GENERIC DRUGS

Generic drugs as we know or have been told are supposed to be identical to the original. However I personally have noticed that they vary in their effectiveness. I have now discovered that the same prescription is allowed to vary its active ingredients between 80% and 125% in a generic equivalent of the original. I am astonished by this. From 2010 in the UK pharmacists will be expected to change the drug prescribed on the prescription given by doctors to the cheapest generic drug available to save ? money. This is to be done without telling the patient or the doctor who gave the original prescription. Some dosages for some medical conditions need very careful control. So if you start feeling not so good after 2010 in the UK have a close look at your medication. Cheers Peter

1 Comments

This already occurs in USA in 2009

by johnb10000 - 2009-08-03 02:08:22

When filling prescriptions in the US the doctor gives me a name for one drug and when I go to pick it up I get a different brand. When I ask the pharmacist I get the answer that the insurance company will only pay for the generic and I would have to pay full price if I want the original drug.

You have to get the doctor to argue with the insurance company if there is a good reason to use a certain brand. Good luck.

Most people don't look at the prescription the doctor writes so they wouldn't even notice that they got the generic version.

Also going to the pharmacy is a nightmare. They may only be 3 or 4 people in line but it takes forever. The first person is having problems with the insurance company approving one drug one month but not this month so the pharmacist spends a few minutes on the phone talking to the insurance company. The next person can't afford the drug and pleads with the pharmacist and finally gets enough pills for a few days. For the next person the insurance company will pay for drugs at certain pharmacies but not this pharmacy

You know you're wired when...

Microwave ovens make you spark.

Member Quotes

One week has passed and I must admit that each day I feel a little stronger.