Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the original brands and are often far cheaper. For that reason, many patients now buy generic medicine online, from eye drops such as bimatoprost to weight loss capsules such as orlistat. A little care makes the process safer.
Start with a prescription: a valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. A careful store will always ask to see it. Be wary of more info any website that skips this step.
Next, check the details: the active ingredient, the strength and the pack size should be clearly listed. Generic packs often look different from the brand you know, and that is normal.
For a step-by-step checklist, this guide covers the key checks.
Some common examples: bimatoprost eye drops are used once a day in the evening, and you should leave five minutes between different drops. Generic orlistat is taken with meals that contain fat and works best with a low-fat diet, plus a multivitamin at bedtime.
On delivery, check the name, strength and expiry date and keep the leaflet. Let your doctor know which product you are taking.
There is more detail here.
This article is for general information only. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine.