Generic or Name-Brand Drugs: What's Best For You?

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:21:55 EST

Generic drugs have become increasinglyprominent in today's medical market. At a small fraction of theoriginal cost, you can invest in generic drugs as opposed to brand-namedrugs, saving you money and providing medication to your loved ones.

Generic drugs are simply alternative medications to a brand-nameversion, and they possess the same strength, effectiveness, quality,and safety as brand-name versions. Pharmacies carry both the genericand the brand-name versions of medicine, so talk to your doctor and seewhat's best for you.

Very minimal differences exist between brand-name and generic drugs.The best benefit and first difference between the two is the huge costdifference. Many families have a hard time paying for medications theyneed, especially if a loved one suffers from a chronic disease. Thehuge price difference between generic and brand-name drugs has been ahuge relief for these families.

For $9 I get my three month supply ofmedicine, as opposed to a much higher cost. Being able to buy moreaffordable versions of prescription drugs has provided families withmedications they need, however, a generic form may not be available forsome brand-name medications yet. Once a brand-name drug has fulfilledit's allotted patent time, a generic is able to be manufactured.

Generics are only cheaper because all the research and production costsfor creating the drug have already been paid for by the brand-name drugcompany. A lower price does not at all mean reduced quality oreffectiveness. Very small differences exist between generic andbrand-name drugs. Besides the cost, they may look a little different.Generic drugs are not allowed to look like their name-brandcounterpart, and a little difference and size or color may minutelyeffect the release time of your medication.

However, these differencesdo not at all change or alter your medicine's strength oreffectiveness. By law, generic medications are required to have theexact same chemical compound in them which comprises the activeingredient. If you experience any differences while taking a genericdrug, talk to your health care provider and talk about what may be thebest decision for you.

It is a little-known fact that many brand-name medications may actuallybe cheaper with the aid of an insurance company. By talking to medicineproviders and negotiating for their consumers, insurance agencies maybe able to get you a brand-name medication for even cheaper than ageneric version. Talk to your doctor and see if switching to a genericis best for you, then call your insurance provider and see whichversion can save you money.

Many families struggle to afford prescription medications for theirfamilies. Generic drugs have been a huge relief for these families, andmore and more come out on the market every year. Talk with your doctorand see if there is a generic version available for you or look onlineand check. By switching to a $4 generic you can save a lot ofmoney and be able to provide the medication you and your family needs.

TRCB.com RSS Feed

Generic or Name-Brand Drugs: What's Best For You?