Q: I was forced by my Medicare insurance company to change from Hyzaar brand to the generic. However, I was unable to take it because I had adverse effects and even an allergic effect within one week of its use. Why, if they claim they are the same?
A: A generic drug is equivalent to the active ingredients in a brand name drug. Pills contain other non-active ingredients. The non-active ingredients are not necessarily the same in a generic and brand name drug. For example, a brand name drug may be a different color than the generic equivalent. The two pills would contain a different dye but would still be medically equivalent. It is possible you are reacting to a non-active ingredient in the generic preparation. Your insurance company may allow you to receive the brand name drug since you are having a problem. Call the customer service number found on the back of your insurance card and find out how to request an appeal.
(4 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
Loading ...
NOw that is a really good answer, and along with different dyes, there could be different binding ingredients used in the pills. You could be allergic to that too.
We are fortunate in Australia: We still are able to chose the (much dearer) brand name without interference of insurance organizations. The doctor prescribes the brand name, and then the pharmacist gives you the choice of brand or generic brand. I too like the answer. I was unaware that a non-active ingredient could cause an intolerance or allergy.
It is possible, but unusual that the inert ingredients are causing the problems.
Many times the “generic” forced by an insurance company is not the generic version of the blood pressure medication you have been taking. It is often simply a generic drug in the same family. In other words, it may be an ACE inhibitor, but not the exact ACE inhibitor you were taking.
I always wondered about generic , I to am one who has had a problem with these , I all ways have a bad reaction. Then went on with a Drs.new idea to try this or that like a test rat. Which I am sicker than when I began on prescribed medication.
Richard has the better answer……
Good luck trying to get an appeal. I have had to change my rx provider 3 times because of their refusal of appeals to allow the brand name of the drug I need. The generic is inferior. Hopefully this current provider will not be a problem.