Generic and Branded Generic Medicines

NHS North East London (NEL) supports the use of generic medicines as the preferred option for most NHS prescriptions. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way as branded medicines, but are usually prescribed using their approved generic name rather than a brand name.

Using generic medicines helps the NHS provide better value for money, supports a reliable supply of medicines, and reduces the risk of prescribing or dispensing errors. Generic prescriptions also allow community pharmacies to obtain medicines from a wider range of suppliers, helping patients access their medicines more quickly.

For these reasons, NHS NEL does not routinely support the prescribing of branded generic medicines. However, there are some important exceptions. A medicine may be prescribed by brand name where this is clinically necessary, for example when different brands are not interchangeable, when a specific device requires patient training, or when there are safety concerns. Brand prescribing may also be appropriate for some patients if changes in the appearance, taste, or name of their medicine could cause confusion or affect adherence.

In some cases, a specific brand may be recommended because it has a lower environmental impact or provides clear benefits for patient care. Any such decisions are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain safe, effective, appropriate, and cost-effective for NHS patients.