Category: Health Services

A generic is, in a way, a replica of the innovator. It can appear on the market as soon as the patent for the original product has expired. It contains the same active ingredients in the same quantity, and it must meet the same strict federal standards, particularly concerning the manufacture and quality control of the product. The generic is therefore considered to be therapeutically equivalent to the original product. There may be a difference in the presentation of the, which includes shape, size, colour, or taste since the inactive ingredients (colour, flavour, preservative) are not necessarily the same for both products. As for the excipients used for generics and innovatives, they come from a limited range of products. The active ingredients of a generic and an innovative must meet the same scientific standards as the Therapeutic Products Directorate of the Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada. The notice of compliance issued by Health Canada means that the product meets the standards of the Food and Regulations concerning, among other things, the efficacy, safety, purity, and manufacturing quality of the product.