Why Pharmacist Are Wrong About Generic Drugs

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2011/04/11/why-pharmacists-are-wrong-about-generic-drugs/

In the article “Why Pharmacist Are Wrong About generic drugs”, the author points out a lot of scary facts about how generic drugs measure up to brand name drugs. It seems that during completion of their education, Pharmacists are led to believe that generic drugs are just as good as the brand name. The FDA states on their web page generic drugs are identical or bioequivalent to brand names.  As your read the article and see the meaning of identical and what it meaning. The meaning of identical means similar or alike in every way, being the very same and agreeing exactly. The medical dictionary meaning of identical is, “Exactly equal and alike, of or relating to twin or twins developed from the same fertilized ovum and having the same genetic makeup and closely similar appearance; monozygotic”. As you read further, the author states that he or she disagrees with these meanings of identical and believes it is misleading. The reason she states this is because many elements can vary from brand name to generic. Features that can vary are color, binders, fillers, time release and the method they are delivered. The next statement the author makes is that according to the FDA, eighty percent of active and inactive ingredients come from abroad. This means there is no way the FDA could possibly check all the ingredients, which also means there is no way a drug company in china could possibly produce a drug that is “identical” and works the same as a brand name drug. In conclusion, the article is saying that pharmacist’s must be aware and tell the FDA about problems patients are having with generic drugs

                                                                                                                   Alina Kay