Generic Medications Vs. Brand Medications. Which Instills Trust in You?

Since I was 16 years old, I have suffered from migraine. I am sure anyone that has had the misfortune to endure migraines would attest that once you have found a medication that works, you do not want to change anything. However, after working in retail and hospital pharmacies for the last ten years, I know brand medications can turn generic and health insurance companies can penalize you by raising your copay for wanting that brand medication you felt worked so well. Having been a victim of this particular scenario, I had no choice but to switch to the generic form of my migraine medication. Although logically I know the generic medication has the same active ingredient as the brand medication, I did not wish to suffer from migraine pain by trial and error. To make sure I was well informed, I began to research this subject.

A generic medication is the same as a brand name medication in dosage, safety, strength, and quality. In addition, it must work, be taken, and used the same.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) must approve the generic medication before it is put on the market. The manufacturer producing the generic form has to prove the medication in question is the same by passing a battery of tests. One of the tests included is proving the medication maintains blood levels in the body the same as its brand name counterpart. Once the manufacturer has passed the tests successfully, the FDA gives the medication an "A" rating. This means the generic is the equivalent to the brand medication.

If they are the same, why don't they look the same? I have often questioned why the generic medications look so different from the brand name medications they are representing. Although generic medications are required to have the same active ingredients, they are not required to have the same inactive ingredients or "fillers". "Fillers" may include starch, gum-like substances, and other products that allow the medications to form into tablets or capsules. This is why generic medications can differ in size, color and taste, but the effectiveness of the drug is the same.

Looking at this objectively, I can see the concern a consumer would feel viewing this information. However, how many consumers think twice about picking up the generic form or store brand of "Motrin" (ibuprofen) or "Tylenol" (acetaminophen)? It works the same in the body. So why wouldn't generic prescription medications work the same way?

After having done my research, I felt more confident about taking the generic form of my migraine medication. However, the true test would be when a migraine struck and I actually needed to take the medication. As is the nature of my migraines, I did not have to wait long. With some trepidation, I took the tablet and waited. Thankfully, the medication worked just as well as the brand name and with no ill effects. After the "test" was complete, I am even more convinced that generic and brand name medications are virtually the same.

So, are generic medications for you? The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor and discuss your options. In addition, you must call your doctor if you have any unfamiliar side effects when switching to a generic.