Re: Metformin Help!
From: Gill (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 17 Dec 2002 13:55:26 -0600 (CST)
Went and spoke with my hubby who has a degree in Analytical Chemistry
and he wasn't surprised that we were discussing the effectiveness of
different generic drugs. He seemed to think that there are differenes
but as he started talking a different language I sort of lost track.
Thanks for the info anyway always useful to have.
I will keep you posted as to how I get on.>
>It is manufacture based, and I believe there have been studies. I was
>able to tell because my pill looked different, It was oval shaped with
>the number 4331 on it. My previous prescription was a flat round pill
>with the letter "M" on it. I have an appointment with my doctor in 2
>weeks to see if I can be put on Glucophage exteneded. Here is another
>piece of info I read regarding the theraputic index:
>
>For a drug to be marketed under a generic label, the manufacturer must
>comply with FDA standards. The FDA states that generic drugs must be
>therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug. Numerous studies
>have attempted to show differences in brand and generic drugs. With a
>few exceptions, most studies have not shown true statistical differences
>between brand name drugs and generic drugs. The few cases where
>differences exist occur mostly in drugs that have a narrow "therapeutic
>index." The "therapeutic index" is the difference between the drug's
>effective amount in the body and the level at which the drug causes an
>undesirable or toxic effect.
>
>In order to ensure its safety and effectiveness, a generic drug
>undergoes intensive testing. The FDA sets up guidelines and requires
>strict testing in order to determine which drugs act the same way in the
>body. Generic drugs that have been tested and approved by the FDA to be
>therapeutically equivalent to brand name drugs are published in a guide
>that is updated monthly and is found in most pharmacies. The guide
>lists drugs classified as therapeutically equivalent to each other, and
>gives them an "A" rating. If the FDA does not consider a drug
>therapeutically equivalent, it is given a "B" rating. Most pharmacies
>purchase drugs with an "A" rating to dispense as generic. Ask your
>pharmacist about the rating of your particular generic medication.
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