Generic vs. Brand Name

In the face of three billion dollars in drugs that will go off patent in 2008, the LA and NY Times had special features on this important question."Are brand names better than generics? Is there any difference?" Recently, the argument is being put forth that brand name drugs may be in fact better than there generic counterparts. Many neurology drugs such as ones for epilepsy, anti-depressants as well as cardiovascular drugs are under investigation. Doctors have been noting important differences, such as increased side effects and a decrease in effectiveness in generics. They state that the FDA may be overlooking important differences. Dr. Gerald Naccarelli, chief of the Pennsylvania State Medical Center's division of cardiology said, "I'm confused why there's one set of standards for patented trade-name drugs for FDA approval and a separate standard for generic substitutions. Some generic drugs . . . should be held to higher standards than the FDA now enforces." This sentiment resonated in the slew of comments that were posted on the subject of this article. Many commented on seeing the ineffectiveness of generics especially for neuro drugs. While the debate is still ongoing, the FDA is feeling the pressure to re-evaluate the generic counterparts.

To read more: "Generic vs. Brand Name" LA Times
To read more about Drug Earnings and Generics: Click here

Do you think generics should have to be approved by the FDA like branded name drugs?

Do you think there are notable differences in generics?

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