Posted by madeline on May 15, 2006, at 4:44:15
In reply to Generic vs Brand...evidence emerging..., posted by blueberry on May 14, 2006, at 18:33:25
The difference between generic & name brand drugs has long been recognized in the field.
The difference can be especially acute for drugs that have a very narrow therapeutic range (Coumadin and digoxin to name two examples).
For these drugs, the standing order is that once a patient is started on either the name brand or generic, then the patient cannot be switched, even if the physician indicates that a switch is okay.
So, I would advise that this policy be generalized.
If you start on name brand, stay on name brand. If you start on generic, stay on generic.
Sounds simple right? Not really.
Some insurance companies mandate a switch once a generic becomes available.
Some physicians compound the problem by dispensing samples of name brand drugs.
Some pharmacies are not required to tell the patient that a switch has occurred.
So, you have to be vigilant and be your own advocate. Insurance companies can be dealt with (some pharmacies will do this for you). Don't accept samples if a generic is available. If your pills look different, they are different - check before you leave the pharmacy.
Now, not following my own policy, I switched from Prozac to generic fluoxetine without incident and ended up saving about $1000 a year.
poster:madeline
thread:644003
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060515/msgs/644158.html