Generic Names and Brand Names

Medications can be known by 2 names,  the name of the ingredient this can also be called the ‘generic’ name or alternatively the brand name which is given to it by the manufacturer. An example of this would be a vacuum cleaner this is what we call the generic name but a brand name would be a Dyson V6 Total Clean, or a Hoover Wind Tunnel.

Clicks on the links to the right to download information about each of these groups of medications.

Each group contains the link to the PIL – Patient Information Leaflet and the SPC Summary of Product Characteristics. The PIL has been written for patients while the SPC is more detailed and contains specific information for prescribers. In the Patient Information Leaflet you can read how best to take the medication and the side effects.