Nurofen in court in Australia

fedupconsumer

RichardD1970 wrote: »

I hardly ever buy branded drugs, the active ingredients in generic/own brands are usually exactly the same for a fraction of the cost.

Indeed, and for those who have long term pain issues GP's prescribe generic ibuprofen anyway. They do the same job if not better.

teddysmum

There have been a few tv programmes about generic drugs and big name profits from the same item in a fancy box, but there are still people who insist that you get what you pay for. (Yes; a fancy box),


Many years ago, a Boots pharmacist suggested I buy their brand instead of Gaviscon, as it's the same product, but much cheaper.


I don't need over the counter drugs, nowadays, but when asked to collect some Calpol, for my grandson, was amazed at how much cheaper Tesco's own brand was (but had to get the former as he may not have liked the Tesco cherry flavour).

barbiedoll

pmduk wrote: »

I'd be interested to know why Which? feels this isn't a problem in the UK?

I don't think that Which? will investigate this issue because, despite extensive coverage over the years, with articles in TV shows, newspapers and magazines, and endless trials showing that there are absolutely no differences in the ingredients of generic and branded products, consumers are still stupid and gullible enough to fall for marketing hype and branding.

Someone mentioned the "hand in the bucket of iced water" test. I saw such a test on television recently, (possibly last year?) which did indeed show enhanced pain relief when the (human) guinea pigs were told that they were taking a branded product. When they had no idea whether or not they had taken a branded tablet, the pain relief experienced, was similar for both products.

The placebo effect is real and has been proved by many experiments. This is something upon which drug manufacturers rely, the gullibility of consumers knows no bounds!

I haven't bought branded medicines for many years, when my son was small, he was given generic paracetamol, whether or not he liked the taste! (he got a sweetie afterwards in any case!)

I think that Nurofen, Anadin and so on, are taking the mick, but then again, if you're dim enough to think that a 200mg ibuprofen tablet is going to take away your period pain any more efficiently than a bog-standard Asda tablet, just because it's in a pink box and costs 6 x as much, then more fool you....:rotfl:

Sharon87

The only thing I find important in a painkiller is the strength I require and also the shape and if it's easy to swallow or not.

I don't like the big round paracetamol you get that you have to break in half to even swallow! I tend to go for the smaller sized ones or capsules.

I only buy Nurofen or branded products if it's the only option in the store and I'm desperate. Usually when most of the regular shops are shut and I have to go to the local shops!

I used to buy Nurofen Cold and Flu tablets, but Boots do their own version now so I get that instead.

silvercar

Formulations can make a difference, a slow release formulation of the same strength will act for longer than a cheaper instant release product.

In the example ibuprofen lysine will release quicker than straight ibuprofen. If you need a quick acting product then you should take note of the formulation.

Where nurofen were caught out in Australia was their claim that certain tablets targeted certain areas of the body, even though it was the same strength product and same formulation used throughout.