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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,517
Registered: ‎08-20-2014

Google "generic drugs safety" for the CBS News link (allegations of widespread fraud).

 

I saw the report this morning with my mouth hanging agape. I don't care what we're told about generic drugs being identical - I've noticed differences when my insurance switched me to a generic.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,233
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Generic drugs in the news

It's the old story of follow the money - 'cause where it flows, fraud sets in so often.  

 

I've been taking 2 generics for several decades now, but I do know one of them is being watched right now.  Absolutely hate it when we're d..ned if we do and d...ned if we don't!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,241
Registered: ‎12-05-2012

Re: Generic drugs in the news

my generic Blood pressure medicine (Valsartan/HCT) was recalled because it is contaminated with cancer causing chemicals. Now I see commercials on TV from attorneys about it.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,609
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Generic drugs in the news

[ Edited ]

It appears to me that the FDA is lacking when it comes to inspecting overseas manufacturers...that's basically what the article is about. When it comes to Rx drugs, I would like to know where mine are made so that I may decide whether or not to take it.

 

eta - When it comes time for FDA inspectors to go overseas, then the manufacturers 'prepare' for their arrivals...weeks in advance so that they can easily make it look like everything is up to par. That's difficult to do here because the inspectors show up at the drop of a hat.

 

One possible solution to this kind of problem is to have resident FDA inspectors who live in the vicinity of the manufacturing plants. But until this happens the problems will continue.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: Generic drugs in the news

Reason #102846590 why....

I

fight

like

h3ll

NOT take medications.

 

So many conditions are manmade with incorrect nutrition.

The answers are out there to remove yourself from these medications

but people don’t want to make the lifestyle change.

At the very least, changing diet will lessen the drugs you MUST take.

So, at the end of the day, all this is a choice. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,609
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Generic drugs in the news

[ Edited ]

@sidsmom 

I am Rx drug free. I accomplished that by changing my diet, giving up a few bad things and staying with an exercise program. Takes determination and the will to survive and ultimately live a longer and healthy life.Heart

 

There are people who cannot go without Rx drugs for whatever reasons...diet cannot change that for those who are like that. It's just not possible in some instances, no matter what dietary changes have been made. Sometimes disabilty makes it impossible to be drug-free...as it was in my case years ago, but now I'm drug-free and counting my blessings.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,922
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Generic drugs in the news


@PilatesLover wrote:

Google "generic drugs safety" for the CBS News link (allegations of widespread fraud).

 

I saw the report this morning with my mouth hanging agape. I don't care what we're told about generic drugs being identical - I've noticed differences when my insurance switched me to a generic.


@PilatesLover, oftentimes the difference is in the fillers used by different manufacturers.  The name-brand drug does not give out it's exact recipe.  So, the FDA regs require that the exact amount of the active ingredient be in the the drug, but doesn't specify other things.  It's rather like someone asking a group of people to make an apple pie using exactly 2 cups of apples.  Everybody's apple pie is still going to be different.  Different bodies react differently to the different fillers which can affect the absorption rate of the active ingredient.

 

It's a common complaint in the hypothyroid community.  Of those who only need T4, some people do well on Synthroid and not the generic Levothyroxine, while others it's vice versa.  For me, I can't tell the difference between the two.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,916
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Generic drugs in the news

Insurers tell us that generic drugs are the same as brand name drugs but no doctor and no pharmacist would ever tell you that.  There most certainly differences in the formulas.  Sometimes not enough to affect efficacy but sometimes, in some patients, a generic will not work as well as the brand name.  That happened to my mom many years ago, the generic form of her heart medication did work as well as the name brand.  I see several physicians for different things; cardiac medication and my thyroid medication afe for the brand name and  both say  "No substitutions".

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,322
Registered: ‎02-22-2015

Re: Generic drugs in the news

Work with your PCP (or specialist) and pharmacist. If a generic drug isn't the best choice, your physician will prescribe the original drug if you have open communication. I take some of the generics and have a couple of the original meds. Not a problem.

Money screams; wealth whispers.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Generic drugs in the news

I am thankfully drug free at this time . When I tell my providers that when they ask if i am on any prescriptions they always act surprised or say WOW! or good for you!

 

I always try to remedy a situation myself FIRST before going to the doctor. ( Of course I am not talking heart attack or stroke here.....)

 

Dietary changes if nessesary always first always....and then supplements.   So far I have come up with the right combinations to keep me off prescriptions.

 

I had a urinary  track infection the past week.  My first EVER in my 64 years.  So I read up on it....bought  an over the counter  test strip to verify what it was....and bought four different supplements  to take three times a day.   Today I am symptom free and feel great!   I took another test  with a strip this morning  and it showed no infection today....No Drs visit....none of their medicine. 👍