The main difference between generic and brand-name drugs is cost. On average, generic drugs are priced 45% lower than their brand-name equivalents. The use of trade names has been associated with medication errors and confusion. The highest population being the elderly, most seniors are on a fixed income and purchase generic brand drugs due to lower costs however errors occur when patients are on multiple drugs either prescribed or OTC’s and often do not understand they may be putting themselves at risk by combing medications when they have different names. Here is a typical example, I have had many patients come into the ER over the years and when asked their list of medications I will often see they are duplicating medication as in Advil vs. Ibuprofen. I have also seen errors made by nurses who are not familiar with generic vs. trade!
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Forensic Nursing Chronicles 