generic drugs
- Thread starter bjfan1
- Start date
bjfan1 said:Is there a difference between generic brand prescription drugs vs. the higher priced version?
the price oh and the packaging
Some will say yes there is, even doctors. Your best bet is ask the pharmisist the question, in person.
Generic and Name Brand drugs are essentially the same. The colour, shape, flavour may be different (Generics aren't allowed to look the same as their name brand counterpart), but the active ingrediants used in both are identical, as are their effects, side effects, dosages, and duration of effectiveness. In the US the FDA and in Canada Health Canada test generic drugs to ensure they meet the same standards as their name brand counterpart.
Sometimes your doctor or pharmacist will tell you if there is a generic version of the drug you are taking. However some doctors receive kickbacks from the drug companies so it is in their interest to prescribe the name brand drug. If you pay your own drug costs, come right out and ask your doctor and pharmacist if there is a generic version of the drug you are taking, you can save yourself a good chunk of change.
Sometimes your doctor or pharmacist will tell you if there is a generic version of the drug you are taking. However some doctors receive kickbacks from the drug companies so it is in their interest to prescribe the name brand drug. If you pay your own drug costs, come right out and ask your doctor and pharmacist if there is a generic version of the drug you are taking, you can save yourself a good chunk of change.
Generics are invariably cheaper than name brands for a variety of reasons. The active ingredient is the same however in either drug. As SirLickheralot notes, the efficacy of both drugs is the same.
