Generic Medications – The same but different?
We’re often told that the generic medications are exactly the same, you’re just not paying for the "brand name". So, why support the big names? Why not save your money?
Well, it turns out it just might not be the case. Depending on what country you’re in, the law may allow for variations in the generic medication.
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A surprising study just came out of the USA that should concern anyone buying drugs there, for example (read it here). The study was done with Topamax (topiramate) and its generic version. In this case, it was epilepsy patients. The study (published in last month’s Neurology) found that epilepsy patients on generic versions required more medication, had more injuries, and ended up in the hospital more often and for longer periods of time than those on the Topamax brand. The worst were patients who used various generic brands during the study period.
Why? It turns out that US law allows generic brands to have slightly less of the medication in them. That’s right. And there may be other minor differences, depending on the medication (and the country).
Now, migraineurs are less likely to have severe problems with topiramate, since they usually take lower dosages and are less likely to end up in the hospital. But this is something to be aware of for any medication you’re taking.
So are you stuck with the expensive version? It depends. In many cases, it really may not make a difference. In some cases, raising your dosage slightly may solve the problem, and still be cheaper. But in this case, you do need to stick to the same generic brand. Talk to your doctor.
It’s time to stop assuming that generics and the original are 100% equal. Be careful!
15 May 2013 @ 8:36 pm
Having been through the horror of generic wellbutrin.. which had been complained about for YEARS, and was finally taken off the market in October 2012, I am loathe to ever trust a generic again. The generic (extended release, meant to sustain 24 hours of antidepressant), dumped an average of 34% of it’s medicine in the first 2 hours. I complained, and was told I was crazy by many drs.
I told them I was insanely up the first few hours, then crashed at night. No one listened to me. Now I pay much more, since a generic is available, and by my insurance, it is my “choice” to take the name brand. The whole thing is an atrocity.