 
What About Generic Drugs?
by Tim Murphy
A generic version of a drug can be sold in the United States when the patent for the brand name expires. Generic drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration with the same strict standards as brand-name drugs and are generally the same quality. The primary difference is the price.
So what does that mean for you? It depends on your current treatment regimen. If you are taking one of the newer drugs on the market, a generic version will not be available. If you are on an older regimen, you may be able to take a generic version of one or more of your drugs and save money on your co-pays. But you might have to take two or three different generic drugs rather than a combo version that’s still on patent.
When deciding on a treatment regimen, you and your doctor need to pick the one that’s best for you. If generics are an option, talk to your doc about the pros and cons of switching. Odds are you won’t notice the difference between the two, but if you do notice any changes after switching to a generic, be sure to discuss them with your doctor immediately.
Search: generic drugs, brand-name drugs, drug patents
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waiting, Worcester, MA, 2013-02-04 12:03:16
This article would be more informative if it listed the dates of loss of patent protection for common antiretrovirals.
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