What is a generic medication?

Generic medications are generally created after the patent of a name-brand medication has expired. At this time, pharmaceutical companies can get the approval of the FDA to sell an equivalent product under a new name. The Generic Pharmaceutical Association explains that in order for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to be approved to market a generic drug, the drug must contain the same active ingredient; be identical in strength and dosage; and be equal in strength, purity and quality.

It also must be manufactured under the same strict regulations as the brand-name drug. Generic drugs can be found by asking your doctor or pharmacist about their availability. In general, most prescriptions can be substituted with a generic alternative, but it's always a good idea to check ahead of time. The FDA website, allows consumers to search by drug name to get detailed information about each drug on the market. Because of the FDA's strict guidelines about the making of generic drugs, consumers should be assured that their generic drugs will be of the same quality and effectiveness as the brand name product.

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association cautions people to not be thrown off by a difference in color or presentation; often, this is just to respect the patent of the original drug. Cosmetic differences will not impact the functionality of any prescription. For more information about purchasing generic medicines, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the options available to you. Generic drugs are a great way to maximize your savings, especially when you combine them with your True Dental Discounts, prescription discount card.

Could your juice be interfering with your prescriptions?

Believe it or not, the glass of fruit juice you drink each morning could be dramatically lowering the effectiveness of your medications. According to AARP, studies have shown that fruit juices – particularly apple, grapefruit, and orange juice – can interfere with medications and lower their intended effects by preventing drugs from being absorbed properly. In one study, patients who drank juice cut the effectiveness of their Allegra in half.

Key medications that appear to be affected include some drugs used to treat cancer, certain antibiotics and blood-pressure medications, and drugs used to prevent organ rejections after a transplant. But before you cut the juice out of your morning routine, make sure you consult a doctor or pharmacist on your True Dental Discounts, prescription plan. A professional can help you decide if your favorite juice interacts poorly with your medication; if it does, you may be able to switch to an alternate medication or change the time you take your prescription.