Eyelash Growth Serum: Is There a Difference Between Brand Name and Generic?

On February 23, 2015, Lupin got its FDA approval to manufacture the generic version of Lumigan (Bimatoprost). Lumigan contains bimatoprost 0.03%, an ophthalmic solution to reduce the elevated intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.
buy Lumigan online because it's produced by Allergan, which is also the manufacturer of Latisse, known as the eyelash growth serum. Both contain bimatoprost as their active ingredients. The generic version of Latisse eyelash growth serum is available under the brand name Careprost produced by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
It’s not a surprise that generic versions of drugs are often available at a cheaper price compared to their branded counterparts. For instance, a single bottle of Careprost costs $12, while the price of Latisse is set at $160. So, what sets them both apart? Are our brand-name drugs better than generic medicines?
What are brand-name drugs?
A drug enjoys its brand name status as long as it is protected by its patent. It goes by the name that has been given by the brand and not by the active chemical compound. For instance, Latisse contains bimatoprost, but patients refer to it by the name “Latisse”. However, once the patient protection expires, it gives the right to other manufacturers to manufacture them as generic meds and sell them under their chemical name or another brand name.
The brand name can be applicable to combination drugs that contain two active compounds as well. For example, the glaucoma medicines containing Dorzolamide and Timolol are sold under the brand name Cosopt.
Benefits of Generic Drugs
The number one benefit of generic drugs is their low cost, which can be sometimes almost 90% less than their brand-name counterpart. Researchers showed that people taking low-cost drugs are more likely to continue their prescription, which eventually helps them overcome their health issues. In this case, the cost of the brand-name eyelash growth serum is 10 times higher than its generic version. Due to its high price, the chance of you discontinuing the treatment is more, which will affect your quality of life.
Coming to effectiveness, both generic and brand-name drugs contain the same active ingredients. However, their inactive ingredients may vary, but they do not affect the chemical activity of the drug. These inactive ingredients are added for stability and preservation purposes during manufacturing, to achieve a certain form, color, or taste. There is no significant evidence suggesting brand-name drugs as superior to generic drugs.
Limitations of Generic Medications
Even though a generic medication meets the active and inactive ingredients requirement, it still has to go through a series of tests such as its strength, dosage form, and route of administration. Each batch is tested for its purity, quality, and strength to meet the brand name.
Despite the stringent formulation and manufacturing guidelines, generic bimatoprost eyelash serum may invite concern from some patients due to its different bottle design, size of the bottle, and applicator. Some bottles are harder to squeeze while some bottles may release more amount when squeezed. One such example is the generic formulation of Timolol that doesn’t come with a hole, while the brand one comes open. Patients need to pole a hole on the bottle hole to release the drop. This can also cause some problems as well.
It’s a common misconception amongst people that anyone above 18 years of age can use Bimatoprost. However, that’s not true. There are certain usage restrictions. The drug should not be used by patients under the following conditions. In case you are not sure, ask your doctor before you start taking the medication. It will help you keep off from its negative side effects for sure.