Are generic medications the same? Biaxin - Clarithomycin?

I went to the Doc yesterday for a bad case of bronchitis. Last time I had it, a couple years ago, I got to the pharmacy and was shocked how much the pills were (even with insurance.) So yesterday I told him I wanted generics. When I got the perscriptions they all had brand names, but the "generic" box was checked and sure enough the pharmisist gave me all generics Clarithomycin, Benzonatete, and Hydromet syrup. Instead of being $130 it was only $30.

But is there a diffrence? Particluarly in the antibiotic?

There is no difference between the Generic medications and the "name brand" medications.


FDA regulations require that generic drugs:


Contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug (the binders and fillers may vary, however).
Must be the same in strength and dosage (whether pill or capsule) as brand-name drugs.
Be manufactured under the same strict standards as brand-name products. Meet batch requirements for, among other things, strength, purity, and quality.
Be bioequivalent to the name-brand drug.

Translation: If two drugs are "bioequivalent," it means that the active ingredient in one drug works the same as in the other drug.

In most cases Generic are the real thing. They only cost cheaper as they are not a Brand name , Therefore not advertised. Compare it to Clothing. Are you going to pay $70 for a pair of shoes at Dillards when another brand is on sale (and it is the same shoe) at Payless for buy one get one free

Generics are exactly the same as their brand name components. They are tested for equivalency. Most insurances will have a smaller copay for generics. A pharmacist will always, if allowed, fill with generics.