FTC facts on generic drugs

One of the issues that always comes up with prescriptions is the idea of brand name drugs versus the use of generic drugs. Drug companies are very good at researching and creating drugs and for this they get a patent on these drugs so that they can sell them with no competition for a period of a few years and this is a fantastic advantage for them. All you

After a period of 7 to 17 years depending on the drug there is a time when companies can create and market copycat drugs, generic drugs, that can compete with the Major drug companies original drug. There is a very large market on both sides of this issue and as you can imagine the marketing and government lobbying in this field are extremely aggressive.

need to see how powerful a restricted market is is to look at the impact on society and marketing that Pfizer has had with their little blue pill Viagra. When Viagra hit the market and for many years there is not competition and Pfizer has really made the most of the Viagra name to build that market so that any competition by a generic drug when they are allowed will be an uphill battle. The Federal Trade Commission has some into on generic drugs that I thought I would share.

Prescription drugs can be a costly medical expense, especially for older people and those who are chronically ill. However, each state has a law that lets pharmacists substitute less expensive generic drugs for many brand-name products. Depending on your prescription needs, your savings could be significant. Before you talk with your doctor or pharmacist about switching, there are things you need to know about generic drugs and the law.

What�s the difference between a generic and brand-name drug?

Not much, except for name and price. A generic drug is called by its chemical name; a manufacturer assigns a brand name. The products have the same ingredients.

Standard practice and most state laws require that a generic drug be generically equivalent to its brand-name counterpart. That is, it must have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form�pill, liquid, or injection. The generic drug also must be therapeutically equivalent�it must be the same chemically and have the same medical effect.

Do all drugs have generic equivalents?

No. Some drugs are protected by patents and are supplied by only one company. However, when the patent expires, other manufacturers can produce its generic version. Currently, about half the drugs on the market are available in generic form.

How can I get generic drugs?

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Explain that you want the most effective drug at the best price. Ask your doctor to write prescriptions for generic drugs when possible.

Are there exceptions to the law on generic drugs?

Yes. If your doctor writes on the prescription form that a specific brand-name drug is required, your pharmacist must fill the prescription as written. That is, a generic drug cannot be substituted.

However, your pharmacist can talk with your doctor about the prescription. Perhaps there�s an acceptable generic drug that your doctor is not aware of. Your pharmacist can compare and evaluate generic and brand-name drugs and may be able to consult with your doctor to provide the right medication at the best possible price.

Will my doctor automatically prescribe generic drugs?

It depends on the physician. You can ask your doctor to write a prescription permitting substitution of a generic drug product when appropriate. You also can ask whether a generic product will be as effective and less costly. Or, you can request that only brand-name products be used to fill your prescriptions.

Where can I get more information on generic drugs?

The Food and Drug Administration has a toll-free hotline to answer questions about drug safety and efficacy. Call 1-800-532-4440. You also can visit the FDA at www.fda.gov�click on Human Drugs.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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