Generic meds vs. label meds? ( serious inquiry )

Peatree · #1 01-13-2011, 06:49 PM

Hey all -- this is actually a serious question...my X wife is spouting off that generic meds are a "reason" that my son had some issues at school.

So -- does anyone have any insight, opinion, feedback as to whether or not there is a real difference between generic meds versus the label.

I hate the fact she is simply blaming the meds...and not focusing on him being responsible for his own actions...drives me nuts!

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skulldudes · #2 01-13-2011, 07:01 PM

i'm kind of confused by your wording, but if you're talking about name brand meds and their generic counterparts - they are the EXACT same thing. you pay for the name, that is all.

Zereh · #3 01-13-2011, 07:46 PM

They're not "exactly" the same though they are often interchangeable. Pretty sure there is an 20% +/- variance allowed between a brand-named drug and their generic counterpart.

Generics work for some people, not for others. The same person can take generic meds of one kind but must have name-brand meds of another kind. Every person is unique and every case different.

Chanus · #4 01-13-2011, 07:33 PM

In very rare occasions, a generic medication can have a different effect on the patient than the name brand, but it's highly unlikely.

Also, IANAD, and only your doctor can really determine if this is the case. Ask your doctor.

Also, ask your doctor.

Scrooge · #5 01-13-2011, 07:48 PM

It really depends on the type of medication. I've had some cases where the Generic version wasn't as efficient as the Brand.

Torqumada286 · #6 01-13-2011, 07:53 PM

Often it's not the actual medication that is the problem, but the "fillers" that are often added to make the pills, tablets, capsules, etc... that can have unintended consequences for patients. They are supposed to be inert, but everyone's body chemistry is a little different.

Torqumada

Hasbinbad · #7 01-13-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torqumada286 [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Often it's not the actual medication that is the problem, but the "fillers" that are often added to make the pills, tablets, capsules, etc... that can have unintended consequences for patients. They are supposed to be inert, but everyone's body chemistry is a little different.

Torqumada

This.

Chemical formulas are chemical formulas.

nalkin · #8 01-13-2011, 08:07 PM

Probably not the kind of medication your talking about, but other than my chewable multivitamin I only take one kind of medication and that is for allergies in the spring. Equate 24 relief works better for me than any named brand and is around 10x cheaper.

I was raised in a family that buys off brand everything because you have to respect the small brands that give you a good deal. The only time I have found a real brand better than an off brand is in macaroni and cheese (the powdered kind) and bread.

xshayla701 · #9 01-13-2011, 09:08 PM

I know for the medicine I take, the doses are a little off between the brand name and the generic. My doctor highly recommended the brand name for both things I take.

Peatree · #10 01-14-2011, 11:01 AM

..."thanks all" -- appreciate the responses. And yeah, it's not in regards to vitamins or anything like that...my son is on ADHD medication and my X is always looking for an excuse for his behaivor....which frustrates me....cause I have no issues with him at all, whether he is on generic or not...of course I make use of other types of parenting tools/techniques...while she simply counts on medicating him....which I loathe.

FYI -- if you are a parent and are interested in an awesome tool to help with challenging kids...there is a system called "Celebrate Calm", that I swear by...I was skeptical at first...but upon making use of the tools/methods/etc....it's a game changer.

http://www.celebratecalm.com/

Anyhow-- thanks again for the insight!