Brand vs generic medicines in Pakistan
Last reviewed 12 October 2026
Short answer: Every medicine has a generic name, which is its active ingredient, and may be sold under many brand names by different companies. Two products with the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form are meant to do the same job, but they can have very different prices. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before you switch brands.
Generic name and brand name
| Generic name | Brand name | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The name of the active ingredient | The name a company gives its own product |
| Example | Paracetamol | The name printed in large letters on the pack |
| How many | One for each ingredient | Many brands can share one generic name |
| Where to find it | Usually in smaller print on the pack, near the strength | The main name on the pack |
This is why one medicine can look very different from shop to shop. The ingredient is the same, but the name, packaging and price are chosen by each company.
Why prices differ between brands
- Company pricing. Each manufacturer registers its own product and price, within DRAP's rules. For some medicines, DRAP fixes a maximum retail price that applies to every brand. See how DRAP sets medicine prices.
- Pack size. A bigger pack costs more in total but may cost less per tablet. See pack sizes explained.
- Marketing and brand reputation. Well-known brands may be priced higher.
- Formulation and extras. The same ingredient can be sold as a plain tablet, a coated tablet, a combination product or a different release form, and each is priced differently.
How to compare brands fairly
A comparison only makes sense when these four things match:
- The same active ingredient.
- The same strength, for example 500mg and 500mg, not 500mg and 250mg.
- The same dosage form, for example tablet and tablet.
- The same pack size, or compare the price per tablet or per millilitre.
Then use the price per unit. A pack of 20 tablets at Rs 100 costs Rs 5 per tablet. A pack of 30 at Rs 120 costs Rs 4 per tablet, so the larger pack is cheaper per tablet even though it costs more in total.
Is a cheaper brand as good?
For many common medicines, a registered brand with the same ingredient, strength and form is a reasonable alternative to a more expensive one. But it is not always a simple choice, and it is not a decision to make alone. Ask your pharmacist or doctor first, especially when:
- your doctor prescribed a specific brand and told you to stay on it;
- the medicine is for a long-term condition, such as epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart disease or diabetes, where small differences between products can matter;
- the product is a combination of ingredients, because the combination and strengths must match exactly;
- the medicine is for a child, an older person or a pregnant woman.
Whatever you choose, buy a registered product with a clear label. Our guides on reading a medicine label and spotting fake or unregistered medicines explain what to check.
Questions to ask your pharmacist
- Is there another registered brand with the same ingredient, strength and form?
- Is it safe to switch from the brand my doctor wrote?
- What is the price per tablet of each option?
Frequently asked questions
Does a higher price mean a better medicine?
Not necessarily. Price reflects the company's pricing, marketing and pack, not only quality. Check that the product is registered and properly labelled, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
How do I find the generic name on the pack?
Look for the name of the active ingredient near the strength, usually in smaller print, for example "Paracetamol 500mg". If you are unsure, ask the pharmacist to point it out.
Can I swap brands on my own?
For a short, simple medicine, a pharmacist can often help you choose another registered brand. For a prescribed or long-term medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources
- DRAP, PharmaPrice Index, for registered products, strengths, pack sizes and prices.
- DRAP, dra.gov.pk.