Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Drugs – Generic vs. Brand Name

Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Drugs – Generic vs. Brand Name

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Drug Identification for Generic Lopressor

Question: My father has asked me to help ID a medication for him. He normally

takes a

generic Lopressor. I think his pharmacy switched generics on him and he

has a

pill he is not sure of. It is a round unscored pill with GG 264 stamped

on it.

Can you help me identify this medicine?

Answer: The generic name for Lopressor is metoprolol. You can tell whether your pharmacy has

switched manufacturers by the code. Did your previous medication have the same or a different

code? Each pill has a different code. I don’t have the pharmacy index, but it is a simple home

comparison.

Brand Name/Generic Drugs

Question: What recommendations would you make concerning generic vs.

brand name drugs for patients?

Answer: In general, I don’t have many reservations about generic drugs. I do prefer that

pharmacies do not switch generic companies repeatedly since most drugs can be adjusted

regardless of their biologic activity. I have had occasional patients who seem to be better off

on brand name rather than generic drugs. This has happened about 5-10 times over the last

10 years. I would recommend that you know the name of the company making your drugs

and be alert if the pharmacist switches for any change in symptoms.