Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 48 No. 2 February 2010
By Robert H. Howland, MD
ABSTRACT
The distinction between pharmaceutical equivalent and
pharmaceutical alternative drug products can lead to considerable
confusion, especially with the proliferation of various branded, alternative,
and generic medications that contain the same active ingredient. To illustrate
this problem, four examples of medication products containing the active
ingredients paroxetine, venlafaxine, bupropion, and valproate will be
described. Understanding these differences is important for nurses providing
patient care. Only generic drugs can be freely substituted for a brand-name
product. Switching to a pharmaceutical alternative requires a change in
prescription. Finally, the use, labeling, and cost of branded, alternative, and
generic medications may be different.
AUTHOR
Dr. Howland is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The author discloses that he has no significant financial interests in
any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Robert H. Howland, MD, Associate Professor of
Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric
Institute and Clinic, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; e-mail:
HowlandRH@upmc.edu.
Posted: January 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100108-04
