Brand Name Versus Generic Drugs

Americans have the highest prescription drug costs in the world[1]. For many, it is a matter of buying drugs or paying rent.

For people in these situations, generic drugs can maintain a quality of health while saving far more money than brand name drugs. Many insurance companies mandate that generic drugs be prescribed whenever possible[2].

Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients of their brand name counterparts, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[3]. The FDA holds both generic and brand name drugs to the same safety standards.

Generic drugs cost less than brand name drugs because the manufacturers of brand name drugs are the developer of the drug and have considerable investments in marketing, patents, and research.

The effect and efficiency of any type of drug varies from person to person. What works for some does not work for others.

It is up to you to inform your doctor as to the progress of the drugs you are taking. If you are not getting desired results, you should say so. Before you get to that, there are several steps you need to follow:

You must take your drugs as prescribed;
You must follow any special instructions that come with the prescription (take with food, avoid alcohol, do not drive or operate heavy machinery, do not take with certain other drugs, etc.), and
You must give the drug the expected time to get results. Some drugs can take up to 4 weeks to get results.

If you have followed these steps and the drug is not working for you, then it is time to tell your physician.

Personally, I have experienced great results with generic drugs. I've been lucky on that front.

As far as I'm concerned, the barrage of commercials saying things like "ask your doctor if (insert drug name) would be right for you" is just one area where the extra money goes from brand name drugs. Pencils, note pads, posters, fact sheets, stress balls and coffee cups also come from the extra money associated with brand names.

It's all up to the individual. I know people who feel a certain reassurance with brand names in every walk of life. In their situation, perhaps brand name drugs are for them.

If I can get the same results with a prescription drug that is less expensive, then bring it on.

These days, frugality is the new cool.

[1] Bailey, Laura. "Americans Pay the Most for Prescription Drugs and Still Don't take them." University of Michigan. January 7, 2008 http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6257

[2] Mulhauser, Greg, MD. "Are Generic Drugs the Same as Branded Counterparts?" June 1, 2009 http://counsellingresource.com/medications/discount-drugs/generics.html

[3]Food and Drug Administration. "Generic Drugs: What You Must Know." 04/30/2009

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm134451.htm