Is it safe to buy store brand over the counter medicine?

Question

Are there any substances used in the store brand over the counter medicines that are different from the brand name medicines? Do they use the same formula?

Answer 1

As a general rule, store brand OTCs contain the same ingrediants as name brand OTCs.  If you take Wal-Mart Ibuprofen, you get the same dose of Ibuprofen as if you took Advil.

Answer 2

You should always ask you doctor before taking over the counter meds

Answer 3

Read the content labels carefully and compare to the brand name medicines.  Check specifically for amounts of ingredients in each brand.

Answer 4

Generally they are the same, what you are looking for is the same active ingredient. (I think generally the combination of inactive ingreadients are different.)