Posted by suneesabrina on November 16, 2006, at 15:17:52
In reply to Re: Brand Name vs. Generic Drugs » valene, posted by yxibow on November 14, 2006, at 14:03:58
> > So Jay, you are saying that all benzodiazepines generic and name brand are equivalent in bioavailability?
>
> I'm not promising that they're all the same in bioavailability, but any given lot will be the same in bioavailability and if one is taking an amount enough to notice any significant difference, a fractional dosage adjustment is possible to be made.
>
> So I guess I will ask the pharmacy to order me a generic xanax instead of the name brand and save myself $35.00 then!
>
> I'm not saying you have to drop it -- if you swear by it, save yourself $35, if you feel its necessary than don't.
>
> Can't there be a difference in individual metabolism of the drug due to your own metabolic system?
>
> There is always a difference individual metabolism of any item put into any person's system. These are all averages taken from studies regardless of generic or non. In general once its in your bloodstream, the active ingredient will break down at the same rate.
>
>
> I *do* notice a difference in name brand xanax it seems to work quite well but the generic seems to last longer between doses or am I imagining it?
>
> That could be due to the inactive ingredients and the binding which are frequently more important in any assessment of strength than the actual ingredients, in general between generic and non. However, that sounds like more the power of persuasion but I'm not you, so I can't say for you.
>
> Also the name brand stuff breaks apart differently; when you break a xanax it snaps in half; when you break a generic alpraz. it is soft and sort of crumbly (Sandoz brand).
>
> That I would agree with some generics -- the binding is a bit cheaper. However with some deft work it will snap if done right. I think that depends on the generic. Generally the completely flat ones that rub off with dye I've noticed will break more poorly than the slightly convex made tablets. An investment in a sharp pill splitter usually solves that issue.
>
>
> All I'm arguing on the subject is that if Generic X vs. Real Drug Y. costs someone a significant amount more on their own plan (but especially if its out of pocket), and we don't have price capping structures in this country like some Commonwealth countries, then its better to go with a generic. In fact its better to start with a generic from the same brand, and insist to continue with the same generic from the same brand unless it falls off the market, if it seems to make a difference.
>
> -- Jay
Dude - You're smart!! : )
poster:suneesabrina
thread:702989
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061110/msgs/704309.html