Each year we could save £500,000 a year by changing only 20 commonly- prescribed branded medicines to a generic version.

Most medicines have two names:

• The official scientific name (generic name); and
• the name the manufacturer has given to the medicine (brand name)

To make sure NHS funds are not wasted, by buying expensive brand names when cheaper and equally effective products with generic names are available, your doctor will put the generic name of your medicine on your prescription. This might also mean your medicine looks different.

Although generic medicines are cheaper than branded ones, they have the same effect and meet all the same high standards that apply to products with brand names.

The change in your medication should not affect your treatment at all, but if you are uncertain about this, please discuss it with your pharmacist or GP.