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Generic drugs for hypertension: are they really equivalent?
Rhonda M Cooper-DeHoff1, William J Elliott
1Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0486, USA. dehoff@cop.ufl.edu
Current Hypertension Reports
|May 24, 2013
Summary
Generic antihypertensive drugs offer cost savings and may improve medication adherence. While lacking extensive efficacy data, current evidence suggests they are safe and effective for managing high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Numerous antihypertensive medications are available as lower-cost generic formulations.
- Regulatory approval in the US (FDA) relies on dissolution and bioavailability studies, not clinical efficacy or long-term safety data.
- This presents a dilemma for clinicians prioritizing evidence-based medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of generic antihypertensive drugs.
- To assess the impact of generic antihypertensives on medication availability and patient adherence.
- To address the quandary faced by clinicians regarding evidence-based prescribing.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature and clinical trial data.
- Analysis of regulatory approval processes for generic medications.
- Examination of factors influencing medication adherence and availability.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests generic antihypertensive drugs are likely safe and effective.
- Generic formulations may enhance medication availability and improve patient adherence.
- Legally mandated differences in physical appearance exist between generic and brand-name products.
Conclusions:
- Generic antihypertensive drugs appear to be a viable and cost-effective option for managing hypertension.
- The use of generics can potentially improve patient outcomes through increased access and adherence.
- Clinicians can be reassured by the available evidence supporting the use of generic antihypertensives.
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