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The FDA requires that before generic drugs
can be sold they must undergo three forms of equivalency testing:
(1) Pharmaceutically equivalent: Generic
drugs must have the same active ingredient's), the same dosage form,
and be identical in strength and purity to the brand-name version.
(2)
Bio-equivalent: A generic drug must be absorbed into the bloodstream
at the same rate and extent as the brand name drug. (3)
Therapeutically equivalent:
If the drug is judged pharmaceutically and bio-equivalent, the drug
is rated interchangeable with the brand name drug. Often the same
company that
makes the brand name drug also makes the generic version. What
should you ask the pharmacist if you buy the generic version? One
question is always
important: Is this generic drug "bio-equivalent" to the brand name
drug?
Remember, too, that pharmacists can change the prescription from
brand name to generic without asking you unless the doctor writes on
the prescription:
"No Substitutions." (Excerpts taken from "Generic Drugs" by Bridget
Kennebeck in “Geico Direct,” Fall 1998). |
