Does the United States Need Better Policies Governing Generic Drug Use?
Abstract
Rome et al1 describe in this issue of the journal a case report on the use of multiple authorized generics (AGs) and their impact on Medicare spending. This seems to be the first report of multiple AG drug use for an identical brand product. AGs have been a controversial component of the US generic use landscape for the past 20 years despite calls for new policies on their use.2,3,4,5,6,7 Rome et al1 make specific recommendations for action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission, and the US Congress to address AG policies that may be outdated. Generic drugs and the policies governing their use play a crucial role in the United States for managing prescription drug costs and for providing affordable patient access to medicines.
Authors
Newell E. McElwee