is there any real difference between a generic medicine and the original?

Question

from what i understand, when you buy a generic, its exactly the same as the original, its just under a different name because that company acquired the rights to use that formula right?

im going to the doctor today and am wonerding if im prescribed a generic brand, if it will be exactly the same thing.

Answer 1

There tend to be minor differences, but it can be why people need to be on the expensive brand name product rather than generic. The generics cannot be identical, just really close and may work better in some people than others. Some people's bodies treat generic and brand name the same while others will not. If there is a specific generic you are wondering about, ask the doctor about the specifics.

Answer 2

Yes and no. The drug component of the pill is identical. The inactive ingredients and delivery method can vary a little bit. The vast majority of the time there is no difference in effectiveness or side effect profiles of the two medications, other than the placebo component that is involved in taking any pill. Basically what that means is if the generic doesn't work as well, it really is all in your head. (that's why they don't tell study subjects which pill they are really getting)

There are a couple exceptions where the generic has been found to be less effective, but those are few and far between.

Answer 3

The short answer is that they are supposed to be equivalent in medication delivered to your body.



However, the bioavailability of any generic drug to the original branded product can vary, and generics may vary between manufacturers as well. The FSA publishes a book called The Orange Book which lists the relative equality of generics.



However, variability in bioavailability can cause a problem in drugs that require exacting titration to reach a desired effect, such as Coumadin (Warfarin), Lanoxin (Digoxin) and Dilantin (Phenytoin).



In examples such as this, you can take the generic in place of the trade name product, but it would be best to stick with the same 'brand' of generic to avoid this issue.



There are numerous reports in medical literature demonstrating over and underdosing situations specific to this type of drug.



Also, and unfortunately, there have been a rash of generic manufacturers whose quality control leaves a lot to be desired. For example, Ethex was shut down by the FDA recently because of poor quality control. There were also a massive number of recalls for generic digoxin, with the tablets containing unreliable amounts of digoxin.



I take generics (I am a pharmacist) and I also monitor the effect to be sure that there is not an issue with the specific generic I am taking. However, if I ever need Digoxin, I will insist on Lanoxin (the original). The same is true for Warfarin -- I would insist on Coumadin.

Answer 4

I am not a pharmacist, but from my own experience, and what I have been told by various physicians and pharmacists, the answer is yes, sometimes there is a real difference. If your insurance plan allows, you can ask the doctor to add "DAW" (dispense as written) when he/she writes the prescription. That will help you avoid the problem. If your plan requires generic whenever possible, ask your doctor about the specific drug being prescribed—is there any indication that generic doesn't perform as well, or have any patients mentioned that they prefer the name brand over the generic? Also, you can do an online search about that drug (ie, ibuprofin, name brand vs. generic) and see what people are saying.

Answer 5

conventional drugs are of equivalent high quality. The drug is the same chemically. some docs have faith that heart drugs might desire to consistently be by utilising kind call. After years of a kind call, then the patent is going away. The drug business enterprise makes money by utilising elevating the cost. recently i've got seen problems with shortages. How can there be production shortages while an excellent number of drugs are avaialbe? high quality controls is the same for considerable manufacturers because it is for the conventional drugs because of the fact the federal government has jurisdiction over high quality. it rather is very regulated. Fillers are interior the kind names too.

Answer 6

Absolutely, once a company's patent runs out on their formula, any generic company can market the exact same medication at a significant discount. In fact the generic companies have to prove that their preparation works at least as well as the original in order to be considered for sale.

Answer 7

don't worry the generic medication is the same as the brand name medication. only difference is the trade mark name such as (Tylenol) and generic meds are lower in price. good luck at the doctors and when in doubt ask your doctor as he/she is in front of you.

Answer 8

If you trust the FDA, they are the same.