The Real Difference Between Generic and Brand Name Drugs

We accept the fact that the drugs we are prescribed and the prescriptions that are filled by the pharmacy are the ones that will help us to heal and not hurt us more.

Many of the prescriptions filled by pharmacies today are filled with generic versions of a named brand drug. These generic versions are supposed to be clinically identical to their named brand counterparts, but this may not be the case.

Wellbutrin XL 300 was approved for use in 2006. This once daily form of the anti-depressant drug soon became a helpful medication for people suffering from depression and depression related symptoms. Soon after the approval, Budeprion XL 300 (the generic), was also approved for dispersal. Soon, this cheaper version of Wellbutrin XL 300 was accounting for 40% of the overall prescriptions written and complaints started flooding online medication forums and the FDA.

It seems consumers who switched from Wellbutrin to the generic Budeprion instantly felt their depression come back. In some cases, the depression was associated with thoughts of suicide which was a new symptom for some of the patients. The Budeprion, it seems, was not identical to the Wellbutrin and further testing was needed to find where the real problems were occurring.

The first set of these tests were completed by ConsumerLab.com. The test-tube test, which is felt by many to be indecisive, showed that the Budeprion released nearly 35% of its medication in the first two hours after the patient took the pill. The Wellbutrin, on the other hand, only release 8% of its medication during that same time period. Both Wellbutrin XL 300 and Budeprion XL 300 are slow release, once a day anti-depressants and thus are supposed to offer the patient a consistent, level dosage of the anti-depressant for an entire 24 hour period.

The findings were astonishing for both ConsumerLab.com and patients who had chosen to switch from Wellbutrin to the Budeprion in order to save a few dollars. When the FDA tested Budeprion against Wellbutrin, they also concluded that the majority of the medication was released within the first 2 hours, but still felt that the overall blood levels of the medications during the 24 hour period were sufficient to keep the generic on the market.

The results of these tests was concerning enough, but surely not the kicker to the story. It was revealed in 2006 that when Wellbutrin XL 300 and Budeprion XL 300 were first approved, the FDA relied on the results of testing from the Wellbutrin XL 150 and Budeprion XL 150 in order to gauge the effects the stronger drugs would have. The FDA NEVER TESTED THE STRONGER VERSIONS.

According to the FDA, the more potent medications held a risk of severe side effects thus the human testing phase was skipped for the health of the possible testers. Bioequivalence tests were relied upon from the FDA testing of the 150 mg versions of both medications in order to approve the 300 mg versions. According to the FDA, this is common procedure.

Patients who switch from a named brand medication to a generic medication should monitor their symptoms. Take note of the changes in feeling and the changes that may occur in the body. Talk to the prescribing doctor, contact the pharmacy and contact the FDA with any concerns that may develop. If you feel that the generic medication is not relieving symptoms on the same level as the named brand medications, asking for a named brand only prescription may be the best path to take.