There has been great controversy over brand vs. generic drugs and according to the FDA they say that generic drugs are effective and safe as the brand name drug. Recently there has been reported some disturbing side effects and recalls which make it important that you are aware and discuss the matter with your physician when you are prescribed a medication.
In a recent article of “Self” magazine it reports about a woman, Ms. X, who became symptomatic following the switch from brand to generic of one of her medications. Within the month after the switch, Ms. X had put on 15 lbs, began to have trouble sleeping, gastrointestinal complaints and severe fatigue. When she originally discussed these symptoms with her physician she was basically put off and prescribed more medication to counteract the complaints she reported. The whole situation came to a head one day when a friend of Ms. X who no longer needed her anti-depressant medication gave Ms. X the remainder of her supply because it was also a medication Ms. X was taking. The catch was the supply that Ms X friend had was the brand and not the generic. Within days Ms. X began to improve.
Ms. X did not really think much of the switch to the generic because she had taken a generic before. Here is an interesting fact…all generics are not created equal. Generics from one manufacturer may differ from another manufacturer and that is where the problem can begin.
If you have been taking a brand name medication and the pharmacy makes the switch to generic on your refill and you experience a problem, contact your physician to inform them of the switch. Most physicians will check the box on the prescription if they want only the brand of the medication to be dispensed but in addition to checking that box…they must write out DO NOT SUBSTITUTE WITH GENERIC on the prescription.
Generics can and do save money but should not be at the expense of compromising your health.
To read the complete article in Self magazine visit
http://www.self.com/health/2009/06/dangers... My Pearls of Health -Working together for change to live a healthier lifestyle
http://www.mypearlsofhealth.com
Posted By: Belinda Anderson
Friday, May 29th 2009 at 12:22PM
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