Generic vs Branded Medicines: What Really Changes?

Every medicine has two names: the salt (generic) name and the brand name. 'Paracetamol 650mg' is the salt; 'Dolo 650' is a brand of it. Both contain exactly the same active ingredient in the same strength.

Brand prices include marketing, distribution margins and brand-building costs. Generic medicines sold through Jan Aushadhi Kendras skip most of that, which is why Telmisartan 40mg costs around ₹18 with us against an MRP of ₹145 for a popular brand.

How to check: look at the small print on your strip. It lists the composition. Bring your prescription to any HealthRiver store or upload it on this website, and our registered pharmacist will map every brand on it to its Jan Aushadhi equivalent and show you the exact saving before you confirm the order.