for a number of years. During that time the medicine is sold under a brand name, such as Viagra or Cialis. Once the patent ends, other manufacturers can make medicines with the same active ingredient. These are called generics.
A generic medicine has:
- the same active ingredient as the brand (the part that does the work)
- the same strength, for example 20 mg or 100 mg
- the same dosage form, such as tablet, capsule or eye drops
- the same way of taking it (by mouth, into the eye and so on)
Generics are often sold under the chemical name of the active ingredient (such as sildenafil or tadalafil) or under a new brand name chosen by the generic maker (such as Tadacip or Careprost).
Bioequivalence in plain words
Before a generic can be sold, its maker has to show that it is bioequivalent to the original. In plain words, this means that when you take the generic, the same amount of active ingredient reaches your bloodstream at about the same speed as with the brand, within strict limits.
This is usually tested by giving healthy volunteers the brand and the generic at different times and measuring the level of medicine in their blood. If the results fall within the accepted range, the generic is expected to have the same effect and the same side effects as the brand. That is why your doctor can usually prescribe by the medicine’s chemical name rather than the brand.
Bioequivalence does not mean every pack is identical in appearance. It means the medicine behaves the same way inside your body.
Why generic drugs online cost less
The price gap between brands and generics can be large. There are two main reasons:
- No repeat research or trials. The original company spent years and large sums on research, clinical trials and marketing. A generic maker relies on the already proven active ingredient and only needs to show bioequivalence and good manufacturing quality.
- Competition. Once a patent ends, several manufacturers often make the same medicine. Competition between them pushes prices down.
Buying online can lower the cost further because online pharmacies do not carry the costs of a high-street shop. For long-term treatments, such as hormone therapy after breast cancer or hair loss treatment, the savings over a year can be significant.
What can differ between a brand and a generic?
Some things are allowed to be different, and it helps to know what they are so you are not surprised when a pack arrives.
| Feature | Same as brand? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Yes | The part of the medicine that treats your condition. |
| Strength | Yes | Always check the strength on the pack matches your prescription. |
| How it works in the body | Yes | Shown through bioequivalence testing. |
| Name on the pack | Often different | Generics use the chemical name or their own brand name. |
| Shape and colour | Often different | A blue brand tablet may be an orange or white generic. |
| Inactive ingredients | Can differ | Fillers, colours and coatings. Check the leaflet if you have an allergy or intolerance (for example to lactose). |
| Packaging | Often different | Blister strips, bottles or boxes vary between makers. |
If you have a known allergy to a dye or filler, read the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, or ask a pharmacist to check the inactive ingredients for you.
Brand and generic names across our ranges
The table below links common brand names to their generic active ingredients, with links to our related pages. It covers men’s health, hair loss, eye care, oncology and weight loss.
| Brand name | Generic (active ingredient) | Main use | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra | Sildenafil | Erectile dysfunction | Generic Viagra brands guide |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | Erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate symptoms | Generic Cialis (tadalafil) guide |
| Propecia | Finasteride 1 mg | Male pattern hair loss | Finasteride for hair loss guide |
| Latisse | Bimatoprost 0.03% | Thin or short eyelashes | Careprost bimatoprost 0.03% with brush |
| Arimidex | Anastrozole 1 mg | Hormone-sensitive breast cancer | Armotraz 1 anastrozole tablets |
| Femara | Letrozole 2.5 mg | Hormone-sensitive breast cancer | Letzol-Sure 2.5 letrozole tablets |
| Nolvadex | Tamoxifen 20 mg | Breast cancer treatment and prevention of recurrence | Tamoxol-20 tamoxifen tablets |
| Glivec | Imatinib | Chronic myeloid leukaemia, GIST | Generic imatinib guide |
| Xenical | Orlistat 120 mg | Weight loss alongside diet | Orlistat for weight loss guide |
Brand names are the trademarks of their owners and are shown only to help you identify the matching generic. You can browse everything we stock on our shop page.
A note on strengths: some generic packs come in strengths above the licensed dose, such as tadalafil 40 mg or 80 mg and sildenafil 200 mg. These are not licensed doses. Only take the strength and dose your prescriber has set.
Are generic medications online as good as brands?
A properly made generic should work as well as the brand, because it contains the same active ingredient at the same strength and behaves the same way in the body. Many doctors and pharmacies supply generics as standard.
Quality depends on two things: the manufacturer and the seller. Well-known generic makers produce medicines in large volumes under quality-controlled conditions. The seller’s job is to supply genuine, correctly stored stock and to describe it honestly. That is why choosing where you buy matters as much as choosing the medicine.
Some people notice small differences when switching, such as a different taste or a tablet that is harder to split. If you notice any change in how well a medicine works, or new side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
How to choose a careful website when you buy medicine online
If you buy medicine online, look for these signs before you order:
- A prescription is required. A careful site will not sell prescription medicines without one. Avoid any website offering prescription-only medicines with no questions asked.
- Full product details. The page should show the active ingredient, strength, pack size, manufacturer and a clear photo of the pack.
- Clear contact details. There should be a working contact page and a way to ask questions before and after you order.
- Honest delivery information. The site should be open about delivery times, tracking and the fact that parcels may pass through customs, rather than promising things it cannot control.
- Sensible payment options. Be wary of sites that only accept unusual or untraceable payment methods, or that pressure you with countdown timers.
- Realistic claims. Avoid any site promising a cure, guaranteed results or medicines that are “100% safe” for everyone.
Rules on importing medicines for personal use differ from country to country. We cover these in detail, along with customs, in our separate guide to buying generic medicines online and import rules.
How to buy generic drugs online safely
- Get a valid prescription. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. Your doctor can also confirm that a generic is suitable for you.
- Match the active ingredient and strength. Use the table above to find the generic name, then check the strength matches your prescription exactly.
- Check the pack details. Look at the pack size, the form (tablet, capsule, drops) and the manufacturer on the product page.
- Plan for delivery. Orders are shipped worldwide by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging, and are delivered to the US, UK, Europe and Canada. Order before you run low. Our how to order page explains the steps.
- Tell your doctor. Let your prescriber and pharmacist know which generic you are taking, so your medical records stay accurate.
What to do when your pack arrives
- Check that the active ingredient and strength on the pack match your order and your prescription.
- Look at the expiry date and make sure the packaging is sealed and undamaged.
- Read the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, even if you have taken the brand before.
- Store the medicine as the leaflet says, usually in a cool, dry place away from children.
- If anything looks wrong, do not take it. Contact us and keep the packaging.
At RxPillTab we aim to make the details clear on every product page, so you can compare the generic with what your doctor has prescribed before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Are generic drugs online the same as brand-name medicines?
A genuine generic contains the same active ingredient at the same strength as the brand and is shown to work in the body in the same way. The name, colour, shape and inactive ingredients may be different.
Why are generic medications online so much cheaper?
Generic makers do not repeat the original research and trials, and several companies usually compete to make the same medicine. Online pharmacies also have lower running costs than high-street shops.
Do I need a prescription to buy generic medicine online?
Yes. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine, whether it is a brand or a generic.
Why does my generic pill look different from the brand?
Generic pills often have a different shape, colour or name because of trademark rules and different inactive ingredients. The active ingredient and strength should match. If you are unsure, compare the pack with your prescription or ask a pharmacist.
Can I switch from a brand to a generic?
For most medicines, yes, but speak to your doctor or pharmacist first. They can confirm the generic name and strength and check that switching is suitable for you.
What should I check before I buy medicine online?
Check that the site asks for a prescription, gives full product details, has clear contact information, is honest about delivery and customs, and offers sensible payment options.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Medicines mentioned in this guide
All medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Prices shown are for the smallest pack.
About this guide
Written by the rxptteam8. We base our guides on official sources such as the NHS, the US FDA, the EMA and MedlinePlus, and we update them when guidance changes. Last updated .