Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 1, 2010, at 2:32:42
In reply to Re: proof of superiority of branded/Zyprexa » ed_uk2010, posted by Zyprexa on April 30, 2010, at 15:41:25
>How can the filers have that much effect on the actions of the drug? If the active ingredient is identical.
It depends on the product. With modified release medicines eg. Effexor XR, the excipients are used to control the rate of absorption of the drug.
Excipients can affect things like the rate at which the tablet disintegrates in the stomach. Disintegration, dissolution and absorption are tested for any new generic, to check that they are the same as the brand originator.
For some meds eg. the immunosuppressant ciclosporin, the type of excipients can affect absorption considerably and it is advised that patients should remain on the same brand. For the majority of drugs, this is not necessary as the differences between the brand and the generics are extremely small.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:945234
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