Brand Name or Generic Drugs?

What is the difference between generic and brand name drugs? On several occasions, I have been asked by family and friends whether generic meds are as good as brand medications.

There are several key points that I like to discuss with my patients.

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These points are:

1. When generic medications are first released to the public they were in fact previously branded products. They contain the same active ingredients as their brand counterparts. Therefore they are equally effective.
2. Since brand medications are newer on the market, less is usually known about potential side effects. Safety with newer medications can be a concern and sometimes leads to safety alerts. In general, a safety alert is when the FDA notifies the public of adverse reactions to the medication.
3. Keep in mind that if the FDA approves a drug on the market it does not mean the new drug is better than older drugs in the same family. The FDA determines if a drug is effective and safe – not whether they are superior.
4. Last, the costs of generic medications are less than their branded counterparts. This is especially important during difficult economic times.

• About Dr. Sih

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