Rx: Generics Just as Good as Brand Name?
Recent discussions by prescription-users suggests that generic prescription drugs *may not* be as effective as the brand name drugs prescribed by your doctor. Most of the time, the switch from brand name to generic is welcomed (especially to our wallets!), but is it at the expense of the drugs working appropriately?
The FDA has not shown differences between the brand name drug, and those generic drugs they have approved as appropriate substitutes. The FDA approves the generic drug as "bioequivalent" to the brand name drug, in order for a substitution of the particular drug to occur.
However, some patients and their physicians are reporting differences in generic vs. brand name drugs.
Have you experienced any differences in a prescription, when taking the brand name drug vs. the generic equivalent?
Comments
I get generic as often as I get brand name medications and I have never experienced a difference.
Any studies I have read have shown no difference. As long as the active ingredients are the same, there effect should be the same.
The same pharmaceutical companies that make brand-name medications are often the same ones that make the generics.
We have a perception that brand-name is always better and it isn't.
I appreciate that my pharmacist asks if I'll accept generic if available; it often translates to a cost savings with (apparently) no difference in quality. Of course, I'm trusting both my pharmacist and physician to keep me informed, should there be an issue with the generic version.
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