I see a lot of this day-to-day, as I am a pharmacist. On paper, generic drugs must be bioequivalent (meaning similar absorption in the body) as the brand names. These tests are done in the lab (not in people), and I can never say for sure that each patient is going to react as well to the generic as they do to the brand. I always comply with prescribers'' and patients'' requests for brand-name medications. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always feel the same way about that.
That said, many big name companies (Pfizer, Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, etc.) also own companies that produce generics. Often times, the generic medication is made by the exact same company as the brand. It even looks the same, they just don''t stamp the name on it, or they change it to a different color. I also feel there are more reputable generic companies than others.
All in all, its worth doing your research on any medication you take. You are the person taking your medication, and if you feel unsafe or unwilling to take a generic, than the brand-name is the better option for you. It will be very difficult to get your ins. to pay for it, but its worth a try! See if your pharmacy can help-I often call insurance for my patients.
In addition, that article isn''t very accurate in many aspects. I am licensed in more than one state, and the MD always has the discretion to choose a brand name. We also are required to ask the patient if a substitution is okay. I think it portrays generics in a bad light, and for most people, they work just as well and are much less expensive.
I hope that helps! If you have any questions about anything, please ask.
That said, many big name companies (Pfizer, Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, etc.) also own companies that produce generics. Often times, the generic medication is made by the exact same company as the brand. It even looks the same, they just don''t stamp the name on it, or they change it to a different color. I also feel there are more reputable generic companies than others.
All in all, its worth doing your research on any medication you take. You are the person taking your medication, and if you feel unsafe or unwilling to take a generic, than the brand-name is the better option for you. It will be very difficult to get your ins. to pay for it, but its worth a try! See if your pharmacy can help-I often call insurance for my patients.
In addition, that article isn''t very accurate in many aspects. I am licensed in more than one state, and the MD always has the discretion to choose a brand name. We also are required to ask the patient if a substitution is okay. I think it portrays generics in a bad light, and for most people, they work just as well and are much less expensive.
I hope that helps! If you have any questions about anything, please ask.
