Equivalent drugs are copies of advertised medicines, essentially the same but sold at lower prices. They are also called generic drugs.

Equivalent medicines have, compared to reference medicines:

• the same active ingredient, which performs the therapeutic function;

• the same amount of active substance;

• the same pharmaceutical form (tablets, pills, powders, etc.).

In equivalent drugs, the following changes:

• the name of the medicine;

• the price;

• any excipients, which should be checked before taking

An equivalent medicine may contain excipients different from those of the reference medicine.

Some excipients may have repercussions on certain categories of patients: this information is provided in detail in the package leaflet.

For example, drugs containing sucrose must be administered with caution to patients with diabetes.

Equivalent drugs have a lower price compared to reference medicines.

Every new drug has a patent that generally lasts 10 years, after which other pharmaceutical companies can replicate it and market it. All equivalent drugs must still be authorized by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

All equivalent drugs state on the box: Equivalent Medicine.

AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency) updates the list of equivalent drugs marketed monthly, reporting for each drug the maximum reimbursement amount from the health service. 

Antibiotics

fight bacterial infections, for example pneumonia caused by pneumococci or staphylococcal infections.

Only a doctor can confirm the need to take antibiotics and prescribes them to their patient, who must use them responsibly.

• A particular antibiotic may be effective against one type or multiple types of bacteria, but there is no antibiotic effective against all types of bacteria.

Correct use of antibiotics

• use antibiotics only if specifically prescribed by a doctor, not those left over from a previous treatment or obtained without a prescription;

• follow the doctor's instructions on how to use them (timing, days, etc.);

• do not keep unused antibiotics after the treatment cycle;

• do not take them in the case of viruses, such as for colds or flu. They provide no benefit;

• if possible, prevent infections through vaccinations;

You can report any suspected adverse reaction to a medicine (serious and non-serious, known and unknown), resulting from therapeutic error, abuse, misuse, overdose, and occupational exposure.

To do this, you need to fill out the reporting form and send it:

• by e-mail to the Pharmacovigilance Responsible of your ASL; 

• by e-mail to the holder of the Marketing Authorization (AIC) of the medicine suspected of causing the adverse reaction;

• online at the AIFA website.