As a parent, we always want the best for our child’s health. So, when a doctor prescribes a medication, we trust it is the best one for our child’s condition. But what if the pharmacy offers us a unique brand of medicine? Should we be worried? Zyrtec is a brand name for the antihistamine cetirizine, which is used to treat allergic reactions such as hay fever, dermatitis, and hives.
Let’s talk about a recent experience one of our friends had. The doctor prescribed Xetec for his child, but the pharmacy offered Adezio because they didn’t have Xetec in stock at the moment. My friend was worried, as he believed that changing the brand might affect the medicine’s effectiveness.
However, what our friend did not know is that all three syrups shown were identical in terms of active ingredients. This means that no matter which brand his kid takes, he is actually giving his child the same medicine, which is cetirizine solution.
The brand Zyrtec on the right is the originator, which is marketed by the company, GSK, that first produced cetirizine. They will have a patent of typically 10-20 years, of which in that time nobody else can produce cetirizine. However, after that patent expires, any manufacturing plant can produce the same medicine, but using a different brand name. These are what we call generics.
Xetec and Adezio are both generic. They are usually cheaper than the originator, but the medicinal effects and the content of active ingredients are going to be the same as the originator.
So, with my friend, it was totally okay for him to use Adezio instead of Xetec, and vice versa. We want to highlight this, as many customers are still in the dark on what generics mean.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, parents should not worry about generic brands of medicine. They are just as effective as the originator and often cost less. If your doctor prescribes a medication, and the pharmacy offers you a generic brand, feel confident in knowing that it will still provide your child with the same medicinal benefits.
It is also essential to follow the medicine instructions given by the doctor or pharmacist closely. Even if the active ingredients are the same, the concentration of active ingredients in the medicine may differ. Therefore, it is crucial to give the correct amount of medicine as instructed to avoid over or underdosing.
Giving too little medicine may not provide the intended benefits, while giving too much medicine may cause adverse side effects. With liquid medicines, it is especially important to use the measuring cup or spoon provided with the medicine to ensure the correct dosage is given.
Eyeballing the amount or using regular household spoons may cause inaccurate dosages, which can be harmful to your child’s health. So, always read the medicine instructions carefully and follow them closely to ensure your child receives the intended benefits of the medication while minimizing any potential risks.