Generic Drugs...Cheap, but Potentially Dangerous

I am on what is known as a "maintenance drug," something I have to take every day to stay healthy. This past summer, my insurance company contacted my doctor and told them that I needed to be switched to the generic version. I had been taking the brand name with no problems and more than satisfactory control of my health for more three years, but the generic would save me more than $50 each month, so I agreed.

Two months after starting the generic, my health started to spiral out of control. By four months, I was in such bad shape, I nearly ended up in the hospital. Fortunately, I called my insurance company and they allowed me to switch back to the brand name with no argument. I do have to pay the extra $50+ a month, though.

This experience made me think back to an article I read in Self magazine about the dangers of generic drugs. I encourage you to read it here. I was shocked to learn how unregulated generic drug manufacturers are. The article is nothing short of alarming. As I look back through it while writing this post, I've just realized that company mentioned as undergoing a criminal investigation is the company that made the generic drug I was taking!

So before you say OK to the next generic drug you are prescribed, ask questions and then make sure it's working. If it's not, speak up right away! Your health is precious.