Are Generic Drugs as Effective as Name Brands?

• “Yes”

  

  “Generics Must Have the Same Active Chemicals”

• “Objection”

  

  “Generics Are Not 'Tried and True'”
  

Generics Are Not 'Tried and True'

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While a brand name drug may be “tried and true,” a generic may not be “true” to the brand name drug and, until marketed and used by consumers, not even “tried.”   Compared to the brand name drug, a generic may 1) contain different inactive ingredients, 2) release its active ingredient at a somewhat different rate, and 3) behave somewhat differently when taken with certain foods or beverages.  Most importantly, a generic is typically not directly tested for safety and efficacy.  All of these differences exist, for example, with a generic form of Wellbutrin XL 300 that became available in late 2006.  Although the generic (called Budeprion XL 300) has never been clinically tested, not even for bioequivalence, the FDA maintains that it is safe and effective.  Hundreds of patients say otherwise.

Generics, particularly those that have been newly introduced, should not be considered tried and true.  It is the consumer, not the FDA nor the manufacturer, who will be the first to know whether or not a new generic drug truly performs like the brand name drug.

Next Argument

"Yes" Consumers Union

• Generics Must Have the Same Active Chemicals
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• The Basics
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• Switching Drugs
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"Yes" Generic Pharmaceuticals Association

• By Law, Generic Medicines Are the Same Medicines as Brands
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• Generic Medicines and Brand Medicines Deliver the Same Health Benefits
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• Generic Medicines Must Meet Same High Quality Standards as Brands
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• Post-Marketing Surveillance Requirements
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• Generics Provide Significant Savings to Consumers
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"Yes" Amer Soc of Health System Pharmacists

• Generics are as Effective as Brand-Name Medications
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• Individuals May React Differently to Any Drug
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• Affordable Medications Bring Good Health to More People
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"No" ConsumerLab

• Consumers are Reporting Problems When Switched to Generic Drugs
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• Generics Are Not Tested for Safety and Efficacy
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• Generics Drugs are Given Much Leeway in How They Perform
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• Binders, Fillers, and Other Chemicals May Be Different
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• Delivery Mechanism and Rate of Release May Be Different
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• Product Information for Generics May be Incorrect and Misleading
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• There May Be Manufacturing Problems with Some Generics
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"No" Peter Kowey MD

• Therapeutic Margins Are Too Small
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• Low Drug Levels are As Bad As High Levels
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• We Have Enough Variance in Drug Therapeutics—We Don’t Need More
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Most Objections

• Generics Must Have the Same Active Chemicals
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• Generics Drugs are Given Much Leeway in How They Perform
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Do Generic Drugs Work?

• Yes
• No

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