Not all medicines are created equal. Although generics are equivalent to name brand medications in most ways, you may find that your generic medication doesn’t work exactly the same way your name brand prescription does.
I experienced this when I switched from a name brand antidepressant to a generic. On the generic, I find that some of the side effects are milder. I’m very happy with my switch! However, some people find that switching to a generic is less effective for their health issues.
Here are some things you can do to make sure your generics are working right for you:
- Track your progress. If you are taking medication for blood pressure (for example), keep a log of your blood pressure readings at home. Buy an at-home monitor and take your blood pressure several times a day for the first few weeks. See if your medication really is regulating your blood pressure; if you have any concerns, bring your log to your doctor.
- Pay attention to how you feel, especially if your medication treats a condition that isn’t testable (like depression). Again, keeping a written log of symptoms and side effects can help when you need to talk to your health care professional.
- Test your generic. Ask your doctor if you can switch to a name brand prescription for a month, then try the generic again. You may notice a difference in how you feel.
- Ask about the manufacturer. Different drug makers produce different drugs — both name brands and generics. Your pharmacist should be able to tell you who the manufacturer is. If you want to try the same generic from a different maker, you may need to shop around.
- Talk to your doctor about different versions of the same medicine. Some drugs are available in once-a-day and multiple dose versions. One may work better for you than the other.
If you have a problem or concern about a generic drug, you can report it to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. People’s Pharmacy is an independent site that also encourages the FDA to investigate problem drugs; you can also report your generic drug issues there.