Brand vs. generic cold medication

Brand vs. generic cold medication

Should you judge a cold-relief drug by its cover? Explore your options so you can make an informed decision at the pharmacy.
Updated:
2009-10-01 10:34
Published:
2004-11-10 00:00
By 
Christina Bernardo

Brand- vs. generic-name products

Brand- vs. generic-name products
According to Eckel, consumers can save up to 25 per cent when they buy store-brand products versus name-brand ones. "The reason that the store brand is less expensive than the advertised product is primarily (because of) the cost of promotion," he says. Store-brand products aren't typically advertised and the savings are passed on to the consumer. 
For over-the-counter store-brand medicine, the quality and effectiveness is often equal to the advertised brand and you will probably find that both contain the same active ingredients. "Shoppers Drug Mart certainly is so confident that their brand [Life Brand] is going to have the same effect as the brand name that they have a full money-back [guarantee]," says Stewart. 
On many store shelves, you'll find the generic brand right next to the advertised brand. By comparing the active ingredients of the two packages, you may find that they are equal in potency. You'll often find a difference in the inactive ingredients like the flavouring -- and the price.

Active Ingredients
Before heading to the pharmacy, check out the following list of active ingredients to treat common cold and flu symptoms:

Pain relief (to relieve aches and fever):
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen Sodium

Cough (suppressants and expectorants):
• Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin

Runny nose/itchy and watery eyes (antihistamines):
• Diphenhydramine
• Loratadine

Congestion (decongestants):
• Pseudoephedrine
• Oxymetazoline

Page 2 of 2
Advertisement
Send to a friend

E-mail it

Brand vs. generic cold medication

* marked fields are required.

Your Comments

Post a Comment
  • PL wrote:

    Oct 15, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    Acetaminophen is NOT the chemical name, it is a generic name. The chemical name for acetaminophen (commonly otherwise known as paracetamol) is N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanamide (IUPAC).
  • Lisa Mahoney wrote:

    Nov 29, 2004

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    A very important product I had the no-name versus brand name conflict with was maternity vitamins. Everytime I went to a pharmacy to get some they always suggested I get the no-name brand because it is exactly the same but a few dollars cheaper. I did for quite a while until I noticed there was a difference. The no-name brand had a lot less iron in it. Which was something I was already low on in the first place. So it is definetly smart to read the labels yourself.
  • TDemidoff wrote:

    Dec 14, 2004

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    I agree that buying generic vs. brand name products can save you money. I also would advise on reading the label for amounts comparable to the generic vs. brand. While they may contain the same active ingredients, it may not be in same amounts, or you in the same amount of suspension liquid or capsule; Making you take twice the dose amount of liquid or tablets/capsules to equal the same dosage level. If in doubt, always ask your pharmacist.
Add Comment

All fields are mandatory.

Advertisement

Sign up for Insider Access,
Our Free E-Newsletter

Contests, recipes, member-only perks and more! Get Homemakers.com's monthly newsletter.

Newsletter

get your
Download of the Month

Personal health notes

Use our printer-friendly sheets to keep a record of your health and wellness issues.

Download now!

how to
Follow Homemakers Online

Contests

more contests

Partners

Weblocal.ca Find. Rate. Share.

Find Local Businesses

Find Local Businesses

Advertisement Advertisement

Transcontinental Media contact information

Médias Transcontinental
Street Address
1100 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest
Extended Address
24th floor
Locality
Montréal
Region
QC
Country
CA
Postal Code
H3B 4X9
Latitude
45°29' 55" N
Longitude
73°34' 13" W
Work
+1 514 392 9000
Fax
+1 514 392 1489