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Save Money with Generic Pharmaceuticals

Nov 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

October has many wonderful aspects (football, bright-colored leaves and pumpkin spice lattes to name a few). Yet, this month is also the prime crossroad of fall allergies and flu season. The last thing you want is to spend your Black Friday shopping fund on brand name pharmaceuticals – avoid breaking the bank on medications by opting for generic pharmaceuticals.

What are the Differences Between Brand Name and Generic Drugs?

Pharmaceutical companies originally discover and develop brand name drugs. Once the FDA approves the drug to go to market, the innovator company has market exclusivity to sell their brand name product through patent protection.

The patent allows the innovator to sell its product without competition to recoup the millions of dollars spent during development and to generate a profit. When the patent expires, the product is eligible to become a generic drug.

According the FDA, a generic drug is identical (or bio-equivalent) to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, routine of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.

This means brand name medications are no different than their generic counterpart. Save the $20 you would spend on Claritin with $4 Loratadine, the exact same drug. Generic drugs on average cost 40 to 60 percent less than brand-name drugs.

Generic pharmaceuticals are not just for over-the-counter medication.

Most hospitals and physicians use generic drugs when medicating their patients. They also prescribe generic medication more often than brand-name drugs!

Generic drugs make up more than 80 percent of prescriptions filled in the U.S. When filling or refilling a prescription, ask your pharmacist if there is a generic equivalent available. It is surprising to see how much you can save!

Quick Prescription Identification Tips

Avoid confusion at home by labeling your generic prescriptions with its commonly recognized brand name.

When perusing your medicine cabinet in the midst of an allergy attack, you may not know off-hand that Fexofenadine is “Allegra,” or that Pseudoephedrine is “Sudafed.” Dust off the old label maker and identify your medication in a way that helps you identify it correctly when you need it! The scientific drug name may also confuse children, who may only identify medicine from the brand name’s TV commercials.

Do not confuse generic pharmaceuticals with counterfeit medicine. Counterfeit drugs are products presented in such a way as to look like a legitimate product, yet may contain the wrong dose of active ingredients, the wrong active ingredient in general or no active ingredient at all.

These medicines are illegal and may be harmful to your health. If you come across counterfeit medicine, contact the FDA right away.

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A: Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.