Generic drugs are cheaper than the original drugs and, at least in theory, do not differ from them. However, not always and not every patient can be recommended generics. Who can use generics? When should a generic be discontinued?
Genericcan be offered to you by either a doctor or a pharmacist in a pharmacy. If you decide ongeneric drugonly in a pharmacy, be sure to inform your doctor about it. This is very important because if there is no expected improvement, he will modify the therapy. Sometimes patients come to the doctor who, at the instigation of the pharmacist, changed one drug for another and feel bad after it, even though they earlier supposedly tolerated the same well.
Generics allow continuity of therapy
Many people, especially those chronically ill, who take several preparations, the use of cheaper substitutes enables uninterrupted treatment. The price range is very wide. For example, the original drug for lowering cholesterol (the active substance simvastatin) costs about PLN 15, and a good generic can be bought for PLN 4-6. Replacements of zatorvastatin, also for lowering cholesterol, but with a slightly different effect, cost PLN 5-10. The replacement for hypertension recommended by doctors (active substance ramipril) costs 7-8 PLN, while the original drug is twice as much.
Dangerous cheap drugs of unknown origin
The problem is that there are a lot of drugs on the market, about which they came from, where and by whom they were produced, because the names of the companies do not say anything. But they have competitive prices. Therefore, when choosing a substitute, you have to be very careful, choose preparations from well-known companies that have certificates and excellent drug factories. However, it's best to trust your doctor. It will recommend replacements of recognized generic drug companies. Treatment can be continued if he or she is well. Otherwise you have to go back to the original drug.
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