When a Nigerian pharmacist reaches for a branded paracetamol rather than a generic equivalent costing a third of the price, they are rarely doing so because the branded version is more effective. For the vast majority of common medications, generic and branded versions are therapeutically equivalent.
What makes a medication “generic”?
A generic medication is produced after the original manufacturer’s patent expires. It must demonstrate bioequivalence — absorbed by the body at the same rate and extent as the original. NAFDAC requires this equivalence data before approving any generic for sale in Nigeria.
The price difference is real and substantial
Our price survey across 24 Lagos pharmacies found that generic alternatives cost between 60% and 85% less on average. For a patient on a daily cardiovascular medication, this difference can mean savings of ₦60,000 or more per year.
“Ask your pharmacist: ‘Do you have a NAFDAC-approved generic alternative, and how much does it cost?’ You have the right to that information.” — Nigerian Pharmaceutical Association
When branded really is better
For a small number of medication categories — certain epilepsy drugs and narrow therapeutic index medications — switching between branded and generic versions should only happen under medical supervision. Always consult your prescribing doctor in these cases.