The Truth Behind Misconceptions on Generic Medicine

When it comes to therapeutics, Filipinos have many misconceptions surrounding generic medicines. According to a survey, more than 70% of Filipino respondents prefer branded medicines while only 15% prefer generic drugs. This study also found that only 7% of the participants know the correct definition of “generic drug” and almost half or 48% believe that generic medicines are less effective than branded medicines.

A homegrown heritage brand and a pioneer in the generics industry, RHEA Generics’ goal has been to empower Filipinos to prioritize their health and wellness within their means. Furthermore, the company advocates the use of relatively affordable medicines that could help Filipinos prevent illnesses or boost their immunity as much as branded medicines could.

With this, here are some of the top misconceptions about generic medicines debunked by RHEA Generics:

THE MYTH: Generic medicines are not as effective as branded medicine

The TRUTH: Generic medicines are as effective as branded medicines because both use the same active ingredient. The Philippine Law on Generics also known as the Generics Acts of 1988 defines active ingredients as the chemical component of medicines that is responsible for the therapeutic effect of any pharmaceutical product thus, emphasizing that the composition of both generic and branded products are equally potent and efficient.

THE MYTH: Generic Medicines are not safe

The TRUTH: Through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all medicines, whether it is branded or generic, go through a series of inspections and approval processes, usually taking around 60 days up to six months, to assure that these drugs are safe and of the highest quality.

Likewise, the FDA regularly ensures that pharmaceutical products and establishments in the market comply with high-quality standards with good manufacturing practices. Through the post-marketing surveillance, FDA inspects drug establishments verifying that all products are FDA-registered and safe for consumption.

As a trusted Filipino medicine brand, RHEA Generics also goes through the same rigorous process to assure that all medicines distributed are safe and of world-class quality.

THE MYTH: Generic Medicines are sold at a low price because it is low-quality

The TRUTH: Generic medicines are cheaper since these drugs are distributed without patent protection making them much cheaper than branded medicines. Patent protection provides an exclusive right for the distribution of a certain product. This simply means that generic drugs are based on a developed branded medicine whose patent protection rights have expired thus, cutting a huge cost in developing and marketing new medicines.

In a report by the Department of Health, it was revealed that 99% of Filipinos refuse to buy their prescription medicines because of their expensive price with 71% allotting less than P1,000 for their monthly medical supplies.

With the goal to help Filipinos attain affordable healthcare, RHEA Generics provides world-class quality and safe health products. 

RHEA Generics has partnered with some of the world’s best pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Viatris, Sanofi, GSK, Otsuka, Merck, Fresenius Kabi, AstraZeneca, OEP, Lundbeck and Boehringer Ingelheim to assure world-class-quality medical products for every Filipino.

There are many other misconceptions about generic medicines that we still believe today but we definitely can’t risk our health because of it. When in doubt, we encourage you to seek medical professional health to ensure proper diagnosis and medication.

To know more and purchase RHEA Generics medicines, visit the nearest Mercury Drug store near you.

Practical Tips on How to Redecorate Your Home

Redecorating your home is an exciting activity that allows you to transform your living space into a reflection of your personality and create a welcoming environment for yourself and your family. Whether you're simply organizing and tidying up or completely revamping your home with new furniture, these practical tips from Uratex Monoblock, a leading brand of high-quality, stylish, and durable plastic furniture will guide you through the redecorating process, helping you make informed decisions and ensure a stress-free experience.

Tip #1: Envision Your Space

When decorating a space, it is essential to start with an end goal in mind. Determine the style and atmosphere you want to create in each room and plan accordingly. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and give you a clear direction for your project. Consider consulting with friends, family, or researching online for inspiration and ideas.

Pro Tip: Create a draft floor plan to visualize the placement of furniture and identify potential activities for each area.

Tip #2: Set a Budget

To stay on track financially, set a budget for each room or item you plan to redecorate. This will prevent overspending and encourage resourcefulness in finding creative, cost-effective solutions. Consider repurposing or creating your own decorative items to add a personal touch to your space.

Pro Tip: Allocate an ideal budget for different purchases, whether it's large furniture pieces or smaller decorative items bought in bulk.

Tip #3: Re-Place or Replace

Since redecorating also means shifting furniture and replacing old ones, plan or list down all the items in the space you want to move around or replace for a newer one. Take note of worn-out pieces that may require refurbishing or replacement. Consider donating old furniture to give it a new life while benefiting others.

Pro Tip: Remember, one person's trash can be another person's treasure. Donate furniture items you no longer need to charity organizations or individuals in need.

Tip #4: Scout for Items

This step can be considered the most enjoyable! Shop and canvas for good products. Look for affordable yet trusted brands that align with your budget. Consider versatile items that serve multiple purposes, allowing you to optimize space and functionality.

Pro Tip: Maximize space and functionality by opting for convertible or foldable furniture. For example, the Uratex Monoblock Louis Folding Table and Chairs can be used for both indoor and outdoors– a great deal for a multi-purpose space-saving item!

Tip #5: Look at the quality and check safety labels

When purchasing new furniture, prioritize longevity, durability, and versatility. Carefully examine the production materials, testing processes, and certifications associated with the items you're interested in. Look for indicators of durability and quality, such as caution stickers or certifications.

Pro Tip: Check for caution stickers, like the ones found on Uratex Monoblock Sofie Chairs and Classic 101 Chairs. These chairs are not only affordable and available in trendy colors but also come with a sticker that proves their durability.

Tip #6: Design Freely

With your chosen items in hand, it's time to bring your vision to life. Begin by decluttering loose items such as small decorations, electrical devices, books, and miscellaneous objects. Then, rearrange existing furniture to accommodate new additions. Finally, place the new furniture in its designated spots and reintegrate the items you wish to keep in the room.

Kiray, Arron, Stephan, and Pash agree -- Pinoys deserve excellent products

What do social media influencers Kiray Celis, Stephan Estopia, and Pash Pacia have in common?

They all have a passion for excellence in whatever they do, the food they eat, the places they go, and the products they wear or use in their everyday lives. No, they’re not discriminating; they just want to be discerning and refined. More importantly, they want to make the smart choice in the products they buy.

Each one desires nothing less than reliable quality, going out of their way to discover excellence, and luckily, they found it in Taiwan.

For actress, host, and influencer Kiray Celis (bit.ly/KirayFB, bit.ly/KirayIG), she loves to travel and use products that can give her the best of what she wants. When it comes to cooking, she discovered the Tatung rice cooker from Taiwan that is best both for cooking rice and steaming her favorite veggies. And just recently, she herself went to Taiwan, one of the countries on her travel bucket list, and experienced the best places in Taiwan that she can only dream of back then (bit.ly/KirayTatungReel).

Just  a  chill  park  day  with  Kiray  at  Liberty  Square

Admired by many, versatile actor Arron Villaflor (bit.ly/ArronFB, bit.ly/ArronIG) needs to be stylishly camera ready at all times. Keen on the latest trends in fashion and modern ingenuity, he appreciates the excellent standard Taiwan has modeled globally. For Arron, style goes the best with practicality, finding the perfect water-proof flash drive by TeamGroup and the reusable Dacian face mask. Arron looks forward to frequenting Taiwan and discovering more of its amazing products.

An avid gamer and certified digital junkie, Taiwan Excellence products such as noise-canceling wireless gaming earphones from ROG, and a gaming mouse from Asus, appeal to influencer Stephan Estopia (bit.ly/Stephan_FB, bit.ly/Stephan_IG). This in-demand gamer and live streamer knows the demands of his passion, which is why he uses only the best digital products and accessories that can withstand intense gameplay (bit.ly/StephanROG_Reel).

On-the-go Stephan is always ready to be in-game anytime anywhere      

Finally, Pash Pacia (bit.ly/PashFB, bit.ly/PashIG) is one who exudes body positivity. Pash is one who inspires many forms of beauty. She has a fondness for gastronomic delights and advocates for sustainable products. That is why she loves O’Right, which she discovered when she went to Taiwan. With O’Right, Pash is not only assured of pearly white teeth, but she also knows mother nature approves of her choice (bit.ly/PashOrightPhoto).

Pash has the power to work and travel in a sophisticated style

Each of these friends loved their discoveries in Taiwan, products recognized by Taiwan Excellence, an initiative of the Bureau of Foreign Trade in Taiwan for products that offer innovative value. Kiray, Arron, Stephan, and Pash hopes these products be made available in the Philippines so Pinoys can experience how these products bring excellence to their everyday life.

If you’re interested to offer Taiwan Excellence brands in the Philippines, you may fill out this form (bit.ly/TaiwanExcellenceBrandDealership).

To learn more about Taiwan Excellence, visit https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/en.