💊 Top 10 Expensive Medicines with Cheap Generic Alternatives in India
📅 February 2026 | 💰 Money Saving | ⏱️ 6 min read
Indians spend over ₹1.5 lakh crore on medicines every year. A significant portion of this goes to branded medicines that cost 2x to 10x more than their generic equivalents. Here are the top 10 branded medicines where switching to generic can save you the most money.
Important: Always consult your doctor before switching any medicine. Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients and are approved by CDSCO, but your doctor knows your specific medical situation.
1Augmentin 625 → Generic Amoxicillin+Clavulanate
Augmentin is one of India's most prescribed antibiotics. The generic version contains the exact same combination.
Augmentin: ₹180–220
Generic: ₹80–100
Save ~55%
Find Augmentin alternatives →
2Thyronorm 50mcg → Generic Levothyroxine
Millions of Indians take thyroid medicine daily for life. Even small savings add up to thousands per year.
Thyronorm: ₹55–75
Generic: ₹25–35
Save ~50%
Find Thyronorm alternatives →
3Jardiance 10mg → Generic Empagliflozin
A popular diabetes + heart medicine. The price difference is massive — making it unaffordable for many patients.
Jardiance: ₹2,200–2,800
Generic: ₹400–600
Save ~80%
Find Jardiance alternatives →
4Eliquis 5mg → Generic Apixaban
Blood thinner prescribed to heart patients. One of the most expensive common medicines in India.
Eliquis: ₹4,000–5,000
Generic: ₹600–900
Save ~85%
Find Eliquis alternatives →
5Glycomet GP 1 → Generic Metformin+Glipizide
Common combination diabetes medicine. The generic version from Jan Aushadhi stores costs a fraction.
Glycomet GP: ₹120–150
Generic: ₹30–50
Save ~70%
Find Glycomet alternatives →
6Rosuvastatin (Rosuvas) → Generic Rosuvastatin
Cholesterol-lowering medicine taken by crores of Indians daily. Generic saves thousands per year.
Rosuvas: ₹180–240
Generic: ₹40–70
Save ~70%
Find Rosuvas alternatives →
7Montair LC → Generic Montelukast+Levocetirizine
Popular allergy and asthma medicine. Generic versions widely available at much lower prices.
Montair LC: ₹180–220
Generic: ₹50–80
Save ~65%
Find Montair alternatives →
8Neurobion Forte → Generic B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamin B complex supplement. One of the most overpaid medicines in India — generic costs 80% less.
Neurobion Forte: ₹45–60
Generic: ₹8–15
Save ~80%
Find Neurobion alternatives →
9Pantoprazole (Pantocid) → Generic Pantoprazole
Acidity and gastric medicine taken by millions. Generic pantoprazole is widely available and equally effective.
Pantocid: ₹90–120
Generic: ₹20–35
Save ~72%
Find Pantoprazole alternatives →
10Forxiga 10mg → Generic Dapagliflozin
Another expensive diabetes+heart medicine. Generic versions approved in India now cost a fraction of the original.
Forxiga: ₹2,500–3,000
Generic: ₹350–500
Save ~85%
Find Forxiga alternatives →
How Much Can You Save Per Year?
If you or a family member takes 3–4 of these medicines regularly, switching to generics could save ₹20,000–50,000 per year. For chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid, cholesterol, and blood pressure — where medicines are taken for life — the savings compound every year.
Where to Buy Generic Medicines?
- Jan Aushadhi Stores — Government stores with 50–90% cheaper medicines
- 1mg, PharmEasy, Apollo — Online pharmacies with generic options
- Your local chemist — Ask specifically for "generic" version
- Government hospitals — Dispensaries often stock generics