How to Search the List
The role of the HPRA under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 is to establish, publish and maintain a list of interchangeable medicines on our website.
The legislation will apply first to certain types of medicines such as those for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, acid reflux and stomach ulcers as these medicines are widely used and result in significant costs. The HPRA will be adding further medicines on a continual basis.
Search for medicines on the interchangeable list by entering the name of a medicine or an active substance.
To get the most relevant results, you will also need to confirm the strength of the medicine and whether it is a tablet, film coated tablet or some other pharmaceutical form.
1. Name of medicine
This refers to the unique name of the medicine also known as the trade or brand name.
2. Active substance
This is the substance, or ingredient, that makes a medicine work. The active substance will be the same for groups of interchangeable medicines. An example is atorvastatin.While the brand name of medicines that are interchangeable may be different, the active substance will always be the same.
3. Pharmaceutical form
This is the physical form of a medicine. Common pharmaceutical forms include tablets, film-coated tablets and capsules.
4. Strength
The strength of a medicine tells you how much of the active ingredient is present in each dose. For example, if your medicine comes in tablet form, the strength will refer to the amount of the active substance in each tablet. The most common strengths are indicated in weight (such as mg in tablets and capsules) or in volume (such as ml or % in drops or solutions).
The medicine name, active substance, strength and pharmaceutical form will be printed on the product information that comes with a medicine such as the box, package leaflet or label. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for this information.
Please note: If you do not know the strength and/or pharmaceutical form, you can still search by medicine name and active substance. However, this will return a longer list and will not allow you to identify a specific medicine. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.