▲ ▼ Finding generic equivalents for branded drugs
Generic medicines are literally the saviour of lives for those who cannot afford the branded medications. I often find it difficult to locate the generic equivalent for branded drugs mentioned in the prescription.
Sites like express-scripts and netcareclinic have information on generic drugs, but they are not as straightforward as a consumer would wish to be. There are number of websites from India, which is not surprising as it is a world leader in generic medicine; but the sites don't last long and not all medications listed there are available outside India.
I would wish for an app, which lets me scan the prescription and get generic drug equivalents with all necessary information immediately.
As you've mentioned, India is a leader in generic drugs but even here; middle income population are largely not aware of the availability of cheap generic equivalents for branded medicine prescribed by the doctor as most clinics and hospitals coerce the patients into buying medicine from their own store in-spite of govt. taking various measure to promote generic drugs (e.g. separate unbranded generic drug stores - Jan Aushadhi, considering amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules for mandatory generic medicine prescription).
Why do you need to know this? The doctor and pharmacist are the ones that need to know this, not sure why you would.
A Google search of the medicine also reveals any generic names.
I would like to take informed decision about the medicines I and my family consume; don't wish to blindly trust the doctor and the pharmacist with it. I guess OP, feels like that as well.
Yes, I feel the same way; transparency in medication is very important.