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Generic drugs are back for a look at what happened today, October 4th, 2012.
First let me remind you I have preached on the difference between generic drugs and for several reasons, first and foremost some of them do not work, second, they are not identical (proven) and third, it is spread of the wealth. See past articles here on healthcare.
Today it was reported, finally, generic drugs are not the same, and some do not work for you - it is unfortunate people believe it is their medical condition and not a generic drug because they believe all drugs are alike. As reported on CNN this morning, the FDA has recalled the generic for Wellbutrin XL which has the generic name Budeprion XL. The FDA admitted they found many people mentioning it is not working, and it is not the same. Finally, we are taking a grip on our own medical treatment.
I have several drugs, generics, which had to be removed and replaced with the Name Brand, the only drug that worked. You see, what happens, new drug companies come out with a cheaper drug, and remove some components of the prior drug which worked for the patient. Wellbutrin XL is a very popular drug and probably received more complaints then those which I reported, not working.
One thing to remember about the Name Brand - it is the original and the only original available. Patents on drugs are not handed over to the next company, but change one thing, presto you are now the generic, cheaper, but at times, worthless.
We must understand many people cannot afford the Name Brand, and the generic does nothing - this leaves the people without proper health care - yes - in another area of Health Care. Don't give in when your doctor doesn't agree with you, fight for your own health - you are the owner, the only owner of yourself.
Thanks for reading this, it is so important for everyone to know about generic drugs.
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You are right about some generic drugs. And, since all the drug manufacturers are in the same gigunda profit industry, generic or original- they will try to maximize profits and cut corners. But don't condemn all generics- most work perfectly well. As doctors, we must all be vigilant if our prescriptions aren't working, and make necessary changes. I also have a few patients who must have the name brand drug. You probably know that the insurance companies often will not pay for brand name, unless the doctor and patient go through a ridiculous and insulting paperwork game that can last 9 months or longer before the insurance company finally gives the green light,
Jan Thatcher Adams,, MD
Author, Football Wife, Coming of Age with the NFL as Mrs. Karl Kassulke
http://Www.footballwifethebook.com
Nancy, you are correct, and we should all become as knowlegeable and savvy about these matters as possible.
First thank you to the Doctor who posted first - how ridiculous, I am not fond of the health care system when doctors cannot doctor their own patients, and they must prove their knowledge to someone handling the insurance - if a drug keeps changing, as with me, four generics and not one was the same, and they began to work less and less. The greed of companies who get away with this, yet the doctors have to explain their reasoning. Something isn't right. Thank you so much for posting. Sincerely, Nancy
Andrew, I thank you for the thumbs up here - it happens often with several drugs I know of, so it must be happening to more - when received, you look at the pill etc., and know you haven't seen one like this one - and to explain it to the pharmacist or tell them, these are different, even your doctor knows, and they still question you, or tell you the Government has a back log on that drug. Who and why would so many people interfere with the Doctor Patient relationship. Sincerely, Nancy