A very controversial issue in healthcare today is over which drugs to administer: Generic Drugs versus Trade/Brand Name drugs. This includes Over-the-Counter (OTC) drugs and prescription drugs (those that require a doctor’s order). Why should you be attentive to this issue?
Take a look at these 2 common scenarios:
Scenario #1:
A 55 year old female patient needs vitamin D pills. The brand name drug costs $150 per month. The generic drug costs $4 a month. The patient cannot afford the brand name drugs, because it exceeds her budget.
Consumer Question: Is it safe? How will this affect your health?
Nursing Question:What do you do?
Scenario #2:
A 28 year old female taking Brand Name Birth Control pills pays $20 per month. When its time to refill her prescription the pharmacists suggest the generic drug because its only $10 per month. She starts taking the generic and experiences severe breast pain and inflammation. She did not have these side effects with the brand name drug.
Consumer question: Have you ever had side effects from the generic drug but not the brand name?
Nursing Question: What would you advise her to do?
Have you ever gone to the store and wondered if the generic is the same as the brand name? Why is it cheaper? Are the same ingredients used? Are the side effects the same? Is it safe? Does it work? Would you buy a generic version of your high blood pressure medication? Would you buy a drug We are about to give you all the answers to these questions!! Stay tuned…
