Medicine and name confusion

When you purchase medicine at the pharmacy, you perhaps experience that your medicine changes name and appearance. The pharmacy has an obligation to offer you the cheapest medicine. This is called substitution. This is because there are several companies which make the same medicine.

On the medicine packaging you can always see the name which the pharmaceutical company has given the medicine and the name of the active substance. The active substance is also on the label which the pharmacy applies. For example, paracetamol is the active substance in some pain-relieving non-prescription medication, but the medicine may be called something as different as Pamol, Pinex, Panodil and so on.

You yourself may ask to receive the medication which your doctor has prescribed. Your doctor may also write on the prescription that the pharmacy MUST give you a medicine with a specific name. Be aware that there may be differences in price if you want a medication with a specific name in relation to the cheapest alternative.

If you experience a lack of effect or adverse reactions, you must talk to your doctor. If you have questions about your medication, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.