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There can be differences in taste, size, etc., but generally not in efficacyFeb 24 '02 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Generic medications are always cheaper and almost always work just as well as brand name equivalents. However, you may prefer the taste or size of the brand name version.
As other reviewers have stated, generic medications and brand name medications generally are equally effective. With some exceptions, the drug you get in a generic medication is just the same as you would get in a brand name drug. However, this applies only to the active ingredients. The inactive ingredients (the stuff in the pill that isn't actually medicine) are almost always different. This means that the same drug made by different manufacturers will have different tastes, textures, size, and (occasionally) side effects. For example, a generic asprin will always work just as well as a brand name asprin, but one or the other may upset your stomach a bit more. It may not always be the brand name version that is better, however. Also, when available, you may want to try a different generic version before going for a name brand. Although I almost always have my prescriptions filled with generic medications, on one occasion I found that a particular generic drug had a very nasty taste. The next time I had this prescription filled with the brand-name version. Although the cost was significantly more (I paid $30 vs. $15, and my insurance company paid even more), the brand name drug had a pleasant orange taste, and the pill was significantly smaller. Although both drugs work equally well, I get the brand name ONLY because I prefer the taste and size. For every other medication I've taken, the generic has always been fine, and I consider this the exception rather than the rule. As also noted by many other reviewers, there are a few limited cases where a brand-name prescription medication is called for rather than a generic. Your doctor will know about these cases (it is their job, after all!) You should also be aware that some state board of pharmacy have received complaints that certain pharmacies have ignored the "dispense as written" instruction on a prescription in cases where a doctor specifically wants a brand-name medication dispensed. Although this is a very rare event, if it happens to you, bring it to the pharmacists attention. If the matter is not resolved, complain to your state board of pharmacy. Doctors aren't always familiar about the differences between drugs that work just as well, however. If you're concerned about the taste, size, or other characteristic of a medication that doesn't relate directly to its effectiveness, you are probably better off consulting a pharmacist. Pharmacists know all about the differences in taste/character among drugs. If they don't know, they will find out for you. (If they won't, find a new pharmacy.) Even for over-the-counter medications, pharmacists are a great source of advice. If one brand of a drug is bothering you, the pharmacist can generally suggest another brand that works just as well.  |
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