Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name versions and are often far cheaper. For that reason, many patients now choose to buy medicine online, from eye drops such as bimatoprost to weight loss capsules such as orlistat. A little care goes a long way.
Start with a prescription: a valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. A careful store will ask for it. Avoid any website that skips this step.
Look closely at the product: the active ingredient, the strength and the pack size should be clearly listed. Generic tablets may look different from the brand you know, and that is expected.
To read a fuller guide, see this plain-English guide walks through each step.
Some common examples: glaucoma drops such as bimatoprost or latanoprost are used once a day in the evening, and you should leave five minutes between different drops. Orlistat 120 mg is taken with meals that contain fat and works best with a low-fat diet, plus a multivitamin at bedtime.
Once your order comes, compare the pack with your prescription and read the patient leaflet. Tell your doctor which product you are taking.
There is more detail in this article.
This article is for general information website only. Always check with your doctor before starting a new medicine.