Sick and tired of high drug costs? You're not alone. Americans spend more than 150 billion dollars per year on pharmaceuticals, and with costs rising all the time, many are looking to generic alternatives. These products promise the same benefits as their name-brand equivalents, but at a fraction of the cost. When considering something as important as your personal health, do generic drugs measure up?
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Consumers are Reporting Problems When Switched to Generic Drugs
- From ConsumerLab
By ConsumerLab - Be Sure It's CL Approved
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Personal Body Chemistry May Be Involved
Since I am not a medical professional, I can only reply regarding my own situation. Fortunately, I do not take or need many prescription drugs, either due to healthy lifestyle, genes, or a combination. However, I have been taking two different prescription drugs for a number of years. One of these is a brand name which, over the years, is the one which several doctors have recommended. None of them thought I should be taking the generic form.
However, a few years ago, I was prescribed a very expensive brand name drug for a different condition. This is an extremely well-known and highly advertised drug. Although it did its job, according to blood tests, I had terrible side effects. Physician then switched me to a well-known generic form. I have now been on this drug for a few years. It too does its job as is shown by blood tests, but I have no adverse side effects.
I imagine therefore that since there are so many individual body chemistry issues here, that there may not be one answer which 'fits' all. It certainly is worthy trying a prescribed generic as the price variance is so great between the two. If it doesn't work, then I say - switch to the brand name if you wish.
- mellis
September 3, 2008 2:39PM
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Psychologic?
I'm just guessing here, but maybe when people switch to the generic equivalent, believing it wouldn't work, it just doesn't; a self-fulfilling prophecy
- mackerman
September 30, 2009 4:04PM
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