You consult your physician, and they issue you a prescription for a brand-name drug. You present your prescription to the pharmacist, who informs you that a generic version of the medication is available. Which one is the best? For the most part, going with a generic will save you money and effort.
It is common for generic medications to be less expensive than their brand-name counterparts because they contain the same active ingredient and dose form and perform similarly. Some of the non-drug ingredients, such as flavoring and coloring additives, may be different. As a result, they may have a varied size, color, or form.
Generics are sometimes created by companies that make brand-name pharmaceuticals to keep prices down. On the other hand, most generic medications are manufactured by different companies that the FDA has approved to sell their generic alternatives.
Safe Use of Generic Medicine
When a drug is prescribed as a generic, the patient is given a treatment choice compared to the brand-name product in terms of safety and effectiveness but is less expensive. Hence, knowing the generic names of your medications is critical when taking them as this will help you avoid consuming an excessive amount of the same medicines, resulting in an overdose.
Below are the dos and don’ts of generic medications to help you stay informed.
Find Out What Medication You’re Taking
Don’t just take your doctor’s word for it. Insist on knowing what the medication is about. With this, you’ll be able to tell right away if the pharmacist has given you something different than what you ordered.
Also, when you leave the pharmacy with a refill, make sure the drug you received appears the same as the last time you received it. Inquire with the pharmacist if you notice anything unusual about the drug.
Ask Questions About The Medication’s Use
Make sure you feel comfortable with your doctor and pharmacist so that you may ask questions.
For example, if you’re taking hair loss medications, then you should inquire about these topics: What should I do if I forget to take a dose? Is it better to take this medication before, during, or after a meal? How long should it take to administer each dose? What are the possible adverse effects that I might encounter? After experiencing a particular side effect, when is the best time to see a doctor?
Help yourself remember by taking notes or asking your doctor to write down any instructions or other relevant information about your medicine and condition.
Do Not Share Your Medication
Being knowledgeable about your medication is critical to its proper usage, as well as your ability to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any side effects or issues you may be having with it.
Hence, it is essential to keep your medicines to yourself because you don’t know what other medications or supplements your friends and family are taking, which could cause harm. Aspirin, for example, can trigger a severe asthma attack in certain asthmatics.
Take The Time To Read The Labels
Medications should be used just as prescribed and only for as long as necessary. Always check the drug label before taking any medication. Before taking your medicine, be sure to review the medication data supplied with your prescription thoroughly.
Also, even if you start to feel better, don’t stop taking your prescription midway through the course. You must ensure that all of the bacteria causing you unwell are eliminated. Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms can be formed by not completing an entire course of treatment, making it more difficult to treat you the next time you are sick.
Safely Store Your Medicine
Follow the storage recommendations provided by your pharmacist and keep them out of the reach of youngsters. Refrigeration is required for several medications, including insulin, vaccinations, and antibiotic syrups. Others can be stored at 25°C or below, while others may need to be kept from the sun.
Please do not discard old medications in the trash, especially if you have children. Medicine should always be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. However, if you wish to dispose of your expired or undesired medication, you can do so at your nearest local pharmacy. That drug is being sent to a hazardous waste disposal provider, where it will be appropriately destroyed.
Be Honest With Other Substance You Use
Tell your doctor if you drink, smoke, or take other drugs regularly. Tobacco, alcohol, and other substances can impair the effectiveness of your medications. Be honest with your physician regarding your substance or supplements intake as a patient.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking medicine. Also, limit your use of other stimulants. Caffeine-rich beverages like coffee should be consumed with caution when taking certain medications.
Remember, Generic Medicine is Safe and Effective!
Generic pharmaceuticals may be less expensive, but that doesn’t mean they’re of poorer quality. Companies can charge less than the original brand-name drug manufacturer since they don’t have to spend millions doing clinical trials and promoting new drugs. Generics also increase market competition, which can result in even lower prices.
The FDA’s job is to ensure that the generic drug has the same effects as the brand-name prescription and that any new substances utilized are safe. As part of their testing, they will also look at how long an unused medicine can be stored before it disintegrates and whether the drug’s producer can consistently and accurately produce the medication. The FDA will only authorize a medicine if it passes these safety standards.