A growing number of insurance plans requires pharmacists to dispense generic drugs when available. Even when the physician has specifically ordered a brand name, some plans will only reimburse the cost of the generic substitute. Registered pharmacist Scott Whitney, a 1977 graduate from FSU's College of Pharmacy, has faith in today's generic drugs. The generic market was cleaned up about five years ago, after it was discovered that there were product inconsistencies. People were complaining that generic pain medications weren't as strong and didn't last as long as the brand name products, and they were right.
Today there is virtually no difference in strength or efficacy.
In fact, many generics are manufactured by the brand name companies. They just produce them in different shapes or paint them different colors. Whitney is, however, troubled by the insurance industry's priorities and has little sympathy for insurance companies who bemoan the high cost of health care. In this country, prescription drugs have become a business first and a health issue second. I sometimes wonder where the 'ethical' in 'Ethical Pharmacy' went.