Odessa

A local HMO is saying "No" to more and more brand name drugs in favor of generics. Some argue that they can't afford the difference in price and that they want their name brands, others that it is needed to bring down health care costs. Some argue that generics are just as good, other maintain that the name brand is the only thing that works.

I can only speak from personal experience. I take synthetic thyroid medication. (Image, a fat chick who actually DOES have a thyroid problem.) My doctor believes that the generic is just as good as the name brand, Synthoid. My body disagrees, but I put up with the generic and its funkiness (bone numbing tired one day, heart racing the next) until my HMO was going to force me into a "sub-generic" - basically a cheaper version of the generic I was already taking. I put my foot down and determined I wasn't going to take it anymore, even if I had to spend more money.

I now take the name brand Synthroid. I still have sluggish days, I at least don't have my heart racing a few times a week because that day's pill had a smidge more than the day before. I pay more than twice as much, but to me it is worth it. It's worth it to not sit in my cubicle and think my heart is going to jump out of my chest. It's my pet peeve and I am willing to fork out the cash for it. Therefore, I have little sympathy for those that whine they are charged more for the beloved name brand. Boo hoo, join the club.

Maybe when I am on a fixed income my attitude will change. However, then I won't have to sit in a cubicle all day, I will be able to go lay down if I feel faint. Until then, it matters that I feel the best I can every day.