Mar
The branded seem a lot more expensive, but I can't see why they are for sale because they seem to be exactly the same as the generic medications, only with different packaging and a brand name.
Answer:
In most cases generics are the same. In some cases they are not. Generics don’t have to go through the same testing as the patented varieties. They only have to show they have the same prime ingredients and a few other minor factors like purity and dosage (pill size.) Especially if the pharmacy isn’t in the US or Canada there could be problems. While issues do arise from time to time with American generics - they don't have to be made the same way, can contain other chemical residue, and aren't tested on live subjects prior to release.
For instance, there have been complications with a commonly prescribed anti-depressant and it's generic counterpart (and also it's stop smoking designation.) Wellbutrin to be specific, sold as Zyban as a smoking cessation aide, and bupropion as a generic for both. It happens in a number of drugs, do some research on the specific generic before you get it as a money saver.
And since there's a high likelihood someone will state I'm wrong and generics are 100% identical… http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/bu…
and
“[Posted 01/27/2009] FDA notified pharmacists and consumers that ETHEX Corporation has expanded two previous 2008 recalls to include over 60 generic drug products recalled to wholesalers, and two generic drug products, Hydromorphone HCl and Metoprolol Succinate, recalled to retailer level.” from http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2009/…
Those are a few samples… more or less, if it doesn't disable or kill someone, the generic won't be recalled. Note that the bupropion was shown to be different and is still an approved generic for Wellbutrin XL.
Answer:
Where is the generic medication manufactured? If it in not in the USA, then it isn’t necessarily held to/inspected at the same high quality standards we have in the USA when the FDA in inspecting all facilities. Also, some people are ultra sensitive to medications and the generics don't necessarily work the same.
Answer:
there should not be, in the FAQ section of the site we purchase from says……
The difference between a brand name medicine and a generic one is in the name, shape and in the price. A generic drug is usually called by the name of the active ingredient while a manufacturer uses a brand name. However, a manufacturer can’t possess a patent for a certain chemical agent, this is why manufacturers of generic medications can legally produce the so-called “generics”. They’re the same chemically and since the active ingredient is identical, they have the same medical effect. Thus buying a generic medication one pays less but gets the very same result.
Answer:
Don't touch 'em!
They just want your money.