Generic or brand-name medications?
Generic medications usually are as effective as their name-brand cousins, and they cost a fraction as much.
This same principle operates in other fields too – grocery items, for example. Shoppers can choose among the name-brand ketchups, the generic ketchups and the store brand.
What’s not to like?
A couple things, both very unusual but occasionally significant.
On rare occasions a generic medication will cost more than a name-brand medication or it might not be as effective.
In general, however, a generic will be just as effective as a name-brand medication, and it will cost a small fraction of the name-brand item.
How it works
Generic medications have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, but they’re not always identical.
By law the generic must have the same active ingredients and the same amount as the original. But other ingredients can be different. This difference can slow the rate of absorption – how quickly your body absorbs the medication. In most cases, studies show, the difference is very small.
Numerous companies manufacture generics, often using similar but not identical methods and ingredients. You may find that your body fares better with one manufacturer’s generic than another’s. Be sure to tell your pharmacist so he or she can supply you with the better generic.
Another benefit of multiple manufacturers: Competition helps keep prices low. However, on rare occasions, only one company may make a generic, thus enabling it to charge a higher price.
Got questions about generics vs. name-brand medications? The pharmacist at LVRxPharmacy will be happy to answer your questions and provide more information if you want.