[india-drug] Doctors and Brands (4)

["Amlan RayChaudhury" <archic127@sbcglobal.net>]

Doctors and Brands (4)
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In the US, if a generic is FDA-approved as therapeutically equivalent to a brand name, doctors may write the Rx with the brand name but almost always the generic equivalent is dispensed; obviously insurance companies prefer that & will pay only for the generic; all the prescriber has to do is check a Substitution OK box. In fact, brand makers have often discontinued brand named drug after generics became available.
  If there are no generics & multiple brands, the doctor's decision is often influenced by (1) past experience (2) pharma co. representatives & how persuasive they are & (3) sometimes preference for a particular company. Even if 2 brands a redeemed therapeutically equivalent, both doctors & patients are often reluctant to switch brands.

Amlan RayChaudhury
Email: archic127@sbcglobal.net
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