DJasko

As a pharmacist myself I must say that there are 2 illnesses/diseases where you should avoid generic, if you already have used the original brand.

In epilepsy and when a patient has hypothyroidism they should avoid generic, if they already used the original. Why? Well because a generic can become generic if it has 100% +- 15% equal pharmacokinetic profile f.example bio-availability to the original. But in epilepsy and hypothyroidism 15% can be very bad. If you have 85% serumconcentration instead of the 100% of the original you may get epileptic seizures which is not good. And 115% may give unwanted adverse effects.

I myself also never tell someone to avoid generic, unless they have epilepsy or Hypothyroidism and are using the original atm.

Great AMA btw. :) Keep it up. (I just graduaded pharmacy studies today! Yey me!)

EDIT: Some of you said the variability might be so high as 80-125 %. In Norway (where I am) I think I read that it could be 85-115 %. How much it can vary in the US I really don't know. I will most surely check this out and come back to you here with a new edit!! :)

You sir, are a hero.

P.S. Just wondering how you attached it to the Vespa?

Congrats, if I can say that! You seem to be saving a life, and in my book that is one of a few occasions to congratulate!

When you received the email, did you have second thoughts? How did you decide that you would actually go trough with it? I mean, it's a big decision to make. Did you ask any family members? Loved ones?

Thanks for this AMA!