Branded vs. Unbranded Medication: Which Should You Choose?

30 June, 2025  |  Jane Thomas - Marketing

When it comes to our health - and deciding which medications to take - there's often a lot of debate around branded and unbranded medications. From erectile dysfunction treatments to weight loss tablets and everything in between, virtually any medication you can think of has a 'branded' version (with its own trademarked name) and an 'unbranded' version - which is usually named after the main active ingredient in the medication.

But what are the differences between the two options? And which route should you take next time you order from your pharmacy? We're going to break things down right here, covering the pros and cons of both types of medication so you can make an informed decision.

What is 'branded' and 'unbranded' medication - and what are the differences?

First up, let's start with the basics. What exactly are branded and unbranded medications, and how do they differ from each other?

• Branded medications are typically pioneering treatments created by pharmaceutical giants. The company that created the drug will give it a unique brand name, which is trademarked so that only they can use it. This helps with brand recognition and makes the medicine easier to locate on store shelves. And, because the original creator of the medicine poured all that money and time into creating it, they typically charge a premium price. They've got to recoup their investment, after all.

• Unbranded (or generic) medications are created by rival companies to compete with the branded alternative. They have to be sold under a different name, but they can utilise the same ingredients and achieve the same results. Though they might not feature that catchy, familiar branding, they're much cheaper than their branded counterparts in many cases.

Here's an example to put things in context. Viagra is a world-renowned treatment for erectile dysfunction. Since it was launched by Pfizer in 1998, it's become a household name - and the power of its instantly recognisable branding (right down to the colour and shape of the tablets themselves) means it remains a world-leading drug to this day.

The unbranded alternative is called Sildenafil. Less catchy, we're sure you'll agree - but the content of both tablets is essentially the same. Sildenafil is the main ingredient in both, and those suffering with erectile dysfunction have reported similar benefits from both drugs.

What are the advantages of branded and unbranded medication?

So, now we're clear on the differences between the two options, let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Branded medication: The pros and cons

• Branded treatments are typically pioneering, first-to-market drugs. If you want to access the latest and greatest treatments the industry has to offer, branded medications are your only option.
• They sometimes feel more high-quality than their generic counterparts, with more attractive branding and capsules that are a little easier to take.
• Their catchy names and memorable packaging make them instantly recognisable and familiar.

• They cost significantly more than generic medications in most cases.

Unbranded medication: The pros and cons

• They're available at a lower cost than branded medications.
• Studies have shown they're every bit as effective as branded treatments, which is why they're widely used by organisations like the NHS.
• Unbranded tablets are rigorously tested before they're brought to market - if they don't meet the same quality, efficacy and safety standards as their branded equivalents, they won't be approved for sale.

• Although they have the same main ingredients as the branded version, the makeup of unbranded medications can differ in other ways. For example, the materials used to create the tablet might make it a little trickier to digest or less palatable in terms of taste. Sometimes, unbranded medications can begin working a little slower than branded versions, too.

So, which type of medication should I choose?

Well, that's up to you. But from an efficacy perspective (meaning how effective the treatment is at resolving symptoms), there's no real difference between branded or unbranded treatments. And unbranded options can save you a significant amount of money, particularly if you're buying the medication on a regular basis.

If you're struggling to choose between a branded or generic treatment, it might be worth starting with the branded version and then transitioning to the generic equivalent to see how you get on. In the vast majority of cases, your body won't notice any difference at all - but your bank balance certainly will. 

Regardless of which option you choose, we've got you covered here at iQ Doctor with a range of branded and generic medications for everything from hair loss through to allergies and pain relief. Explore our complete range of treatments online today to get started.