When a pharmaceutical company develops a new medicine, the active ingredient is protected by a patent for around 20 years. After it expires, other manufacturers may offer the same active ingredient as a generic. The generic must contain the same amount of active ingredient and be 'bioequivalent', meaning it works in the body just as quickly and strongly as the original. In Switzerland, Swissmedic tests and approves these products. There may be differences in excipients, colour, shape or name – but not in the actual effect.
Because the development and research costs are eliminated, generics are cheaper, in Switzerland often around 20–50 % less than the original. This saves money for patients and for the health system. In the pharmacy, staff may in many cases substitute a prescribed original with a generic containing the same active ingredient, unless the doctor has expressly ruled it out.
Particularly relevant in Switzerland is the 'differentiated co-payment': if you choose an original even though a substantially cheaper generic is available, you pay a 20 % co-payment instead of the usual 10 %. So choosing the generic saves twice – a lower price and a lower co-payment. Medically, generics are equivalent for the vast majority of treatments; for a few sensitive active ingredients (e.g. certain epilepsy or thyroid drugs) it is better to discuss a switch with the doctor or pharmacist.
A specific price advantage cannot be stated in general, as it varies by product; as a rough guide generics are often a fifth to a half cheaper (no guarantee). Questions about tolerability, interactions or switching are answered free of charge in a pharmacy consultation.