Drug Products Chapter 19

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Drug Products Chapter 19

• Carolyn Gee

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We Will Cover

• OTC vs. Prescription Drugs
• Prescription Drug Facts
• Drug Patents
• Brand-Name vs. Generic Drugs
• Myths of Generic Drugs
• Interactions
• Label, Written Prescription Drug Requirements
• Prices Brand vs. Generic
• Consumer Tips

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OTC vs. Prescription

• Available without a prescription, self-diagnoses
• Suitable for self-treatment
• Low risk of adverse side-effects
• Benadryl, Sudafed, Robitussin, Tylenol

• Must be prescribed
• Generally stronger than OTC drugs
• Increased risk for adverse side-effects
• Increased risk of interactions
• Lortab, Naproxen, Flexeril, Amoxil

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Prescription Drug Facts

• In 1961 there were 656 different Rx medications
  available on the market
• Today there are over 2500 medications
• In 1999 the retail expenditures on Rx medications
  was 11 billion and the average price for a
  prescription was 39
• Less than ½ of prescribed medications are taken
  correctly

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Drug Patents

• New prescription drugs are marketed under brand
  names and protected by patents.
• These patents can be in effect for 20 years after
  FDA approval of the drug.
• FDA approves drugs for the indicated purpose
  designated by the manufacturer, however does not
  restrict physicians from prescribing the drugs
  for other purposes.

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Brand Name Drugs

• First letter of the name is capitalized
• The name is the manufacturers property
• Is the original drug that is protected under the
  patent
• Examples Proventil, HydroDIURIL, Flexeril

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Generic Drugs

• Usually less expensive than brand name
• The name is written in lower case letters
• The active ingredient in the medication is the
  same as brand name however the fillers, shape,
  and color may be different

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Generic Drugs cont.

• The name usually is that of the active ingredient
• If available, most commonly dispensed
• Examples albuterol, hydrochlorothiazide,
  cyclobenzaprine

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Generic Drug Myths

• Generics are not as safe as brand name drugs
• They do not work as well and take longer to act
• There are more side effects associated with them

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Drug Interactions

• Happen when two or more drugs are taken at the
  same time and interfere with each others
  absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion
• Examples Flagyl and alcohol severe vomiting and
  stomach cramps
• Lipitor and grapefruit juice lack of absorption
  of Lipitor

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Tips to Avoid Interactions

• Tell your physician ALL medications you are
  taking OTC, herbal and prescription
• When possible, fill all prescriptions at the same
  pharmacy
• Inform your physician and pharmacist of any
  medication allergies you are aware of.

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Information Required on Labels

• Patients name
• Physicians name
• Pharmacy name, address, telephone number
• Name of medication
• Number of units
• Strength of active ingredient

• How often to take medication
• How much to take each time
• Any special instructions
• Pertinent warnings
• Number of refills

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Prescriptions and Insurance

• Pharmacies bill insurance companies online and
  the company tells the pharmacy what to charge.
• Pharmacies sign contracts with insurance
  companies, which is why all pharmacies cannot
  bill all insurances.
• It is a myth that more insurance companies cover
  Viagra than birth control.

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Consumer Tips

• Know all medications you are taking and why you
  are taking them.
• Take all medications exactly as indicated by your
  health care provider.
• Never take a prescription strength medication not
  prescribed to you.