5 Generic Products That Are Just As Good

[snakemama]

I STRONGLY disagree with the statement that prescription drugs are just as good as name brand. I was taking Lamictal for some time, I got a generic refill to save some money, and within 48 hours I was covered in hives from the soles of my feet up to my waist and arms. It was AWFUL. My doctor said afterward that he sees reactions like that frequently when people switch to generic lamictal.

[smokey the elder]

I'll put my pharma industry hat on for a minute...

Generics have to have the same active ingredient, but all the other stuff that makes a pill a pill are up for grabs. They have to be non-toxic, but allergic reactions do exist.

My observation is, the more potent the drug is (i.e. the lower the dose), OR the narrower the "window" of efficacy, the more likely that other other ingredients will affect what is called "bioavailability", or how the drug is actually used by the body. Synthroid is a classic example: it is very potent (25-200 micrograms; basically a speck) for dose. Also, just a little too much or too little can cause problems.

Also, did you know that the dose can vary by 10%? So, say you're on 100 micrograms of Synthroid. The range can be 90-110 mics. I think you can see the problem here.

/pharma hat off

[Karen]

But you're paying for it one way or another.....yes ???
What's the difference between a person who pays for health insurance and gets discounted meds to someone who can't afford health insurance and has to pay full price for meds ????

That's easy - an simple accident or unexpected illness can bankrupt the person without health insurance. Health insurance means doctor visits, normal care and even emergency care are all covered by a small co-pay.

[wombat2u2004]

That's easy - an simple accident or unexpected illness can bankrupt the person without health insurance. Health insurance means doctor visits, normal care and even emergency care are all covered by a small co-pay.

I dunno Karen.
It all seems to be a bit upside down to me, and benefits those who can afford to pay.

[wombat2u2004]

I'll put my pharma industry hat on for a minute...