 Brand-names medicines are expensive for a reason: they require years of research and development before they come on the market, and they also require advertising campaigns that cost a great deal of money.
You may be considering generic medicines as a means of saving money on your medical expenses: however, you may be unsure about the safety and effectiveness of these drugs.
Basically, a generic drug is a “knock-off” of a brand-name formulation. It will serve the same purpose, but there will be differences between the original, brand name pills or capsules, and the generic version. It’s important to understand what you are buying, before you make a decision.
You can save a lot of money using generics, but you must be certain that the company is reliable and above-board, with a solid reputation in the business community. Here are some facts about generic drugs, and some ways they can help you to save money:
Dosages May Differ
While a generic drug will serve the same purpose as its brand-name counterpart, it may not be packaged in the same dosages you are used to. Consider the dosage before buying: if the dosage is smaller, and you need more pills, then the savings may not be as great as you expect. Take the time to educate yourself about the proper dosage levels of the drug you need, then shop around for the best deals on generics. Make sure that you are following doctor’s orders, with regard to dosage levels. Don’t play around with your health in order to save money – it’s not worth it! Ask your doctor or pharmacist about generics, to get their opinion. Asking questions ahead of time is the safest course for your health and well-being.
The FDA’s “Orange Book” Will Help You Find The Right Generic
http://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/default.htm
The FDA must approve all medications for medical use, and they are the ones to go to when you are considering saving money with generic medicines. Because the patents have run out on so many popular medications, a sea of generics have opened up the marketplace, selling for less money. The FDA has drafted something they call the “Orange Book” that outlines all the generics available. You can look up the active ingredient in your current, over the counter medicine, and find a match through the list. Using the FDA as a resource is smart way to learn abut generics: they’ve done the work for you, and they are trustworthy.
Buying Online
We’ve all seen spam emails and other ads for generic versions of male enhancement drugs like Viagra, and antidepressants. It can be difficult to trust some of the companies that send these ads. You are better off ignoring questionable ads that appear in your mailbox. There are many scams running on the Internet, and some of them promise great deals on generic drugs. Be sure you do your homework, and check Better Business Bureau information, etc., before you decide to buy online. Noone likes to get ripped off – it can be avoided with a little forethought, and a lot of questions.
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