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Whenever possible, I try to use generic medications over brand names. For me, it's all about money. Why would I want to pay more for my medications if I can get the same thing for less?
But how similar are generics to brand name pharmaceuticals? I've always known that the inactive ingredients in generics can differ from the original, but I was under the impression that the active ingredients were the same. However, the active ingredient requirements (or the bio-equivalent) on generics aren't as equal as we might think. Although the word "bio-equivalent" implies that a generic drug would be required to deliver the same levels of medication into the blood as the original, it actually doesn't always work that way.
It turns out that the requirements generic drugs need to meet, are that they provide blood serum levels that are 80 to 125 percent of the original (brand name) drug. Even though that may seem to be a large difference, in most cases it doesn't make a difference in how effective the drug will be.
From The New York Times - A New Disquiet About Some Generic Drugs...
According to Mr. Buehler of the F.D.A., to be considered bioequivalent, the generic drug must reach a blood serum level that is 80 to 125 percent of what the reference product achieves. But Mr. Buehler said that in reality the spread was not nearly that large. He noted that the F.D.A. conducted a large study and found that the average difference in absorption into the body between a generic and brand name drug was only 3.5 percent.
So what's the problem?
The problem comes into play when just a small difference in blood serum levels, can have a large impact on the effectiveness of a medication (such as drugs that are used to control seizures, and some cardiac drugs).
For the most part, generic drugs are a great alternative to more expensive brand name medications. But it's important to be aware that in some cases switching from brand name to generic (or even generic to generic) could be a problem. This is just another example of the importance of having a good doctor/patient relationship. When in doubt about whether a generic is right for you, take some time to talk to your doctor.
More from bloggers on generic vs. brand name drugs.
From Healthcare Hacks - Generic Drugs: Not Always the Same...
In the world of prescription drugs, generic equivalents have been a financial blessing for many patients, saving them millions, if not billions, of dollars each year. For the most part, they perform the same function as brand name drugs at a fraction of the cost. A recent article in the New York Times, however, has indicated that some generic drugs might not work as well as their brand name counterparts.
From Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog...
It should make sense. Generic drugs are very similar but not the same as non-generics. Generic drugs are great. They prevent monopolies by drug companies and create competition. But they are not the same. For example, tell ten bakers to bake a loaf of bread using the same ingredients and same recipe. Will they come out exactly the same? No. The same thing applies with drug manufacturing. This is all well and good but if a patient doesn't react the same way to a generic the name brand one should be allowed or they should be able to switch to a different generic. I have been on synthetic thyroid meds for 28+ years and have been told that the generic is fine but not to switch around alot from one manufacturer to another.
Marcia from About.com - Brand Name vs. Generic Drugs...
The bottom line is that when you switch from a brand name to a generic, monitor yourself carefully and report any changes in mood, problems in perception, or new/increased physical side effects to your doctor promptly. If there is a pronounced change, don't wait for your next appointment. Use common sense to protect your health.
From Divine Caroline - Are Generic Drugs as Good as Brand Name?
Faced with rising health care costs and a recession, many people are looking for ways to cut back on their monthly medical bills. One way we can do this is by choosing generic over brand name drugs. But some have reservations about opting for the cheaper choice, assuming that more money means a better pill. Are they the same?
What are
