Guidelines for Using Generic Prescription Drugs

Although generics don't work as well for some people as they do others, we are encouraged to not give up on them yet. There are plenty of things to consider when whether or not you should use generic prescription drugs. Price is one thing to consider and how well the generic works is another. To me I think how well the generic drug works is more important than the price.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when using generic prescription drugs:

1. Keep track of your numbers. If the generic drug you are using involves any kind of quantitive measurement, pay attention and track your progress. For example, someone with Diabetes should be keeping track of their blood sugar levels regularly. Any changes while using the generic drug should be reported to your pharmacist and doctor. Do not take chances or you could risk your life.

2. Keep lab records. When getting any kind of blood work done, make sure to ask your doctor for a copy of your lab results every time. Keep track of your results in a diary and refer to it often to make sure everything is the way it should be. If things don't look right, again contact your doctor and let he or she know immediately. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

3. Monitor subjective responses. Some medications affect your body in certain and not so certain ways. Know your symptoms and know what the medication should or shouldn't be doing.

4. Experiment on yourself. Know your body and pay attention. If you think the generic is not working the way the name brand does then do an experiment. Keep a notebook, diary, journal or anything and track your results. For example; if you are taking a medication for an enlarged prostate, count how many times you have the urge to go to the bathroom at night and then switch back to the name brand, if possible to see how well it works. Do this several times and write it down. This will tell you whether or not the generic is working for you. Then show the results to your doctor and explain to them that the generic is not working like it should. Also never stop taking any kind of medication, generic or name brand without first talking to your doctor.

5. Monitor your side effects. Keep another record of any side effects you are having from the generic. These can include dizziness, rash, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these or other side effects consult with your doctor immediately. Again, better safe than sorry.

6. Report any problems to the FDA. Whenever you have any seriously and potentially fatal side effects from a generic substitute report it to MedWatch immediately. You can contact the FDA online at MedWatch or call 1-888-463-6332. You can also send samples of the medication to be analyzed to Gary Buehler, Rph, director of the Office of Generic Drugs. Contact your pharmacist for the name of the manufacturer of the generic drug, get the lot number and find out when it was dispensed. The FDA needs this information for it's investigation. Also include a short description of what happened or didn't happen while taking the medication. Send samples to:

Gary Buehler, Rph. Director
Office of Generic Drugs
US Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockvillle, MD. 20857-0001

This may seem like a lot of work to go through just for a generic drug but in the long run it will be worth it. If everything goes well while using these guidelines you might very well be able to continue to take the generic, if it works well for you, and save money at the same time.