Usually we don't think about economic efficiency treatment prescribed by the attending physician until the amount exceeds a certain threshold amount. We do not choose medications, but doctors, pharmacists, and marketers of drug manufacturers decide for us which medications to use.

In order to become an active participant in your own treatment, you need to know that almost all drugs have synonyms (containing the same active chemical substances) and analogues (containing different active substances, but intended for the treatment of the same diseases). The price of analogues and synonyms differs greatly, and the number of such analogues sometimes reaches several dozen. More expensive drugs are distinguished by a greater degree of purification, the presence of additional additives that affect the duration of action of the main substance, the absence of certain side effects. Included in price expensive medicines advertising, a patent component, more complex manufacturing technology and the profit of the manufacturer are included. But cheaper drugs are not counterfeited, since it is not profitable. In addition, all analogs and synonyms also undergo thorough testing and application tests, and only then receive a product brand and their own name for the drug. So, at your doctor’s appointment, you should ask about analogues, the active ingredient of the medicine.

The following table shows analogues and synonyms of many expensive drugs. Prices are very approximate, as they are constantly increasing, but the difference in prices is noticeable.

Table of analogues and synonyms of expensive drugs

Expensive medicine		More cheap analogue or synonym	Approximate price (prices are constantly changing, but the difference remains)	Purpose of the drug
Coldrex	371 ruble	Cold	73 rubles	Antipyretic, immunomodulatory
Azimed	484 rubles	Azithromycin	96 rubles	Antibiotic
Ambrobene	3,5$	Ambroxol	1.75$	For bronchitis
Amlotop	170 rubles	Amlodipine	45 rubles	Hypotensive, antianginal
Antigrippin	90-210 rubles	Antigrippin ARVI/Agri (Antigrinnip)	90/37 rubles	For flu and colds
Arifon	370 rubles	Indap/Indapamide	63/90 rubles
Aspirin, Aspirin Oops	97 rubles	Acetylsalicylic acid	4 rubles	For flu and colds
Aspirin-cardio	135 rubles	Cardiask	35 rubles	Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Atsik	2,5$	Acyclovir	1$	For herpes
ACC (acetylcysteine)	150-200 rubles		8/20-55/35/20 rubles	Against cough
Belosalik	380 rubles	Akriderm SK	40 rubles
Bepanten	230 rubles	Dexpanthenol	83 rubles
Betaserk	520 rubles	Betagistine	220 rubles
Bronchosan (bromhexine)	120 rubles	Solvin / Mukaltin (marshmallow root) / Marshmallow root / Marshmallow syrup / Oregano herb	40-60/8/20-55/35/20 rubles	Against cough
Brufen retard	135 rubles	Ibuprofen	12 rubles
Bystrumgel	150 rubles	Ketoprofen	60 rubles
Valocordin	34 rubles	Corvalol/Corvaldin	8 rubles	Sedative
Viagra	1500 rubles	Sildenafil	540 rubles	For the treatment of erectile dysfunction
Voltaren	284 rubles	Diclofenac	33 rubles
Gastrozol	120 rubles	Omeprazole	50 rubles
Gedelix (ivy leaf extract)	170 rubles	Mucaltin (marshmallow root) / Marshmallow root / Marshmallow syrup / Oregano herb	8/20-55/35/20 rubles	Against cough
Heptral	1902 rubles	Heptor	878 rubles	Antidepressant
De-nol	950 rubles	Gastro-norm	220 rubles
Detralex	642 rubles	Venarus	329 rubles	For treatment varicose veins veins
Diprosalik	280 rubles	Akriderm	180 rubles
Diflucan	480 rubles	Fluconazole	20 rubles	For the treatment of thrush
For the nose	80 rubles	Rinostop/Xylene	17/19 rubles	For a runny nose
Zantac	280 rubles	Ranitidine	50 rubles
Zyrtec	220 rubles	Cetirinax	80 rubles
Zovirax (cream)	370 rubles	Acyclovir	19 rubles
Immunal	202 rubles	Echinacea (drops)	40 rubles	Immunostimulating
Imodium	248 rubles	Loperamide	57 rubles	For diarrhea
Imunotays	46 rubles	Echinacea extract	3 rubles
Iodomarin	236 rubles	Potassium iodite	69 rubles
Cavinton	600 rubles	Vinpacetine	225 rubles
Kapoten	190 rubles	Captopril	11 rubles
Ketoprofen	290 rubles	Ibuprofen	12 rubles	Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory
Claritin	212 rubles	Clarotadine	95 rubles	For allergies
Klacid	615 rubles	Clarithromycin	175 rubles
Coldact	105 rubles	Paracetamol	5 rubles	Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory
Cordipin	41 rubles 10 tablets	Cordaflex	58 rubles 100 tablets	Lowering blood pressure and heart
Creon	263 rubles	Pancreatin	36 rubles	Digestive enzymes
Xenical	2024 rubles	Orsoten	1161 rubles	For weight loss

Lazolvan (ambroxol)	222 rubles	Ambroxol	16 rubles	Bronchitis, pneumonia
Lamisil	390 rubles	Terbinafine	282 rubles	From fungal diseases
Lyoton	7,5$	Trombless	5$	Vascular obstruction
Lyoton 1000	360 rubles	Heparin-acri gel 1000	95 rubles
Lomilan	140 rubles	Loragexal	48 rubles
Losek maps	1120 rubles	Omez	177 rubles
Maxidex	110 rubles	Dexamethasone	40 rubles
Mezim, Mezim-Forte	71 ruble	Pancreatin	36 rubles	Digestive enzymes
Midriacil	350 rubles	Tropicamide	100 rubles
Miramistin	225 rubles	Chlorhexidine	12 rubles
Movalis	691 rubles	Meloxicam	145 rubles	For arthritis
Motilium	10$	Motilak	5,2$	Nausea, heaviness in the stomach
Nazivin	100 rubles	Rinostop/Xylene	17/19 rubles	For a runny nose
Naklofen	3,5$	Diclofenac	1$	Arthritis, rheumatism
Neuromultivitis	100 rubles	Pentovit	40 rubles
Nootropil 400 mg	169 rubles	Piracetam 400 mg	21 ruble
Normodipine	650 rubles	Amlodipine	40 rubles
Notta	154 rubles	Novo-passit	65 rubles	Calming
No-shpa	106 rubles	Drotaverine/spasmol	10/35 rubles	Antispasmodic
Nurofen	68 rubles	Ibuprofen	6 rubles	Anesthetic
Omez	190 rubles	Omeprazole	26 rubles
Otrivin	190 rubles	Rhinostop	20 rubles
Panadol	54 rubles	Paracetamol	24 rubles	Antipyretic
Panangin	156 rubles	Asparkam	11 rubles	Heart arythmy
Pantogam	320 rubles	Calcium hopantenate/Pantocalcin	139/250 rubles	Improves brain activity
Para-plus against lice	400 rubles	Hellebore water	25 rubles
Pentalgin-N	79 rubles	Spazgan	14.5 rubles	Antispasmodics and analgesics
Plavix	2770 rubles	Sylt	900 rubles
Preductal	11$	Triductane	5,5$	Cardiology
Preductal MV	850 rubles	Deprenorm MV	300 rubles
Rhinonorm	45 rubles	Rinostop/Xylene	17/19 rubles	For a runny nose
Sanorin	100 rubles	Naphthyzin	7 rubles
Sumamed	450 rubles	Azithromycin	90 rubles	Antibiotic (for sore throat, pneumonia)
TeraFlu	266 rubles	Influnorm	145 rubles	For flu and colds
Traflu extra for flu and colds	250 rubles	Paracetamol + ascorbic acid	6-45 rubles + 5-20 rubles	For flu and colds
Tiberal	347 rubles	Metronidazole	4 rubles	Antiviral and anti-infective
Trental	220 rubles	Pentoxifylline	50 rubles
Triderm	650 rubles	Akriderm GK	300 rubles
Trichopolum	80 rubles	Metronidazole	10 rubles	Antiviral and anti-infective
Troxevasin	210 rubles	Troxerutin	120 rubles
Ultop	270 rubles	Omeprazole	50 rubles
Ultra-adsorb	247 rubles	Activated carbon	18 rubles
Ursofalk	210 rubles	Ursosan	165 rubles
Fastum-gel	179 rubles	Ortofen	25 rubles	Muscle pain, sprains
Fastum-gel	240 rubles	Ketoprofen	60 rubles	Muscle pain, sprains
Phenotropil 100 mg	711 rubles	Piracetam 200 mg	11 rubles	Improves brain activity
Fervex	83 rubles	Paracetamol	1 ruble	Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory
Finlepsin	250 rubles	Carbamazepine	40 rubles
Flemoxin solutab	95 rubles	Amoxicillin	11 rubles	Antibiotic
Flucostat	135 rubles 1 capsule	Fluconazole/Diflucan	20 rubles/298 rubles 7 capsules	Antibiotic
Forkan	319 rubles 4 capsules	Diflucan	298 rubles 7 capsules	Antibiotic
Furamag	350 rubles	Furagin	40 rubles
Hemomycin	270 rubles	Azithromycin	100 rubles
Echinacea extract Dr. Theis	150 rubles	Echinacea extract. Russian variant	23 rubles	Immunostimulating
Enap	130 rubles	Enalapril	80 rubles	Lowering blood pressure and heart
Ersefuril	390 rubles	Furazolidone	12 rubles

It is worth recalling that both the originals and analogues with synonyms have side effects. Therefore, before use, you should carefully study the instructions.

MEDICINE
Synonyms:

medicine(s), potion, (medicinal) remedy, potion, medicine, antidote, spice, palliative, panacea; balm, drops, ointment, potion, wafer, pills, powder, elixir, lotion, spray, propolis, opium, remedy (heroic, decisive, radical; for (teeth, head), against stomach, laxative); crack, hacking; seed, dick, fucking; alcohol, booze

Dictionary of Russian synonyms

Synonyms:

Drug, remedy, potion, medicine, antidote, medicine, spices, palliative, panacea; balm, drops, ointment, mixture, wafers, pills, powder, elixir.

Doctors gave her all sorts of drugs. The doctor prescribed some powders. Heroic remedy (decisive, radical). To stuff with medicines... ..

Dictionary of Russian synonyms 4

medicine

Synonyms:

agapurin, adalat, adelphan, adenosine triphosphate, adrenaline, azathioprine, azaphen, actinomycin, allopurinol, allochol, albucid, almagel, amidopyrine, amylnitrite, ampiox, analgesic, analgin, analphen, angina, ankofen, antabuse, antigrippin, antipyretic, antipyrine, antirhesus- gamma globulin, antisclerosin, antispasmin, antithyroidin, antifebrin, apilak, apis, apomorphine, aprofen, asparkam, aspirin, asthmatol, asphen, ataractic, atropine, acephen, aeron, bactrim, balm, baralgin, barbamyl, barbital, belloid, benzylpenicillin, besalol, biomycin, bisacodyl, biseptol, bromhexine, bromural, brufen, butadione, validol, valocordin, veronal, veroshpiron, vikalin, vikasol, voltaren, medicine, galazolin, haloperidol, gangleron, hexavit, gendevit, heparin, gerovital, hydrocortisone, glutamevit, gramicidin, deoxyribonuclease, decamevit, diazepam, diazolin, dibazol, digestal, diphenhydramine, disulfan, diuretin, diphenin, dichlorothiazide, dopan, brilliant green, potion, ibuprofen, isadrin, isoniazid, indomethacin, indopan, insulin, ichthyol, calciferol, camphor, carbocromene, carbolene, quaterone, kegamine, clonidine, clofibrate, codeine, cocaine, corazol, cordiamin, corinfar, cortisone, caffeine, levamesol, chloramphenicol, levorin, librium, lidocaine, lapis, ointment, mannitol, medication, mezapam, mezaton, menthol, methotrexate, mydocalm, medicine, muscle relaxant, muscle relaxant, miromistin, morphine, naphthyzin, nembutal, neozepam, nicotinamide, nikoshpan, nitroglycerin, nitrosepam, nitrong, nitrosorbide, novocaine, nootropil, norepinephrine, norsulfazole, noshpa, wafer, oxylidine, oxoline, oletethrin, ohm napon, opiate, opium, oraza, ornid, ortofen, palliative, panangin, panacea, panhexavit, pancreatin, pantocrine, pantopon, papaverine, papazole, papain, paracetamol, parmidine, passit, pachycarpine, pectusin, penicillamine, penicillin, pentalgin, pepsin, peritol, pilocarpine, pill, pipolfen, pyramidon, piracetamol, plasmocide, prednisolone, lotion, progesterone, promedol, prospidin, prostacyclin, protargol, antidote, psoralen, purgen, radedorm, rauwolfin, raunatin, emetic, reserpine, relanium, remantadine, reopirin, riboxin, riboflavin, rutin, sabur, salol, salvarsan, sanorin, santonin, sarcolysin, sedalgin, seduxen, senade, senna, serotonin, sydnocarb, sinalar, synthomycin, sinestrol, scopolamine, laxative, drug, solcoseryl, solutan, antispasmodic, antispasmodic, spermine, spermocrine, spermol, agent, streptomycin, streptocide, strychnine, strophanthus, strophanthin, stugeron, sulfidine, sulgin, sulsen, sulfadimezin, sulfadimethoxin, sulfazol, sulfamide, sulfanilamide, sulfidine, sulfopamide, suppository, suprastin, sustak, tabex, tavegil, tazepam, tannalbin, tebrofen, tempalgin, theobromine, theophylline, thermopsis, terpinhydrate, terramycin, tetracycline, teturam, tincture, thyroxine, tranquilizer, trental, triampur, trioxazine, trypsin, triad, undevit, urodan, urosalphan, urotropin, pharyngosept, phenazepam, phenamine, phenacetin, fenkarol, festal, physostigmine, phytin, flucinar, folliculin, fructose, phthasin, phthalazole, ftivazid, ftorafur, ftorotane, furagin, furacillin, furosemide, quinine, quinine, quinoline, chloral hydrate, holagol, hologon, holosas, cerebrolysin, citrovanillin, citrovanil, eugenol, eserine, elixir, elenium, elixir, embizin, enapapril, enteroseptol, ergotine, erinite, erythromycin, etazol, etamide, ephedrine

MEDICINE meaning

T.F. Efremova New dictionary Russian language. Explanatory and word-formative

medicine

Meaning:

l e medicine

Wed up-down

The activity of a doctor.

lek A greed

Wed

1) A drug used to treat or prevent a disease.

2) transfer Something that helps eliminate misfortune, trouble, an undesirable phenomenon.

S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova Dictionary Russian language

medicine

Meaning:

MEDICINE, -a, cf. Natural or synthetic remedy. Register l. Take l. L. for cough. L. from all troubles(translated: about what helps, helps out in any case; ironic.).

| adj. drug, oh, oh. Medicinal plants. L. drug. Dosage forms(forms given to medicinal products: liquid, soft, solid, aerosol; special).

The life of any medicine begins with a name, of which there may be several - chemical, trade, national non-proprietary, generic or international non-proprietary name of the drug (abbreviated INN). The latter is considered particularly important for all medical and pharmaceutical workers. This name is assigned active substance drug, has worldwide recognition and is considered public property.

Some historical facts about INN

The system of international nonproprietary names was initiated by a resolution of the World Health Assembly in 1950. The first list of INNs was published three years later.

From this period the system started working. Currently, this organization constantly publishes a directory of international nonproprietary names medicines and a magazine containing a list of INNs. The essence of the system is to help healthcare professionals, using an exclusive and at the same time common name throughout the world, identify each pharmaceutical substance. An international range of such substances in INN form is necessary for:

international information exchange between medical and pharmaceutical workers, as well as scientists;
safe prescribing and dispensing to patients;
identification of drugs.

Objectives of the INN system

The international nonproprietary name of a medicine is unique and should not be similar to other names so that it cannot be confused with other widely used names. In order for these names to be used throughout the world, they are non-proprietary, meaning they can be used without restrictions to identify pharmaceutical substances. One of the features of the INN system is that due to the use of common elements of words in the names of substances with similar pharmacological properties, their relationship can be traced.

As a result, any specialist in the field of pharmacy or medicine understands that substances belong to a certain group that have similar activity.

Using INN

INNs belonging to the same pharmacological group have similar properties. names of medicines are used:

when labeling;
in advertising publications;
in scientific literature;
V regulatory documents;
in information about the medicine;
in pharmacopoeias.

Their use is provided for by international or national legislation. To avoid confusion and to ensure that there is no threat to the health of individuals, it is prohibited to borrow trade names from the INN. There are countries that have a specific font size that allow a generic name to be printed under an advertisement or brand marking.

Why is INN assigned?

International generic names medicines in accordance with a certain procedure are assigned by a specially created commission by the World Health Organization (WHO). A generic name helps specialists understand the variety of medications that appear on the pharmaceutical market after the patent for the original drug expires. Many drugs with the same INN have different trade names. For example, a medicine called “Ciprofloxacin” - this INN has about thirty-eight trade names, “Diclofenac” - fifty-two, and the well-known “Paracetamol” - thirty-three. Many drugs are produced based on one substance, for example:

55 drugs are created from penicillin;
from nitroglycerin - 25;
from diclofenac - 205.

Every year total The INN is increasing by more than one hundred items. Currently there are more than eight and a half thousand of them.

How is the list of international nonproprietary names of medicinal products selected and published?

INN is assigned only to those substances that can be characterized chemical formula or nomenclature. In accordance with the policy followed by WHO, names are not selected for herbal and homeopathic preparations, as well as mixtures. In addition, names are not selected for substances that are used for a long period of time. medical purposes under specific names and for some common chemical names, e.g. acetic acid. The selection process itself is quite lengthy, lasting more than two years. After notifying the submitter, WHO publishes all names in a special journal. Throughout the year, starting in 1997, they issue following lists names:

proposed;
recommended.

Moreover, they are compiled in Spanish, English, French, and also contain Latin name each INN. In addition, it is printed full list international nonproprietary names of medicines. It is subject to regular updating. It lists the names on six different languages, including in Latin.

Application of INN

The growth in the number of non-proprietary names is also expanding the scope of their application. Thanks to the global recognition and active use of the INN system in practical medicine Most pharmaceutical substances are designated using an international nonproprietary name. When filling out clinical documents or conducting various studies, INN is used quite widely and has become quite commonplace. In addition, the importance of INN is increasingly increasing as a result of the active use of generic names for pharmaceutical products.

Use of INN in practical medicine

What is international generic name medicines? The Federal Law “On the Circulation of Medicines” deciphers this concept as follows - this is the name of the pharmaceutical substance proposed by WHO. As mentioned above, the INN system was invented to classify and record names active substances and their free use in the medical and pharmaceutical community. Since 2012, in practical medicine, all prescriptions and prescriptions of medications are carried out using INNs, and in their absence, using group names. When selecting a drug, doctors need to distinguish between the following concepts:

name of the active substance;
trade name of a medicine containing a pharmacologically active, i.e., active substance.

In the pharmaceutical market there is great amount trade names drugs that are manufactured by different manufacturers, but have the same active ingredient. In all official instructions By medical use medications, and the packaging also contains the international nonproprietary name of the drug. Knowledge and use of INNs allows doctors to effectively and efficiently prescribe medications, as well as to use limited resources sparingly. financial resources.

Search for analogues and synonyms

Analogues are medicines that have similar pharmacological effect and mechanism of action. Such drugs may belong to different pharmacological groups, have different therapeutic effects, have different contraindications and side effects. For example, "Remantadine", "Kagocel", "Ingavirin" are similar means. Synonyms are drugs with different trade names, but having the same INN. Let's look at a few examples of synonymous drugs. Listed below are medications with the international nonproprietary names “Drotaverine” and “Paracetamol”.

The first includes “No-shpa”, “Spazmol”, “Spakovin”, “Spazmoverin”, the second - “Kalpol”, “Ifimol”, “Prohodol”. Many people confuse these two concepts and often look for cheap analogues in pharmacies. It is important to understand that the analogues are not synonymous, and only a doctor can choose them correctly. And any patient can choose a synonym drug independently, depending on the preferences of a particular trade name and the country of origin of the drug.

When we come for a drug prescribed by a doctor, we may be faced with its absence not only in the pharmacy itself, but also in the warehouse. And it is not always possible to order medicine, for example, from the manufacturer. In this case, the pharmacist or pharmacist offers a replacement for the missing drug - synonym or analogue. The words seem to be well-known and often used in everyday life, but as a rule, not everyone correctly understands their meaning. So what is a synonym and analogue of a drug? We’ll also figure out whether you can trust the pharmacist’s advice on replacing the missing drug.

Synonyms of drugs

For best understanding Let's consider such concepts as international nonproprietary name and trade name of the drug.

Any drug in its composition contains an active or active substance, which has a pharmaceutical (medicinal) effect on the body. The active substance of the medicine is international nonproprietary name(INN). The INN can be seen on the drug packaging. It has a smaller font and is located under trade name- the name under which the drug is sold in the pharmacy.

For example, if Nurofen Forte is not available in pharmacies, a pharmacist or pharmacist may suggest replacing it with Iburofen-Hemofarm, Faspik or Mig 400.

Medicines have same shape release - film-coated tablets in a dosage of 400 mg, and the same active ingredient - ibuprofen. These drugs differ in cost: Nurofen Forte costs about 100 rubles, Iburofen-Hemofarm - 75 rubles, Faspik - 110 rubles, Mig 400 - 150 rubles. These drugs are synonymous and completely interchangeable with each other.

You can also cite illustrative examples for some popular drugs. Voltaren injection solution costs about 300 rubles, its synonym Diclofenac - 58 rubles, Panangin - 140 rubles, synonym Asparkam - 50 rubles, Ketanov - 118 rubles, its synonym Ketorolac - 65 rubles.

The advantage of synonyms is their diversity in the pharmaceutical market and the difference in price range, reaching in some cases hundreds of rubles. A synonymous drug can be selected at the lowest price.

You can find a synonym using a specialized reference book by contacting a doctor or pharmacist. Also, with this replacement, it is necessary to ensure that the dosage of the active substance in the drugs is the same.

Not all drugs have synonyms.

Analogues of medicines

Analogues of medicines- medicines that contain different active ingredients, but are used to treat the same diseases. These medicines have different therapeutic effect, indications and contraindications for use may vary dramatically.

For example, antiviral drugs Arbidol and Kagocel are analogues of each other. These medications have different active ingredients, but belong to the same pharmacological group and are used for influenza.

If a similar replacement of the drug is necessary, you should definitely consult your doctor for greater effectiveness of therapy. The attending physician will take your accompanying illnesses and body characteristics to prevent the development of adverse side effects.

Delivery of medicines and medical products individuals is carried out only for preferential category citizens on the basis of Art. 2 Federal Law RF dated 01/09/1997 N 5-FZ “On the provision of social guarantees to heroes of socialist labor and full holders of the Order of Labor Glory” (as amended on 07/02/2013) and Article 1.1 of the RF Law dated 01/15/1993 N 4301-1 “On the status of Heroes Soviet Union, Heroes Russian Federation and full holders of the Order of Glory."

Synonymous and analog substitution

The AMT service website is an opportunity to obtain information about the availability of synonymous and similar drugs in Moscow pharmacies and compare their prices.

There is no necessary medicine in pharmacies

No doctor is able to constantly monitor changes in the pharmaceutical market, and not a single pharmacy does not have a full range of medicines. Just yesterday the drug was in pharmacies, but tomorrow it is no longer there, and the day after tomorrow it appears again... etc. The situation when The drug prescribed by the doctor is not available in pharmacies, quite common. Using a “synonymous substitution”, you can select a synonym (generic) medicine. Our search program knows more than 20,000 synonymous drugs, and will try to find a replacement automatically if the requested drug is not available in pharmacies.

About money

The choice of medicines in pharmacies today is very wide. And when buying them, we advise you to remember that the most expensive of medicines is not necessarily the most effective, and the cheapest is not the worst. Your expenses for purchasing medications can be a significant part of your budget. It is possible to save money by using synonymous replacement. The financial gain can be very significant, and without compromising your health!

If you have any doubts about choosing a synonym medication - consult your doctor!

What are synonymous drugs?

Synonym - from the Greek synonymos - same name; a word that is very close in meaning to another word. Synonyms are words that are different in sound and spelling, but have the same or very similar meaning.
Well-studied chemical or biological substances, having medicinal effect, and received their names - international nonproprietary names (INN).
Many of these substances are used under different trade names - these are synonymous drugs (synonymous drugs).

Active or active substance (beginning)- this is a unique chemical or biological substance that has a pharmacological (therapeutic) effect on the body. There may be several active substances in one drug, and then it is a combined medicinal product.
International Nonproprietary Name (INN)- this is the “name” of the active substance included in the drug. This “name” is given when the active substance is registered, and this “name” tells the medical professional almost everything that needs to be known about the drug. The INN is the name of the active substance, but does not reflect its formula.
Tradename- this is the “name” under which the drug is sold on the drug market - in pharmacies. It is a trademark of the manufacturer and is protected by patent law. The company has the exclusive right to produce a drug with a specific trade name, and no other pharmaceutical company has no right to use it without paying.

Any drug has its own name, by which we know it and which we call it when asking for the medicine at the pharmacy. The doctor usually tells us this too. However, it must be understood that the trade name does not reflect pharmacological properties drug.

Brands (original drugs)

The company that was the first to establish that a particular substance can be used as a medicine receives for a certain period - usually 5-7 years - the exclusive right to produce a drug where a new substance is used as the active principle (receives a patent for its invention). Doctors and pharmacists call this medicine "original drug" (Brand). The original drugs are the most well-known on the market because they appeared first (who doesn't know brands like Aspirin or Viagra?).

Generics (generic drugs)

After the expiration of patent protection, other pharmaceutical companies have the right to produce their drugs, where active principle is the same substance. Such drugs will have the status "generics". Generics are drugs reproduced from the original. Generic drugs are drugs with expired patent protection against copying. At their core, generics are the same medicine produced under different trade names. Original drugs and generics contain the same active ingredient (they are “synonyms”). A generic is not a counterfeit (illegal counterfeit) if it is officially registered as a medicinal product. At the same time, the cost of an officially registered “genuine generic” approved for sale can be an order of magnitude (10 times) lower than the cost of the “brand”.

Examples of synonyms (brands and generics)

Active substance: Ribavirin. Sold under the names: Rebetol (brand) and Ribaverin-vero, Ribamidil, Ribapeg (generics)
Cetirizine --> Zyrtec (brand) and Zodak, Cetrin, Letizen (generics)
Fluconazole --> Diflucan (brand) and Mikosist, Medoflucon, Forkan (generics)
Enalapril --> Enap (brand) and Berlipril, Renitek, Ednit (generics)
Mesalazine --> Salofalk (brand) And Mesacol, Pentasa, Mezavant (generics)
Clopidogrel --> Plavix (brand) and Zylt, Listab, Lopirel (generics)
Orlistat --> Xenical (brand) and Orsoten, Xenalten, Listata (generics)
See also the INN of active substances in the alphabetical catalog of products:

Differences and problems

There are certain differences in the effects of synonymous drugs from different manufacturers on the body, but these differences are usually not as significant as is commonly believed. They are mainly due to psychological factor, and in some cases, the influence of inactive filler additives (starch, talc, dyes, flavorings, preservatives, thickeners, sugar, sweeteners and other fillers) that are used for production. Inactive additives in the drug may have some effect, but this effect is either not significant or is called a side effect.

For people taking medications, switching to cheaper generic drugs may be associated with some inconvenience due to the determination of a new dosage regimen or the peculiarities of using a new one. dosage form. In such cases It is recommended to consult your doctor.

The state of the pharmaceutical market currently favors the introduction of synonymous medicines into the market under different trade names, which has significantly expanded the pharmacy assortment. In order to make its products recognizable, the manufacturer assigns its trade name to the active substance. Registration of a trade name allows the manufacturer to safely invest money in an advertising campaign and promote their “branded medicine”. After this, other manufacturers producing the same chemical structure and biological effect medicine, it is allowed to sell it under a different name... Registration of a new trade name gives the manufacturer the opportunity to safely invest money in an advertising campaign and promote their “branded medicine”... etc. Any drug manufacturer can do this. This is where there is such an abundance of trade names on pharmacy shelves, what we now have to figure out...
There is a financial problem, which largely influences the choice. The budget is not bottomless - be guided by this...
There is a problem of constantly monitoring the uniformity of the action of the original medicine and its generic. Consult your doctor...
There are psychological moments - magic trade name well-known company - the author of the drug. Use common sense...