TriCor vs. Generic Alternatives?

Question

In a day and age when gas prices are forcing lifestyle changes, I'd like to know if anyone out there has information about comparison between TriCor and any possible generic alternatives? What are the advantages and disadvantages, other than price?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I just checked the Orange Book, which is a list of drugs and their therapeutic equivalents maintained by the FDA (see link below if you're curious).

It looks like Tricor (which is fenofibrate) has several generic, bioequivalent alternatives. Certainly, generics have to be proven safe and effective or they couldn't be marketed. It looks like they should all work fine, with the exception of one marketed as "Triglide". But only because there isn't enough data for the FDA to make a recommendation. This generally means that it's a new manufacturer and you won't see these in your pharmacy.

Really, the only time that you should be worried about switching from a "brand" to a generic is when there is some sort of change to drug delivery is made, like switching from oral to injection or switching from an extended release to normal tablet. Regardless, it's always a good idea to make sure to report any unusual side effects to your doctor, or pharmacist.