Spotlight on generic versus branded Parkinson’s medication

Some people notice this when switching between a branded product, created by the pharmaceutical company who developed the drug originally, and generic versions of the medicine produced by other manufacturers. Generic drugs can only be produced by other manufacturers 10 years after the original medicine is licensed. Many Parkinson’s drugs were developed decades ago, and now a lot of them are available in generic form.

Generic drugs are cheaper than branded drugs, and their manufacture is regulated to ensure that they contain the same active ingredient as branded drugs. Generic medicines are used by the NHS because they cost far less, and the majority of patients respond as well to them as they do branded medicines. 

Prescription at diagnosis

People with Parkinson’s will generally receive a generic prescription the first time they are prescribed a drug, due to NHS guidelines that aim to keep the cost of drugs low. It should be noted that patients can also have different experiences, including side effects, on different generic versions, as there are many different manufacturers. Patients are usually recommended to ask their pharmacist to get the same type each time, whether branded or generic. It should be noted that it's not always possible to obtain drugs from a specific manufacturer, and medicines shortages can exacerbate this problem.

If patients experience side-effects or lack of efficacy when switching from one manufacturer to another they should report this to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

In hospital and in the community

The majority of people with Parkinson’s will be given a generic prescription, but some people may be prescribed branded medicines. When patients are admitted to hospital while on branded medications, they may be switched to generic during their stay.

Patients should be kept on the same medication wherever possible. 
Parkinson’s UK produces an Away From Home Kit for people with Parkinson’s to take with them if they need to stay in hospital. It advises patients to take an accurate and up-to-date list of all the medication they are currently taking, with timings and doses and information on whether the drug is branded or generic. You can view and order the free Away From Home Kit here.

Supply issues

While we're aware of the potential issues faced by people with Parkinson’s when changing from branded to generic medication or between generic medications, sometimes it's not possible to stay on the same version of a drug due to supply issues.

Pharmacists can't control the manufacturer of drugs they order in, and those manufacturers can also be affected by supply chain issues which can make medications unavailable. Pharmacists should aim to supply the same generic brand of medication, but this may not always be possible.

A generic substitution would be an acceptable alternative to leaving the patient with no medication at all. Where substitution does occur, explain to the patient and carer why a different preparation has been dispensed.