About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Branded Drugs Not Necessarily Superior to Generic in Treating Cardiovascular Disease

by Gopalan on December 4, 2008 at 10:31 AM
 Branded Drugs Not Necessarily Superior to Generic in Treating Cardiovascular Disease

Branded drugs are not necessarily superior to the generic in treating cardiovascular disease, US researchers say.

Some doctors and patients have expressed concerns that the drugs may not be equivalent in their effects, although generic drugs are chemically equivalent in terms of active ingredients, the study's authors said.

Advertisement

In Wednesday's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Aaron Kesselheim of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston and his colleagues combined the results of 30 studies done since 1984 that compared nine subclasses of cardiovascular medications, 81 per cent of which were randomized controlled trials.

"The studies in our sample concluded that generic and brand-name cardiovascular drugs are similar in nearly all clinical outcomes," the researchers concluded.
Advertisement

Brand-name prescription drugs are sold at high prices after approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and while under patent protection, the study's authors said. Brand-name cardiovascular drugs may cost as much as a few dollars per pill while generics may be as little as a few cents a pill, Kesselheim added.

"If a patient is prescribed a generic drug because that's what's appropriate for their condition, then they should feel confident taking that drug. And physicians themselves should also feel confident prescribing generic drugs where appropriate," Kesselheim said in a telephone interview.

Of 43 editorials and commentaries reviewed, 23 or 53 per cent expressed a negative view of the interchangeability of generic drugs compared with 12 (28 per cent) that encouraged substitution of generic drugs, with the remaining eight not reaching a conclusion, Kesselheim and his colleagues said.

As for why, commentaries may be more likely to highlight doctors' concerns based on anecdotal experience, and the conclusion of the editorial writers could be skewed by financial relationships, the team said in noting that nearly half of the editorials and commentaries did not identify sources of funding.

Generic medications account for 65 per cent of all prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. and less than 21 per cent of money spent on prescriptions, according to IMS Health, a company that tracks prescription drug sales.

"The contention that brand-name medicines drive up the cost of health care is fatally flawed," Ken Johnson, senior vice-president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, which represents brand-name drug makers, said in a statement released in response to the study.

"Without today's innovative brand-name drugs to legally copy, there would be no generic drug industry," he said.

The study's authors reported no financial disclosures.

Source: Medindia
GPL/M
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Drug News

Projected Growth: Psychedelic Drug Market Anticipated to Hit $7.2 Billion by 2029
The psychedelic market set for remarkable growth, projected to hit $7.2B by 2029 with a strong 55% CAGR.
Promising ALS Drug Candidate Extends Lifespan
The study explores whether CDNF could influence the progression of ALS in rodent models and to elucidate the mechanism through which it operates.
Amoxicillin-Calvulanate Vs Amoxicillin Preference in Child Sinusitis Treatment
Amoxicillin-clavulanate use in acute sinusitis patients is associated with a higher incidence of adverse events.
ADHD Medication Errors Surge by Nearly 300%
Professionals advocate for enhanced education of patients and caregivers, and creation of more effective child-resistant systems for monitoring ADHD medication.
Unknown Medication Side Effects Reported by 52% of Indian Families
In June, WHO raised concerns about 7 Indian cough syrups after complaints from several countries about contamination and health issues.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Branded Drugs Not Necessarily Superior to Generic in Treating Cardiovascular Disease Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests