Eli5: what is the difference between a generic drug to the original drug, and why do some doctors will swear by the original drug?

Question

Eli5: what is the difference between a generic drug to the original drug, and why do some doctors will swear by the original drug?

In: 1046

Answer 1

In the UK at least, most doctors prescribe by the generic name in the majority of occasions. There are a few exceptions e.g. with epilepsy medications and some long-acting blood pressure meds where each brand is slightly different to each other despite being the same active drug (as explained in other posts).

Some doctors also prescribe by brand name because they are more familiar with it by that name (a little frowned upon), there are no generics available (still patented) or they have become a little too cosy with drug reps…