generic Vs Brand name drugs

[NCaggie]

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Hey everyone,
I have a topic that I would like to get some feedback on. What is the real difference between generic and brand name drugs and why are generic drugs so much cheaper than brand names? And in general, what do clients prefer? Thanks everyone.

 

[baggywrinkle]

Hey everyone,
I have a topic that I would like to get some feedback on. What is the real difference between generic and brand name drugs and why are generic drugs so much cheaper than brand names? And in general, what do clients prefer? Thanks everyone.

Clients prefer name brand till they see how much it costs. Then you should see them scream.

Active ingredient is the same, otherwise it could not be generic. Costs are cut where ever possible and still maintain an AB rating. This might include choice of binders flavoring agents and the like (Generic pediatric suspensions routinely taste like crap compared to the name brand). There can still be
subtle differences in bioavailability which might cause problems in a patient stabilized on a maintenance medication such as coumadin who is then switched over to a generic brand. For this reason automatic generic substitution in some drugs is unwise unless the switch is monitored. Phenytoin comes to mind. Indeed, some states such as Florida maintain a negative formulary making it illegal to switch brands without physicians authorization for drugs named on the list.

 

[bananaface]

Alot of patients come in saying "generic, please" because the cost difference issue is one they are well aware of. Or, my favorite is "I need the genetic version."

And, quite a few patients who are filling narcotics gladly pay the extra money for brand, as they know they know the difference will more than be made up by the street value. 🙄

 

[Oneday_9]

Hey everyone,
I have a topic that I would like to get some feedback on. What is the real difference between generic and brand name drugs and why are generic drugs so much cheaper than brand names? And in general, what do clients prefer? Thanks everyone.

The cost of brand's is high due to the patent which is maintained for a 17 yera period, then other manufacturers can put out a drug with the same ingredient just everything else different as explained above. Thus for generic you aren't paying for the brandname.

 

[ucdbiochem]

my boss told me that generic drugs usually have higher profit margin than brand names. that's why a lot of retail stores push generics.

 

[jdpharmd?]

my boss told me that generic drugs usually have higher profit margin than brand names. that's why a lot of retail stores push generics.

The margin is usually about 5 times higher on Generics.

 

[bananaface]

Zantac syrup is the only drug I can think of where brand product is less expensive than generic.

 

[GravyRPH]

In the hospital, you can find many brand name medications that are less expensive to purchase than their generic counterparts all depending on your gpo or contracts.

I don't understand why brand name manufacturers don't compete with generic drug companies in prices when they lose their patent? I guess it's just not worth their time? I would think they could still make some profit if they lowered the price to compete in the retail marketplace.

 

[Caverject]

In Florida, we are not allowed to dispense generic zantac syrup because it is more expensive than the brand. That's in the Pharmacy Practice Act for Florida and Georgia

 

[bananaface]

I don't understand why brand name manufacturers don't compete with generic drug companies in prices when they lose their patent? .... I would think they could still make some profit if they lowered the price to compete in the retail marketplace.

They may not be able to lower prices enough to compete with generics without changing product appearance or fillers. That would go along with what baggy said above about cost cuts in generic products. Also, they may be able to retain enough brand-loyal customers who will pay higher prices for brand products to make them more profitable using the high price brand strategy than they would be if they tried to go low-margin without altering product appearance. They are at a disadvantage for the low price strategy since they feel obligated to maintain the distinctive "brand" appearance.