Virtually all pharmaceutical experts agree that drugs sold under a generic name are equivalent to brand-name drugs. The FDA's Commissioner, Jane Henney, MD, recently published a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association that confirmed the agency's confidence in generic drugs. Even though consumers can have confidence in all drugs, whether sold under their generic name or with a brand name as well, there are times when cost-saving alone is not the best strategy. If you are taking the brand-name version of a particular drug and are doing well on it, then it makes sense to stay with that product. While the generic version may be safe and effective, there is no point in switching from one version of a drug to another.
Pharmacists usually can provide good guidance on generic vs. brand-name drugs.
They are an underused resource but should be able to answer any questions you have. It carries the FDA's approval. But if the drug you are taking works for you, be cautious in switching from one manufacturer's version to another's. And if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist. All rights reserved.