Generics are as Effective as Brand-Name Medications
Patients can use generic drugs with total confidence that they are just as safe and effective as brand name drugs.
Generic drugs have the same active ingredient that is in brand name drugs. You can count on it because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves all generic drugs, ensuring that each generic drug is same as the brand-name drug in dosage, safety, strength, how it is taken, quality, performance, and intended use. Manufacturers of generic drugs must also prove to the FDA that their drug is “bioequivalent” to the brand-name drug. This means that the active ingredient works in the same way and for the same amount of time as in the brand-name drug. Companies that make generic medications also must prove to the FDA that they meet regulations for good manufacturing processes.
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SOME GENERIC DRUGS DO WORK, BUT NOT ALL OF THEM. MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN ON OXICOTIN FOR AWHILE FOR SEVERE CHRONIC PAIN. AFTER TRYING JUST ABOUT EVERY KNOWN PAIN KILLER,FINALLY ONE THAT WORKED. HE HAS UNDERWENT MANY SURGERIES TRYING TO BLOCK PAIN THAT FAILED, EVEN HAS A STIMULATOR IMPLANTED IN HIS BACK THAT DOES NOT HELP. HE TRIED THE GENERIC FOR THIS DRUG AND IT DID NOT RELIEVE HIS PAIN, HAD TO GO BACK TO THE NAME BRAND. I DON'T CARE WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY, NOT ALL THESE DRUGS WORK THE SAME IN GENERIC.
Generics are usually as effective as name brands. I know for me, I have always been able to take generics just fine. However, there are some people who are very sensitive to the other ingredients and for whom only the name brand will be effective. I believe this option should be left open to them (and covered by their insurance) if they try the generic and it fails to work, or doesn't work as well.