Pharmacology Question - Good Resource for Bioequivalents

[rprn2009]

Hi everyone,

I'm about to start clinicals soon in an FNP program and since beginning my fledgling script writing career I've come across some issues of bioequivalency of generic vs. trade brands. Of course, some medications (i.e. coumadin) are best to start generic, but I have been unable to find a resource that really compares generic versus trade brands in terms of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, etc.

As we all know, no-name generics are mostly cheaper than the marketed brand versions so I was wondering if anyone had any good web-based, iPhone app, or print resources that give you that sort of information as a quick reference for what products should or shouldn't be prescribed as generics based on differences.

Again I am new to this, so any input is appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hmmm....this is what I found on the FDA website:

FDA Ensures Equivalence of Generic Drugs

Personally, I haven't found a problem with generic versus brand names.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Agree with TraumaRUS. Generic drugs are equivalent in chemical composition and dose as the brand name equivalents. New drugs are only available as brand names because the manufacturer still holds the exclusive rights to produce the specific drug by virtue of the fact that their own research team developed the specific formulation.