Is There a Difference Between Generic and Brand Name Prescription Drugs?

People often do not even think twice when they substitute generic drugs for their prescriptions at the pharmacy. The generic drugs cost less, are readily available, and seem to do the same job as the prescription brand name. Is there really a difference between generic and brand name drugs?

One of the first questions people ask when it comes to evaluating generic drugs is if they are as effective as their brand name counterparts. Unfortunately the answer to this question is no. Although the generic drugs are for the most part just as effective and safe as the brand name, they don't have to be. Since the brand name drugs are often manufactured in environments that are far more diligent the pills will often be more effective and safe. Certain medications are not sensitive to these minute differences in ingredient amounts, however others are. Thyroid medications, for example, should always be brand name since the generic version can vary month to month causing your numbers to fluctuate.

Many people argue that this is not true sating that it is the law to regulate the generic drugs to ensure that they are exactly the same as the brand name drugs. This is not true. The government does indeed regulate the drugs however they allow for a range of ingredient levels which means that the generic companies can add less or more to their medications and still be considered to be an equivalent to the brand name drug. In addition to the amounts of ingredients, any component that is not directly related to the main ingredient can be different. Fillers, binding agents and other seemingly irrelevant ingredients may have an adverse affect. The ingredients could cause different rates of absorption which could really have an affect on your body. This especially holds true if the generic drug changes from month-to-month at the pharmacy.

The best way to decide if generic drugs are okay for you to substitute for the brand name drugs you take is to speak directly with your doctor. Review each prescription drug with your doctor to find out if the differences in the generic version could have an effect on your body. Present the facts you have learned about the differences to the doctor if he or she seems to dismiss your concerns. Explain that generic drugs can be absorbed at a different rate or contain different amounts of ingredients and ask the doctor if the types of medications you take could be affected by this. Even though the brand name prescription drug will cost more than the generic, in the end it may be worth it for your health. If you have trouble affording the prescription drugs you can try asking your doctor's office for samples or you can contact the manufacturer directly to see if they have a plan to assist you with the costs.