There are many persons who find it difficult to take prescription drugs because of the side effects. In fact some drugs have side effects that seem worse than the condition being treated. Added to this issue is the cost of prescription medication. To help those who cannot afford expensive medication, generic drugs were developed. Now the big questions are:
- How safe are generic drugs, and
- Are they as effective as brand name drugs?
What are Generic Drugs?
These are drugs where patent protection has expired. The length of patent protection varies from country to country but the standard in the USA, Australia and Canada is 20 years. The actual time the drug hits the market as a generic varies depending on when the patent was applied for and approved. In the USA patents are applied for even before clinical trials start making it anywhere from seven to 12 years. In Australia it’s around 15 years starting at the point the drug receives approval to be sold.
The active ingredients in generic drugs have to be the same as those in brand name pharmaceuticals. Drug companies however do not have to include the same inactive ingredients. Inactive ingredients are the preservatives, flavors and colors used in many medications.
The large difference in price between generic and brand name drugs is the reason most consumers think they are inferior. The main reason for this is that there is little investment of time and money in generic brands. Since they are copies of brand name products the research has already been done.
Are Generic Drugs Safe?
The short answer is yes. For one thing, before generic brands hit the market regulatory agencies require that the company producing them prove their bioequivalency. That is, the absorption rate and how it is absorbed in the body must be the same as for the brand name drug. It is important to note however that this doesn’t mean that the brand name and generic must be exactly the same and in fact, sometimes they are not.
It is one of reasons why some patients and doctors will not use generics to treat all diseases, especially some serious conditions such as mental health conditions. The body’s response to generic and brand name drugs may also differ, and will take time to adjust from one to the other. This leads to some doctors sticking with the brand name.
This is also in response to the fact that there can be a plus or minus 20 percent difference in the bioequivalency rate between generic and brand name drugs. This difference is legally allowed not only in the USA but other countries as well. Patients’ reactions and responses may vary too much. For example a patient may have an allergic reaction to the coloring used in a generic product.
Thankfully in the majority of cases generics are just as good and effective as brand name pharmaceutical products. Discuss your concerns with your doctor if you are prescribed generic medication. Some people’s response to generics has cast some doubt on whether or not they are as effective for everyone.
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