Health

I had never thought twice about generic versus brand name when generics came on the market. I assumed generics were monitored by the FDA for quality control. Then I was switched to a generic version of a medication I had been taking for years and started having all sorts of issues. Was switched back to brand name and was fine. Started doing research and was horrified to learn FDA does almost ZERO oversight on overseas drug manufacturers. I refuse anything but brand name (which costs me a fortune.)

However, recently an online pharmacy started up—Valisure—which tests every batch of generics they sell. Was started by a graduate of Yale who had epilepsy and had several break-thru seizures after being switched to generic brand. He decided to start his own company to do quality checks since the FDA wasn’t. Valisure was in the news for finding NDMA in Zantac. Unfortunately they don’t/can’t sell controlled drugs like ambien, Xanax, etc.

Here is a book exposing the generic drug industry based on a whistleblower from inside a very large manufacturer out of India: Ranbaxy. Very detailed account of how the company destroyed documents, how they used inferior compounds, as well as doctor’s account of patients who had major issues on generics.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/05/12/722216512/bottle-of-lies-exposes-the-dark-side-of-the-generic-drug-boom

(I should note that I HAVE still used some generics. When I’ve gotten antibiotics for example. They are easier to manufacture and have been on the market forever. That being said, next time I’m using Valisure)