I asked my doctor to prescribe for me by generic name, but he gave me an argument
Recently I asked my doctor to prescribe for me by generic name, but he gave me an argument. What am I to make of this?
answer:
Federal Drug Administration and Senate investigations have clearly proved that brand name drugs are more expensive—and, in some cases, outrageously higher—than the same drugs under their generic names. However, many doctors sincerely feel that there is more to it than price. They argue that there is better quality control by large companies producing drugs under a brand name. They feel, then, that brand name medicines are safer. In addition, hard-pressed doctors on busy schedules say it’s hard to keep up with names of the many new drugs. The highly advertised brands stick in their minds and make it easier to prescribe.
Well-meant as these arguments may be, there is no proof that drugs made by small firms are inferior to brand name medicines in either quality or safety factors. In fact, some of the worst scandals on unsafe drugs have involved huge medical companies— usually when they release new drugs that have not been tested enough. Neither is it surprising that doctors remember brand names easier than generic names. Big pharmaceutical companies spend about $800 million a year in advertising directly to doctors—advertising that the general public isn’t aware of.
You can’t force your doctor to prescribe by generic name—and, of course, you shouldn’t try if you trust him or her, and have a good relationship. However, you might talk the matter over again, and ask the doctor to consider the importance of the money savings to you.
