Generic medicine.

Mila

Mila

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Is there a list somewhere that I can go look for my current medicine and find the generic?
 
Then ask your doctor when he writes the prescription rather...
 
PythonFSi said:
Yes! I think by law they are required to offer you or at least make you aware of a cheaper generic version of the original.
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There's no such law. Your doctor can write "or GE" at the end of the prescription which means "or generic equivalent", although some generics are not as effective as the trade name drugs because of the formulation used may have inferior absorbtion and quicker elimination from the body, something which is called 'bioavailability'.

Also ask the doctor to show you a copy of his South African Medicines Formulary (SAMF) a paperback book with all the medications available in SA containing all the pertinent information and each entry has a list of available generics.

It is possible to buy this book too, costs about R300-400 however please do not self-medicate if you do and discuss any changes with your health care provider as not all generics are created equal. Pharmacies also have this book.
 
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Go to a dischem or clicks pharmacy and just ask them, that way you won't confuse the old man, and I know dischem offers you the generic version when you get antibiotics, so they should know :)
 
RustyPrincess said:
Go to a dischem or clicks pharmacy and just ask them, that way you won't confuse the old man, and I know dischem offers you the generic version when you get antibiotics, so they should know :)
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Thanx! I will do that. I have to go buy my vitamins at dischem so i'll ask when i'm there.:)
 
Don't bother with asking a pharmacist what's the cheaper alternative, they won't sell it to you let alone stock it. Asking a 'old' doctor is you best bet and even then you might not be lucky enough to get a honest one esp if you in jhb/pretoria (i've heard plenty stories).

2ndly generic medicine is not equivalent, none are exactly the same. Uhm they have variations of substances in it, affects etc. Family doctors who prescribe medicine are not bound to any laws BUT get no direct kick back unless they specifying a particular pharmacy which should set warning lights off. Dispensing ones have to do extra courses continually to keep up with tech and licenses are reviewed. These are also limited in numbers vs area they found in.

Basically some were caught out dispensing too much(overkill.. like getting 50pill pack when you use 30) or only expensive brands often from a particular manufacturer(kick backs) and others who just didn't know much lol.

Anyway generic brands are sometimes a feasible alternative but other times the proper stuff is far better even though very expensive. An old dispensing doctor would be able to tell you which is better for a given sickness + situation based on past experience etc.(remember affects vary so you can't take something that makes you drowsy if you a pilot on duty :p)
 
PeterCH said:
There's no such law. Your doctor can write "or GE" at the end of the prescription which means "or generic equivalent", although some generics are not as effective as the trade name drugs because of the formulation used may have inferior absorbtion and quicker elimination from the body, something which is called 'bioavailability'.

Also ask the doctor to show you a copy of his South African Medicines Formulary (SAMF) a paperback book with all the medications available in SA containing all the pertinent information and each entry has a list of available generics.

It is possible to buy this book too, costs about R300-400 however please do not self-medicate if you do and discuss any changes with your health care provider as not all generics are created equal. Pharmacies also have this book.
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What is your interpretation of this PeterCH?

Medicines and Related Substances Control Amendment Act 1997 (Act 90 of 1997, as amended)

Generic substitution
22F. (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), a pharmacist shall—
(a) inform all members of the public who visit his or her pharmacy with a
prescription for dispensing, of the benefits of the substitution for a
branded medicine of an interchangeable multi-source medicine; and 10
(b) dispense an interchangeable multi-source medicine instead of the
medicine prescribed by a medical practitioner, dentist, practitioner,
nurse or other person registered under the Health Professions Act,
1974, unless expressly forbidden by the patient to do so...
Click to expand...
 
krycor said:
Don't bother with asking a pharmacist what's the cheaper alternative, they won't sell it to you let alone stock it.
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I don't buy that. If I took a script to any of the pharmacies in my area they usually alert me to cheaper generics.
 
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