The chapter discusses the significant cost implications of prescribing brand-name drugs over generic drugs in the National Health Service (NHS). Dr. Cornah presents data showing that brand-name prescribing accounts for a substantial portion of the total drug costs, with potential savings from switching to generic drugs being considerable. The text highlights four types of alternatives: identical chemical composition, related but not identical, identical plus additives, and non-related but similar therapeutic action. Figures illustrate the increasing trend of brand-name prescribing from 1961 to 1972, with brand-name drugs accounting for over 90% of the total cost. The chapter also provides specific examples of drugs like phenylbutazone, imipramine, tetracycline, and paracetamol, where the cost savings from switching to generic forms are substantial. The discussion section addresses minor discrepancies in the data and the humorous suggestion that generic tetracycline might be prescribed in larger quantities due to its lower bioavailability.The chapter discusses the significant cost implications of prescribing brand-name drugs over generic drugs in the National Health Service (NHS). Dr. Cornah presents data showing that brand-name prescribing accounts for a substantial portion of the total drug costs, with potential savings from switching to generic drugs being considerable. The text highlights four types of alternatives: identical chemical composition, related but not identical, identical plus additives, and non-related but similar therapeutic action. Figures illustrate the increasing trend of brand-name prescribing from 1961 to 1972, with brand-name drugs accounting for over 90% of the total cost. The chapter also provides specific examples of drugs like phenylbutazone, imipramine, tetracycline, and paracetamol, where the cost savings from switching to generic forms are substantial. The discussion section addresses minor discrepancies in the data and the humorous suggestion that generic tetracycline might be prescribed in larger quantities due to its lower bioavailability.