Generic Medicines v Original Brand

[galvo]

I just noticed this topic in one of Chris's posts.

What's the go? The publicity blurbs and the pharmiscists say that generic meds are "just the same as the brand ones".

Thoughts, please.

[Jean]

All of my meds are generic except one. I have heard people say they can't take the generic, but, thankfully, that has not happened to me. Hope others can help you more than I can.

[Des]

exactly the same "stuff" just sold under another brand name..... that is how I understand it. It should be the same.....?

I have not problem and use generic where available.

[Chris]

The way it is explained to me that it is chemically the same, but made different to make it chemically the same. Some meds I can take generic such as Norvasc, but the generics come in various sizes for some reason and some vary large. What makes them larger? On the other hand I can not tolerate some generics. With two meds my main staple for close to nine years on name brand and not enough research on how the newly released generics effect tx patients who switch brands after years of the same med, is it worth the risk to switch to find out? If anything, I don't want to be taking a larger pill at the same amount if already taking many meds and experience a whole new set of possible side effects that may take time to settle down if I had return to work.

I I think it comes down to the importance of the medication, research involved in switching medications after many years being on one type, and the fillers used in the generic for the doctors determination to allow switching or not. Some medical boards are in a split decision while others have a thought on another. So far insurance is not clear and will cover either depending where your located. Always consult your doctor though before switching and after sswitching.

[kristina]

Because of my many allergies and "drug-intolerance",
my body can tolerate only a certain "Original Brand",
ALWAYS with the same "ingredients".
If there is a slight difference I develop allergies
which have brought me to A&E on many occasions,
before my allergies and "drug-intolerance" were diagnosed.
The antihypertensives I have been taking for years
are always the same "Original Brand" without any change,
I even take them every day at around the same time,
just be on the safe side.
Good luck, Kristina.

[BigSky]

Generics have the same amount of the active chemical in them as name brand.  They may differ in how the drug gets into the body however if they are not formulated the same as the name brand.

The FDA tests generics so that they are the same as the name brand for  strength, purity safety, and that they are  effective.  The FDA has to approve generics are therapeutically equivalent to the brand name. 

Pharmacies are supposed to keep a list that is updated monthly by the FDA on generics.  They give an "A" if the drug is equivalent to the name brand and a "B" if it is not equivalent to the name brand.

I imagine one could ask to see this list if they are unsure of a generic they are taking.

[paul.karen]

I buy generic medicines over the counter at my local grocery store.

Check the labels.  Take Nytol for an example.  Look at the active ingredients and how much ingredients are in a bottle, then check your local store brand and there active ingredients are the exact same as well as strength.  And you can save plenty of money buy buying the store brand or generic brand.
Some people prefer a NAME even when whats in the bottle or pill is exactly the same.

[jbeany]

My transplant team absolutely refuses to let anyone do generics for immunosuppresant drugs.  They don't absorb at the same rate as the name brand, so if you absolutely must switch because of your insurance, they start all over with the daily lab work so they can keep the drug levels in your blood where they need to be.

[Maker]

The FDA allows generics to have a "variance" of plus or minus a certain % of active drug.  I can't remember the %, its 10% or less though.  This does make a difference in how some people respond to the drug and what side effects they experience.  With some drugs (I would say immunosuppresants are a great example) it is crucial to get the exact amount of the active drug.  In my opinion, if its available through insurance or you can afford it, branded drugs are always best.  I insist on them at the pharmacy, and have my Dr. write DAW (dispense as written) on my scripts. 

[Chris]

If your not in the United States, your government may have a different set of rules regarding how a generic is offered, so try a web search on your governments website or ask a knowledgable medical physician.

My transplant team absolutely refuses to let anyone do generics for immunosuppresant drugs.  They don't absorb at the same rate as the name brand, so if you absolutely must switch because of your insurance, they start all over with the daily lab work so they can keep the drug levels in your blood where they need to be.

Jbeany, my center will only allow newly transplanted patients to switch and do all that testing. I don't miss all that blood work done after my transplant andneither does my arm 

[galvo]

Thanks all. Hey, Maker, how's the fistula?

[paris]

My daughter takes Synthroid and the generic brand did not work the same for her.  I take generics, but have been told by transplant team that they only want the brand name, because the generic could be slightly different.   I always buy generic OTC drugs ( tylenol, etc) and see no difference. 

[Chris]

My daughter takes Synthroid and the generic brand did not work the same for her.  I take generics, but have been told by transplant team that they only want the brand name, because the generic could be slightly different.   I always buy generic OTC drugs ( tylenol, etc) and see no difference.

And if you look, the brand name company makes the generic for the store brand name.

[Zach]

I've always taken the brand name Lanoxin, rather than the generic Digoxin because the absorption rate is different.

[Maker]

Thanks all. Hey, Maker, how's the fistula?

Its doing its thrill and brut things    I woke up in the middle of the night and my arm was next to my ear, and I could hear it!

But hurts and is still bleeding...guess that happens when you're getting heparin every other day with dialysis. Glad the surgery is over and I can look forward to using it!

[galvo]

Good on ya' Maker!