Authors

  1. Section Editor(s): Kennedy, Maureen Shawn MA, RN

Article Content

Generic cardiovascular drugs and their brand-name equivalents produce similar results, reported a systematic review and metaanalysis of 47 studies in the December 3, 2008, issue of JAMA. The review analyzed trials published from 1984 (when the Food and Drug Administration first approved generics) to 2008. Analyses indicated that brand-name drugs weren't superior to their generic equivalents in 10 of 11 diuretic trials, seven out of seven [beta]-blocker trials, five of seven calcium channel blocker trials, five of five warfarin trials, and two of two statin trials, among others. Meanwhile, more than half (23 of 43) of editorials written during the same period advised against using generic drugs.