Generic Drug Problems

We had trouble with a time-release medication that a family member was taking; one of the generic versions turned out to be faulty in the release, so that the blood concentration for active ingredient was too high in the a.m. and then dropped off too early & too suddenly in the p.m. Luckily the FDA got on top of it and recalled that particular brand. But I think it's wise to check with the pharmacy on which co. manufactures the generic that they're currently dispensing for a given med. & dosage (and pharmacies change this up pretty regularly - just to keep us on our toes lol), then google it for any problems before you purchase. Takes an extra few minutes, but if you're a worrier like me vis a vis medications, it's worth it.

This is a really fascinating read. I work at a drug store and sometimes I get stuck back in the pharmacy where it's not uncommon for a customer to request a generic for a drug just because of the price difference. It's good to know that there's more than just a difference in cost for generic versus name brand drugs.

I did find that generic anti-epileptics (gabapentin) were less effective for me than the original name brand at double the price. I've also had some bad effects from certain fillers (non-active ingredients) in generic pain killers.

One the other hand, I've never had any problems with most generic antibiotics. It's very hard to tell which medications will be ok if you take the generic.

Job well done on this very useful and well researched hub on generic drugs! I have never thought to consider that there may be problems associated with the generic form of a drug. I just always go with what is cheaper because of our stict budget. Might have to change my way of thinking. Thanks for the great info - voted up!

I've noticed the confusion on the instances where generic drugs look similar to their brand name original. Some reasons for this is that when a drug goes generic, usually only one company has rights to produce the generic for a set amount of time (6 months normally). What sometimes occurs is that the original brand name manufacturer will simply sell the manufactured drug to the generic company to repackage. This still ensures a profit for the brand company, and profit for the generic company, and maintains a reasonably high-price market on the drug during this time frame. This is often why when a drug goes generic, the price doesn't just bottom out overnight.

However, after a few months time, and when all other generic companies gain the right to make the drug, then the prices start to drop and the medication becomes visibly different. That being said, there are times when the drug may look very similar to the brand drug if the process of the medication is specially formulated and has very little room in design. Perhaps the only noticeable difference will be the markings differentiating them by producers. I hope this helps, let me know if you would like anything else clarified.

I also had never thought about the inactive ingredients and the slight, minute variations that may occur in the generic drugs. I'm wondering if the case is the same with medications like Robitussin vs. Waltussin (which is Walgreen's generic version).

Ok, I see what you mean. But you know what? My husband looked up some info, and found that in MANY cases, the generic is made by the very same company as the name brand medication, and most often in the very same facility. Now THAT is troubling, indeed...if that is the case, then they are triple-dipping!

Very interesting.

However, there is one misperception that is very common--and that is the R&D costs. The drug companies do not actually bear those costs--they are given huge government grants to do that research, which means that you and I, the taxpayers, have already paid for that, and are being raked over the coals by their so-called "recouping" of R&D costs. NO, what they are doing is called "double-dipping," and it is unconscionable.

As far as the difference in labeling, the FDA labels require such things as quantity, dosage, and warnings about food or drink combinations, or side effects such as drowsiness. That is going to be on all of them, generic or not, so the "labeling difference" is rather a moot point...there's really no need to try and sue.

As for passing any bills about drugs...probably not going to happen--Big Pharma is in bed with the politicians (and have been for decades); they contribute massive sums to campaigns, in order to get the laws the way THEY want them--and to garner those research grants.

In closing, doctors are overwhelmed with things to remember, and they are familiar with a certain, limited range of drugs off the tops of their heads. (And yes, kickbacks still exist--even if not as blatantly or frequently as in the past.)

Bottom line: if you really want the inside story about what the drug is, how it works, and comparisons between options--ask the pharmacist, not your doctor; they have better and more up-to-date information.

This was so interesting! I had never considered how inactive ingredients might come into play when considering generic vs. brand name drugs. Wow!

This is a very useful article about a subject that has been talked about in the healthcare world for a long time now. Hopefully your readers will be prompted to discuss their options more carefully with their Dr.

Good information to know about generic drugs, Doc. I'm not on any prescription meds, but I do take an antihistamine every now and then and always look for a generic. So I'll definitely keep in mind what you've said about inactive ingredients. Thanks for sharing. Voted up and useful.

This is excellent information about generic drugs. I had not even considered the effects of "inactive" ingredients.

Good info. Generic drugs are so called because when the sole patent for manufacturing a drug expires ( usually 3-5 years or longer) anyone could manufacture a said drug. The companies try to make their profit when they are the sole manufacturers and when it expires cheaper alternatives appear in the market. Most generic drugs have the same benefits and risks without the brand identity. Some, as you say may have slight differences in colorants, additives and bioavailability that can affect a very small minority who may need the branded preparation. Well written hub- thanks for sharing.

Doc Sonic, this is very valuable information. I appreciate your research and explanation. Thanks for the heads up!

Excellent hub Glen. My parents are both on many medication being octogenarians and are on a number of medications. I'm sure interactions between medications must be taken into consideration when changing from a brand name to a generic. My father has had problems in this area when medications have been changed. It is a complicated issue but like you, I tend to trust my doctor when prescribing brand name or generic.

Glen,

Thanks for publishing this well-researched informative Hub. You've done a great job explaining what generic drugs are.

Your formatting makes your article very easy to read.