Many tablets dispensed in the UK are generic medicines. This page explains what generics are, how they are regulated in the UK, what to know before ordering from abroad, and terms you will see on a generic medicine pack.
A generic medicine contains the same active ingredient, at the same strength, in the same dosage form as an original branded medicine. Once the patent on a brand expires, other manufacturers can produce versions of it. To be approved, a generic has to show that it is bioequivalent to the original, meaning it delivers the active ingredient to the body at a comparable rate and amount.
Generics can look different from the brand. The colour, shape, size, inactive ingredients (such as fillers or coatings) and packaging may all vary. The active ingredient is what matters for how the medicine works, although some people do need to check inactive ingredients, for example if they have an allergy or intolerance.
In the UK, medicines are regulated by a national medicines regulator. It authorises medicines for the UK market, monitors their safety once they are in use, and enforces the rules on how medicines are supplied. A generic sold through UK pharmacies holds a UK marketing authorisation, wherever it was made.
UK health services rely heavily on generic medicines. Doctors are generally encouraged to prescribe by the generic (active ingredient) name, which allows pharmacies to dispense any approved version. That is usually why a repeat prescription box can look different from last month.
A medicine being generic does not change its legal status. In the UK, prescription-only medicines (POMs) need a valid prescription from a qualified prescriber, whether the product is a brand or a generic, and whether it is bought locally or from overseas. A prescription is also how a clinician checks that a medicine suits your health, your other medicines and your dose.
Some people look at overseas suppliers, such as RxPillTab, mainly because of cost or availability. If you are considering this, be aware of the following:
Medicines sent into the UK by post can be examined, held or seized by customs officials, particularly prescription-only or controlled medicines.
The rules depend on the medicine, the quantity and your circumstances. Check the current official UK guidance before ordering, rather than relying on a seller's summary.
Keep your prescription and the order paperwork together in case you are asked for them.
Tell your GP or pharmacist about any medicine you take that was supplied from outside your usual pharmacy, so your records stay complete.
For a broader walkthrough of how ordering generic medicines online works in practice, see this guide on buying generic medicines online.
Is there a generic version of my medicine, and is it suitable for me?
Are there any inactive ingredients I should avoid?
Does it matter if the make of my medicine changes between supplies? (For a few medicines, such as some epilepsy treatments, staying on one version can be advised.)
Would you be comfortable with me using a medicine supplied from overseas, and what should I show you when it arrives?
How should I report a side effect? (Your GP or pharmacist can tell you the right route for this in the UK.)
IP – a pharmacopoeia standard. "Tablets IP" means the product meets that standard.
BP – British Pharmacopoeia, the UK's official collection of standards for medicinal substances and products.
USP – United States Pharmacopeia, the US equivalent standard, often printed on export packs.
MRP – Maximum Retail Price, printed by the manufacturer. It does not reflect UK prices.
Batch (or Lot) number – the code that identifies a production run, used for tracing and recalls. Note it down if you ever need to report a problem.
Mfg. Lic. No. – the manufacturing licence number of the site that made the medicine.
Exp. – the expiry date. Do not use a medicine past this date.
Written by the RxPillTab health team. General information, not medical advice.