E-DRUG: therapeutic equivalence of different dosage forms? (2)
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Dear Robert Ancuceanu,
Same drugs prepared by different manufacturers conforming same
recognized standards (USP, BP etc) may not show identical effects on
patients. Any two preparations of the same active ingredient may be
generic equivalent but may not necessarily be clinically effective
equivalents due to use of different excipients and different methods of
production. The clinical effectiveness of a drug includes not only its
pharmacologic activity, but also its ease of application or removal,
acceptability in terms of flavor and odor, allergic manifestations and
absorption rate to mention a few. A pharmacist must realize the
availability of both high and poor quality pharmaceuticals in the
market. Thus, clinical effectiveness of a drug is a supreme
consideration while selecting a generic drug. The slection could be
based on the qualitative or quantitative assessment of a particular
drug. Quantitative assessment is costly and is not always affordable. In
your case, you can consult the local guidelines for such selection.
However, your experience with the company's other products, second hand
expereince or the company repute can be taken into the consideration.
Regards
Nadeem Irfan Bukhari,
Lecturer, Pharmaceutical Technology,
School of Pharmacy,
International Medical University (IMU),
Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur - 57000
Malaysia
Tel: + 60 86567228; Fax: 86567229
H/P +60 12 3242264
http://www.imu.edu.my
[But what about IV drugs? They behave differently from oral dosage forms? WB]