More versions of Cost-Effective Generic Drugs Available
Posted on Wednesday, September 06, 2006 (EST)
Generics make up more than 50 percent of drugs prescribed today. Compared with brand name drugs, generics can cost 30 percent to 80 percent less: Mayo Clinic
Description: Sep 6, 2006
Even though health reports have repeatedly assured that generic drugs are safe, effective, less expensive and an option for an increasing number of patients ...
Even though health reports have repeatedly assured that generic drugs are safe, effective, less expensive and an option for an increasing number of patients with many medical conditions but so far, Americans haven't been that good about switching from brand-name drugs to generics.
Generics make up more than 50 percent of drugs prescribed today. Compared with brand name drugs, generics can cost 30 percent to 80 percent less.
The popularity and availability of generic drugs resulted from the federal Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Then, only about 12 percent of prescription drugs were generics. The act allowed companies that manufactured generic drugs to forgo costly duplication of expensive clinical trials already conducted by the developer of the brand name medication.
In the past two and one-half years, many important brand name drugs have gone off patent. This summer generic versions of two statins, Pravachol and Zocor were made available.
By law a generic drug must:
- contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug
- be identical in strength, dosage, and administration
- work the same way in the body
- meet the same standards for quality
- be made by the same rules the FDA has set for the brand-name drug.
Some generic drug examples include:
- Accupril (generic name quinapril) for high blood pressure and heart failure
- Allegra (fexofenadine) for allergy
- Amaryl (glimepiride) for diabetes
- Cefzil (cefprozil), an antibiotic
- Flonase (fluticasone), an allergy nasal steroid spray
- Neurontin (gabapentin) for neuropathy
- Pravachol (pravastatin) for cholesterol management
- Propecia (finasteride) for male hair loss
- Proscar (finasteride) for enlarged prostate
- Zithromax (azithromycin), an antibiotic
- Zocor (simvastatin) for cholesterol management
Zoloft (sertraline) for depression
Source: http://news.sawf.org/Health/20276.aspx
Important Note :The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be interpreted to indicate that use of the medication is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using any medicine.