Save or Spend at the Chemist

Once a branded product is out of patent, cheaper generic versions containing exactly the same drug can be sold. But in some cases, it may be better to pay a bit more.

• Pain relief SAVE. Generally it's not worth spending more on branded versions of over-the-counter medicines as they usually contain the same ingredients. But: sometimes branded versions have formulations that people prefer (e.g. tablets that melt on the tongue). Also some branded versions of ibuprofen contain different versions of the medicine that provide faster pain relief - which in turn may mean taking fewer doses.
• Vitamin supplements SPEND. Healthy people under 50 do not need to take vitamins routinely. If you do decide to take supplements, there can be significant differences between branded and generic products. Branded versions are prepared to high standards and you know you are getting what it states on the label.
• Contact lens and solutions CHECK FIRST. All contact lenses have to be medically approved and are stringently tested - but one type may suit you better than another. In general, cheaper lenses may not let as much oxygen through to your eye, and so won't be comfortable for as long. All lens solutions do a similar job, but vary in the preservatives they use. Your optometrist will know the health of your eyes and whether a particular solution is suitable - so get their advice before changing solutions.
• Toothpaste SAVE. As long as it contains fluoride, you don't need expensive ones offering whitening or plaque control - but make sure you like the taste. Toothbrushes SPEND. With a toothbrush you need to go for quality. Branded versions have rounded filaments and bristles that are softer and kinder to your gums than cheaper brushes.
• Coughs and colds SAVE. Cough syrups don't do a lot except possibly soothe the throat. While generally safe they should not be given to children under six years old. Some cold and flu remedies differ from each other in terms of the ingredients they contain. Most contain paracetamol, while some contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephedrine, which can be useful for relieving congestion. However it is unlikely that a branded product with the same ingredients as a generic one will be significantly better.
• Eye drops SAVE. There is only one over-the-counter drug available for use in allergy eye care -cromoglycate. It is available under lots of trade names (Allergon, Optrex and Opticon) and pharmacists make their own versions. There is no difference between branded and generic versions - so you are just paying for the trade name.
• Hay fever treatments SAVE.Cheaper antihistamines or generic brands have to comply with the same quality standards as branded versions and often the only difference is the packaging. So try these generic versions of well-known brands. Ceterizine is the generic name for Zirtec. Loratidine is the generic name for Clarityn. Acrivastine is the generic name for Benadryl.

Features in Good Housekeeping November 2014 and August 2015