Quote:
Originally Posted by gja1000
Just one word of caution about generic medications. First off, I use them whenever possible, so I am not speaking out against them. However, being a nurse I have seen one problem with a few generics (please don't ask me how..  ..). It is true the strength and integrity of the medication are exactly the same. What may be different is the process for making the pill, and sometimes generics do not dissolve as well. Thus, sometimes generics come out just the same as they go in - visualize looking in the toilet and seeing the whole pill in a BM. When this happens, you have gotten no benefit from the medication.
This happens mostly in older people (80's and above) because older persons have less digestive juices and thus, the pills do not dissolve as well. So, if you change to generics and think it is not working as well, this may be why. You can ask your doctor if you can crush the pill prior to taking it. Please do ask though, as some pills should not be crushed, e.g., time-released or long acting pills.
It can happen to people of any age - but is most common in elders. |
Gayle, thank you for such great advice. I had no idea about any of the information you shared. They, Drs., pharmacys, whoever, should tell everyone this information.