Generic medicines and brand-name medicines share the same active ingredient, but other characteristics, such as colors and flavorings, that do not affect the performance, safety, or effectiveness of the generic medicine, may be different.

Can a different brand of medication cause side effects?

If you take one of these medicines, the MHRA says there's usually no need to stay on a particular drug company's version. This is because differences between versions should not cause any problems with seizures or side-effects.

Why generic drugs are not the same?

Trade laws forbid generic drugs to look exactly like the brand-name drugs but must all have the same active ingredients for the same medicinal effects. These differences often come from non-active ingredients used such as the dyes, fillers, and preservatives, which help to determine the size, shape and color.