According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, only about one-third of the prescriptions filled at pharmacies in the U.S. are for brand name drugs. The rest are generic versions of those drugs. The generic versions are usually known by the drug’s name, are produced by a variety of manufacturers, and are generally much less expensive than the brand name version. But what are the actual differences between brand name drugs and their generic cousins?*

Safety and efficacy

Before a new brand name drug can go to market, it must pass a rigorous series of tests to ensure both safety and efficacy for human use. The drug then enters the market at a hefty price, usually as an innovative and eagerly-awaited treatment (and to cover the gargantuan costs of testing). Once the brand name’s patent protection expires, other manufacturers can produce and distribute the medication in generic form.

The generic drugs are not required to undergo the same testing, but they are still governed by strict government regulations. 

Generic medications must:

• Contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug 
• Be identical in strength and form of administration (capsule, eye drop, tablet, pill, etc.)
• Be similar in the way the active ingredient is absorbed by the body (bioequivalence)
• Meet the same standards of quality as the brand name medication

Brand name vs. generic eye drops

Systemic generic medications affecting multiple parts of the body and are required to show bioequivalence. They may not be required, however, to show that the therapeutic effect of the drug is the same as that of the branded drug. 

With systemic drugs, proper absorption can easily be determined with a blood test. This is not the case with eye drops. 

The safety of packaging and bottle manufacturing for branded eye drop medications is strictly regulated. The brand name drug will have been approved in a specific form. 

Generic eye drops, on the other hand, can differ as to:

• Bottle size
• Drop size
• Number of doses in a container

All of these can affect price, supply, and efficacy.

Pros and cons of generic eye drops

There are several benefits to purchasing generic drops—the primary one being their comparatively low cost. For people taking multiple medications, the savings can be significant. Studies show a direct correlation between a lower cost of glaucoma eye drops and greater patient compliance. Statistically, most generic drugs work for most people.

Despite the high standards and oversight required, however, the differences that are allowed can still impact eye drop users in significant ways.

These include:

• The different size and design of the bottle and eye dropper may make administering the drops awkward or difficult.
• The size and design of the bottle and dropper may also affect the size of the drop that is released. This can affect dosage and efficacy. It can also cause you to run out of medication before you can refill the prescription. 
• The differences in inactive ingredients used, along with other allowable changes may cause the drops to feel different in your eye from month to month.

Should I use brand name or generic eye drops?

Speak with your eye doctor about which option might be best for you. Let them know if the bottle or manufacturer of your drops changes, so you can both monitor any changes in the effectiveness. 

If generic drops are ineffective for you, or you are unable to tolerate them, your eye doctor can help you submit the necessary paperwork to have your insurance company cover the brand name medication. 

*Cantor, L. B. (2019, Jun. 3). Generic Medications: Are They the Same? Glaucoma Research Foundation. https://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/generic-medications-are-they-the-same.php