Generic Drugs vs. Brand Name Drugs

Generic. When you hear this word you often associate it with not as good, cheap, or a knock off of something that is similar but not as good. Considering these thoughts, are generic drugs a bad thing or a good thing when compared to brand name drugs. Over the next few paragraphs we will explain what it takes for manufacturers to make generic drugs, how they are approved by the government for sale and use, and why there is nothing to worry about when considering generic drugs versus brand name drugs.

Generic Drugs are prescription medications that the US Federal Drug Administration, or FDA, has determined to have the same quality as brand-name drugs, but at a cheaper price. In fact, if you’ve had a prescription filled recently there’s a good chance that you are taking a generic drug. Almost 80% of prescription drugs sold are generic, which helps save patients, hospitals and insurance company billions of dollars each year.

The big question is how does the FDA ensure that a drug meets the same standards as a brand name drug? The criteria they consider that matters to you as the patient are:

• The drug can be taken in the same way as the brand name drug
• The drug is taken for the same reason as the brand name drug
• It must have the same active ingredient as the brand name drug
• It must be the same strength as the brand name drug
• It must have the same use and effect as the brand name drug
• It must be taken in the same way as the brand name drug (pill, inhaler, liquid, etc)
• It must have the ability to reach the required level in your bloodstream at the right time for the same extent
• It must meet testing standards

Well, that is great, but what is the difference between a generic drug and brand name drug? Generics may differ in the following:

• Shape
• Color
• Packaging
• Labeling (minor differences)
• They may have different inactive ingredients such as flavor, color or preservatives. The inactive ingredients in a generic drug must be consider safe by the FDA.

When you think about the price difference you have to wonder how the drug manufacturers are able to make money pay for research, development, advertising, and distribution. The FDA has set up policies to allow drug manufacturers the ability to recoup these costs by providing them with patent protection when they are first sold. These patents give the brand name manufacturer exclusive rights to produce and sell the drugs for a limited time, with an average patent protection time of 12 years. When the patent period ends, other companies can then manufacture and sell a generic version which they can do for a lower price.

Generic drugs introduce the possibility of multiple manufacturers producing the same drug, thereby creating a more competitive pricing environment to benefit the end user.

So, are generic drugs as effective as brand-name drugs? In short the answer is absolutely yes. If you have any questions about generic drugs do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Also, here is a link to the FDA’s Drug Resources Questions and Answers with official clarification from the US government.

Aging Gracefully

“You don't stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”

― George Bernard Shaw

Aging gracefully, everyone has heard that term, especially reaching a certain age category, but what does it really mean? We all have our own ideas and thoughts, but how do we truly embrace the signs of aging and continue to power through life with dignity as we are faced with the complications old age brings?

"For some reason, our society is very obsessed with pointing out negative aspects of aging," says Susan Whitbourne, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is also the past president of the American Psychological Association's Division on Aging.

Yes, getting older is rife with emotional landmines, gerontologists say, including fears of losing one's independence or getting a serious illness.

Experts say the keys to successful aging include accepting change, finding meaningful activities and relationships.  It may not be easy, but attitude matters a lot.

We all have one thing in common and that is growing old, whether we like it or not.  We live in a time where there is so much out there to assist in stopping and reversing the aging process, you could go broke. Even with all the help you can get, it doesn’t’ change the fact that our mind believes were20 and our body being the voice of reason says otherwise.

Balance in ones life is so important, "Balance is key to everything. What we do, think, say, eat, feel, they all require awareness, and through awareness we can grow". - Kori Fresco.

This is just the start of what's to come. I will be discussing the importance of balancing all three, the mind, the body, and the spirit, in future posts. Until then "keep on keeping' on" - Joe Dirt. 

Peace and Love-
April