Generic Medications

On the flip side of brand name medications exist what are referred to as generic medications. Generic medications often receive a bad reputation due to fears of being much lower in quality and less effective (Stroppler, 2009).

Generics must perform similar to the brand in the body

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests generic medications just as vigorously as brand medications (Food and Drug, 2009)

• Generics are required by law to contain the same active ingredients as the brands they copy (Consumer Reports, n.d. Food and Drug, 2009)

• Generics must be administered in to the system exactly the same and as efficiently as the brand names

 Where generics may differ could be something such as the size, shape, or inactive ingredients, e.g. color dye and bonding agents. However, as mentioned before generics must meet certain standards in regards to identity, strength, quality, purity, and potency.

Generic drug costs

Once the patent ends on a brand medication generic manufacturers may produce generic equivalents. Brand manufacturers suffered the steep investment costs innovating the drug so generic manufacturers do not have to go through the same. Without the development cost, generic manufacturers may sell their product at a much lower price (Generic Drugs, n.d.).

With the significantly lower generic medication price some pharmacies offer a deal on generics at low cost. Generic medications that fall under a particular list cost $4 for a thirty-day supply at Walmart, Target, and Kroger. No $4 list, but CVS offers their Health Savings Pass and Walgreens their Prescription Savings Club, each charging $12 for a ninety-day supply on certain generics after an initial annual fee.

Some manufacturers produce both the brand and generic

The brand name Xyzal allergy tablet and its genericLevocetirizine are available as the exact same pill. Similarly, Concerta andits generic Methylphenidate ER are also identical tablets. In fact, ALZA Corporation produces Concerta tablets and supplies them to Watson to be sold as a generic.

References

Reports Best Buy Drugs. (n.d.). Generic Drugs: The Same Medicine for Less Money. Consumer 

             Reports Health. Retrieved November 30, 2011, from 

             www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/money-saving-

             guides/english/GenericDrugs-FINAL.pdf

Generic Drugs: Information, Cost, and Types. (n.d.). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. 

              Retrieved December 1, 2011, from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/questions-

              about-generic-drugs-answered

Generic drug definition. (2004, June 6). MedicineNet. Retrieved November 30, 2011, from 

             www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33073

Monson, K., & Schoenstadt, A. (2011, May 17). Generic Concerta. ADHD Home Page. Retrieved 

             December 1, 2011, from http://adhd.emedtv.com/concerta/generic-concerta.html

Monson, K., & Schoenstadt, A. (2011, November 28). Generic Xyzal. Allergies Home Page. 

             Retrieved December 1, 2011, from http://allergies.emedtv.com/xyzal/generic-xyzal.html

Stoppler,M.D., M. (2009, September 28). Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand Name?. 

             MedicineNet. Retrieved December 2, 2011, from 

             www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46204

Food and Drug Administration. (2009, October 13). Facts and Myths About Generic Drugs. U S 

             Food and Drug Administration Home Page. Retrieved November 30, 2011, from

             http://www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/

             understandinggenericdrugs/ucm167991.htm