Generic vs Brand Savings
See how much you can save by switching to a generic equivalent
Calculate Your Savings
Enter the price per fill for both the brand-name and generic version of your medication.
Why Generics Are Safe and Effective
Same molecule, same effect
Generic drugs contain the exact same active ingredient as the brand-name version, in the same dosage and form. Health Canada requires rigorous bioequivalence testing to ensure generics work identically in your body.
100%
Same active ingredient
80-90%
Typical cost reduction
70%+
Of Canadian Rx are generic
The only differences between generics and brand-name drugs may be inactive ingredients (fillers, coloring, flavoring) that do not affect how the drug works. Brand-name drugs cost more because manufacturers need to recoup R&D investment. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce the same drug at a fraction of the cost.
Did You Know?
Health Canada requires generics to contain the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand-name drug.
Generic drugs save Canadians over $18 billion per year according to the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association.
In Canada, generics are typically priced at 25% of the brand-name price for the first generic entrant.
Over 70% of all prescriptions dispensed in Canada are for generic medications.
Switching to generics could save the average Canadian household $500-$1,200 per year on prescriptions.
Generic manufacturers must demonstrate bioequivalence — meaning the generic is absorbed at the same rate and extent as the brand.