How to use generic drugs? Part 3

CHANGING MEDICATION AND PRECAUTIONS

Why doesn't the generic taste the same as the original?

The easiest way is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

This is the same medicine, molecule (active ingredient), but not from the same manufacturer laboratory brand. The generic drug is as effective and as well tolerated as the brand-name drug. However, its shape, size, the taste may differ and be less suitable for some patients.

If this is your case, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor, remembering to return your previous prescription on which the pharmacist indicated the generic drug dispensed. Your doctor will then be able to enter information on the following medicine that the pharmacist will consider when choosing the most suitable medication.

It is also possible to discuss this difficulty directly with your pharmacist.

Can we change the generic brand without risk?

Thanks for your question. All generic drugs corresponding to the same original drug have equivalent efficacy and safety in use. It is therefore not necessary to always take the same brand of generic medicine.

In the case of elderly or multi-medicated people, however, it is preferable to keep the same brand to avoid any risk of confusion that may arise following a change of pack or dosage form. This is why pharmacists have made a strong commitment: to dispense the same brand of generic drug all year round to people over 75 years of age for a certain number of molecules used to treat common chronic diseases. In 2015, 93% of patients over 75 years of age benefited from this "stability" of the dispensing: each patient received the same brand of generic medicine all year round.

Who cares about the risks of packaging variations between generic drugs?

As with any drug, there may be a risk of confusion between several drugs: identity which drug is replaced by a generic drug. Ask your pharmacist to indicate this on the box if he has not already done so.

If this seems necessary to you, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about the indications for each product prescribed. Your pharmacist can also provide you with all the details of your treatment.

In the elderly, pharmacists have made a strong commitment: to dispense the same brand of generic drug all year round to people over the age of 75 for a certain number of molecules used in treating diseases—usual chronicles. In 2015, 93% of patients over 75 years of age benefited from this "stability" of the dispensing: each patient received the same brand of generic medicine all year round.

Can the difference in packaging, shape, and color between generic drugs confuse patients?

Generic medicine contains the same amount of the same active substance as the original medicine. However, its presentation may differ.

Thus, a generic drug may have a size, shape, color, or taste different from those of the original medicine, but this does not affect its effectiveness or safety. Also, they are subject to the same inspection and control procedures as any other drug and with the exact requirements.

As with any drug, there may be a risk of confusion between several medications. Identify which drug is replaced by a generic drug. Ask your pharmacist to indicate this on the box if he has not already done so. If you have any packs left from your usual treatment that have not expired, finish your regular therapy before starting the generic medicine. Do not put the typical medicine and the generic medicine in the same box.

As a general rule, you should avoid starting several boxes simultaneously, and each medicine should be kept in its box with the package leaflet.

Can we change generic drugs several times?

All generic drugs corresponding to the same original drug have equivalent efficacy and safety in use. Changing generic medication several times is therefore possible.

In addition, generic drugs can be of interest as they sometimes offer different shapes and tastes. They may provide you with a generic medicine in a form that works best for you. If, for example, the dosage form of the cure offered by the pharmacist makes it challenging to take the drug, you can discuss this with him.

In the case of elderly or multi-medicated people, however, it is preferable to keep the same brand to avoid any risk of confusion that may arise following a change of pack or dosage form. This is why pharmacists have made a strong commitment: to dispense the same brand of generic drug all year round to people over 75 years of age for a certain number of molecules used to treat common chronic diseases.

I can't stand the generic Esomeprazole; how are we going to do it from January 1?

Generic drugs are as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. Also, a study was conducted by the ANSM in 2016 on the generic medicines of Esomeprazole. The various tests carried out on the four generic specialties tested by comparison with the original drug have made it possible to demonstrate their satisfactory quality, with no significant difference between generics or by comparison with the original drug. In addition, various tests making it possible to evaluate the in vivo behavior of these drugs, generic and not, have also shown satisfactory results without difference between the different types of drugs.

However, if the medication suggested to you does not suit you, do not hesitate to talk to your pharmacist: he may recommend another medication that will serve you better, among the various generic esomeprazole medications.

Why do we no longer sell generics for thyroid patients?

There are still generic levothyroxine medications available.

However, substitution is not compulsory for this category of so-called "narrow therapeutic margin" drugs.

The "Third Party Paying Against Generic" scheme does not apply for certain drugs known as "with a narrow therapeutic margin": antiepileptics (lamotrigine, levetiracetam, topiramate, sodium valproate, and pregabalin) and a thyroid hormone (levothyroxine). These molecules were excluded from the device given the recommendation of the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM). If the pharmacist proposes a substitution for one of these drugs, the patient can refuse without advancing the costs.

However, it should be noted that to date, no proof has been provided that there is a risk in substituting these molecules with generic specialties.

Why can we no longer find the generic levothyroxine in pharmacies since December 2016 / January 2017?

The drug market being free, laboratories are free to produce and market or, on the contrary, to stop the marketing of a particular drug.

This is how Biogaran, the last generic present on the levothyroxine market, decided to stop the marketing of its products in 2017.

I took a generic drug with another drug and was unwell while driving. Would it come from the mixture of drugs?

There may be risks of interactions between certain drugs, whether generic or brand-name drugs.

It would be best if you always were vigilant when taking several drugs at the same time. If in doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.