About Generic Pharmaceuticals

Are generic prescription drugs as effective as brand-name prescription drugs?

YES! Generic prescription drugs are as effective as brand name prescription drugs. The main differences between generic drugs and brand name drugs tend to be price and name, with generic pharmaceuticals almost always being cheaper.

What are generic drugs?

After a pharmaceutical company discovers a new drug they give it a chemical or generic name that reflects its chemical construction. The company who discovered the drug will have exclusive patented rights to sell that drug, for up to 20 years or more and generally will sell it under an invented brand name for marketing purposes. After the patent expires or is invalidated other generic drug companies can then produce the chemical drug at a much lower price because of greatly reduced research and development expense, and competition from many other generic drug companies.

Do all drugs have a generic equivalent available?

While all drugs have a generic or chemical name, not all prescription drugs have generic equivalents available for purchase. From Jan Drugs you will find many generic drugs available that may not be available in your own country. This is because patent laws vary from country to country and Jan Drugs can often make a generic equivalent drug available to you from one of our international pharmacies prior to it being available in the US.

Can I order a generic prescription drug if my doctor has written my prescription using the brand name?

Yes, you may order a generic equivalent of your drug as long as your doctor has not specifically said you must get brand name only. The format that doctors write prescriptions in varies but generally as long as your doctor has not written "No Sub" or checked a pre-printed box on the prescription pad saying "Substitution not allowed" you may get the generic. The way doctors write prescriptions vary greatly so if you have questions about how your prescription was written; just call us and ask.

What if I order a generic prescription drug and I find it doesn't work?

You may return any unused portion of your prescription, for any reason, for a full pro-rated credit on your Jan Drugs account. You can then use the credit to purchase the brand name drug if you like.

If you'd like your money back a restocking fee applies. See Jan Drugs pharmacy return policy

What if I don't want generic prescription drugs, can I opt to have only brand-name prescription drugs?

Yes. On the questionnaire you can indicate whether or not generic prescription pharmaceuticals are acceptable.

If you wish to have generic prescription drug substitution on only some of your prescriptions, you can do any one of the following:

Get your doctor to write the prescription specifically requesting the generic prescription drug.
On the questionnaire in the "Medications Being Ordered" section write the brand name of the prescription drug desired then put the word (GENERIC) in parenthesis beside it.

Write a note and include it when you send in the questionnaire indicating which prescription drugs you wish to have filled with generic prescription drugs and which you require the brand name prescription drug.

Manitoba, Canada, International Pharmacists Association

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Jan Pharmacy
250-530 Kenaston Blvd.
Winnipeg MB R3N 1Z4
Canada

1-866-395-DRUG (3784) (toll free)
1-866-412-DRUG (3784) (toll free fax)

1-647-426-7039 (local or outside North America phone)
1-204-928-2039 (local or outside North America fax)

All Canadian prescriptions are filled by Jan Pharmacy, licensed by the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association, License # 32476