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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > Differences in generic drug manufacturing
Expert: Barbara Judge
Date: 1/15/2008
Subject: Differences in generic drug manufacturing
Question
Good morning.
I have recently developed some 'ailments' (ringing in ears, off-balance, foggy head) that I'm trying to chase down with my Dr., but so far nothing has been found (MRI last week...E,N,T today).
I noticed that around the same timeframe I started having my issues, my generic manufacturer of Toprol XL (25mg) changed.
I had one tablet of the previous manufacturer and took it Saturday. Sunday I felt great. Back to the new mfg on Sunday and Monday and my symptoms have returned.
Are there big enough variations in the manufacturing of (generic) drugs to affect an individual in this way?
FYI...I recently found 5 tablets from the previous manufacturer (still good) and will run an 'experiment' to see if my symptoms subside.
Thank you
Answer
There are not supposed to be significant differences in generic products produced. The FDA is supposed to receive documentation from the manufacturer attesting to the fact that the generic product dissolves, produces blood levels, and is consistant over time in the blood stream to withing 80% of the brand name drugs measurements. I will have to admit this is the third inquiry I have had for generic Toprol XL in the relatively short period of time it has been on the market. I would recommend that you do your 5 day "experiment". If you find that you have no problems with the previous manufacturer I would insist that the pharmacy where you purchase your prescriptions get that generic for you. If they won't, switch pharmacies. I would also request that either your doctor or your pharmacy or both submit a complaint to the FDA about the new generic and the excessive side effects you had that could not be diagnosed through any other test. There should NOT be this difference between generic manufacturers.
Thanks
Barb Judge
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