Frequently asked questions about medication and the pharmacy

Yes, it is normal that you may receive different brands of the same medication. The government has introduced a policy that requires pharmacies to buy the most cost-effective medicines. As a result, you may keep getting a different brand, because the pharmacy buys from different manufacturers. We understand that this can be confusing for you, but neither the GP nor the pharmacy can change this. If you would prefer to always receive the same brand, this is possible, but you will then have to pay for the medicines yourself. We recommend discussing this with your pharmacist, so that they can inform you about the options and any financial consequences of choosing a specific brand.

There are certain circumstances in which you can always get the same brand of medicine. An exception to the normal policy is:

1 - Thyroid medication: if you use medication for your thyroid, it is important that it is always supplied by the same brand. This is because there can be too much variation between manufacturers in the composition of these specific medicines.

2 - Allergic reaction: if you have an allergic reaction to a specific medicine from a particular brand, an exception to the normal policy can be made. Allergic reactions can include symptoms such as swollen lips, skin rash and itching. Please note that not all reactions are considered allergic; for example, nausea, heartburn and dizziness do not count. In the case of an allergic reaction, it is important to discuss this with your GP. They can inform you about the options and any steps that can be taken to ensure that you always receive the same brand of medicine, if medically necessary.