Why different countries have different names for the same medicine?
In: Economics
Many names for medicine are brand names. For example, in the United States, Band-aid is such a commonly used term that it’s become the typical word to describe small adhesive bandages, but it’s actually a specific brand and most bandages aren’t band-aids.
Well, in other countries, the same brands may not be equally popular and there may be different regulations making alternate brands more or less prominent.
Also, different countries have different dialects even if they speak the same language. Many words are just slightly different.
some of it is plain old marketing; some of it is regulatory.,…..
say you have medicine1. in the usa medicine1 is approved for A/B/C/D however in the euripean union medicine1 is only approved for a/b/d
this might confuse (rightfully) confuse or anger people…..if the EU says medicine1 doesnt do C; why does the USA say that it does?!?!?!?!
the easy solution is to change the name of the drug; same drug; different name; different list of approved uses…..no controversy…..because people wont look beyond the name
Drugs are given an official name when they are made. The manufacturer usually sells the drug under a different brand name.
Why do they do this? Because a drug patent only lasts for 20 years, but a trademark can last forever.
For instance Pfizer developed an erection drug called Sildenafil but they sold it under the name Viagra.
The patent for Sildenafil has expired. Any drug company can make it. But only Pfizer can call it Viagra. They can charge more than other companies because they have brand recognition. Even though it’s chemically identical. Some generic brands of drugs are sold under their own brand name.
Sometimes drugs in foreign countries are made on license. Which means a rival company pays to make a drug that is still patent protected. Those drugs will usually be sold under a different name.
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