Further to the article by Ferner and colleagues I would like to
highlight the issue of within generic differences. Several patients who
self-manage their own oral anticoagulation have pointed out to me
clinically significant changes in their INR measurements depending upon
which generic brand of warfarin is dispensed. One of these patients went
as far as obtaining bioavailability data from different manufacturers. As
the decision as to which generic to dispense is based on price there is
potential to influence clinical outcome for patients by switching
products. This is a further, and previously unreported, variable which
makes managing patients taking oral anticoagulants so difficult.
Rapid Response:
Generic Drugs
Further to the article by Ferner and colleagues I would like to
highlight the issue of within generic differences. Several patients who
self-manage their own oral anticoagulation have pointed out to me
clinically significant changes in their INR measurements depending upon
which generic brand of warfarin is dispensed. One of these patients went
as far as obtaining bioavailability data from different manufacturers. As
the decision as to which generic to dispense is based on price there is
potential to influence clinical outcome for patients by switching
products. This is a further, and previously unreported, variable which
makes managing patients taking oral anticoagulants so difficult.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests