Med Safety Online

Most generics work the same as brand name medications and can be a more cost-effective than brand name medications.  Although generics can be a great alternative to costly brand name medications, there are a few things to research before making any purchases. 

- Is the generic legal? A generic drug has the same active ingredient but is labeled under its scientific name, not brand name. A generic version of the drug can be manufactured and sold only when the patent of a brand name medication expires.   For example,generic Latisse does not exits because the manufacturing companies still have an active patent on these medications, whereas generic Soma can be sold as Carisoprodol since the original patent has expired.   Do some simple research before you buy to make sure that you generic is even legal in the USA before you buy.

-Is the generic bio-equivalent? The FDA required that a generic version of a drug must use the same active ingredients as the brand name drug and meet the same standards for quality and safety including dosage strength, the way it works, the way it is taken, the way it’s intende

Generic Medications

d to be used and the health conditions that it treats.  A pharmaceutical manufacturer that wants to sell their generic drug must offer proof of bio-equivalency to the FDA. To be considered bio-equivalent, the active ingredients in a generic drug must be absorbed at a similar rate and in a similar amount as the brand name equivalent.  Many companies will offer “generic” versions of medications that are actually herbal treatments, not an bio-equivalent of the brand name medication they claim to be.  Check to make sure that the medication you are ordering is FDA approved before you buy.

-Can you tolerate the inactive ingredients? Although generic drugs must have the same active ingredients as the brand name versions, the inactive ingredients may be different and some people may have allergic reactions to inactive ingredients. Inactive ingredients can include colors, preservatives, and fillers.  The generic version doesn’t have to act exactly the same but it does have to meet specific criteria set by the FDA.  Make  sure that the generics you are buying does not have any allergens that you will react to, such as fish, gluten or pollens.

-Which company produces the generic? Just like brand name, the FDA puts all generic drugs through a review process to assure quality, safety, and efficacy. The FDA requires that generic manufacturing plants meet the same standards as brand name plants. The FDA conducts approximately 3,500 on-site inspections each year to ensure compliance. In fact, did you know that  approximately 50% of all generic drugs are made by the same brand name companies? Before you buy, check for information to make sure your generic was produced here in the USA with a reputable company.