Why are generic pills cheaper than the brand name ones?
The principal reason for the reduced price of generic medicines is that the creation of the generic drug runs up less cost and therefore a lower price can be offered and still maintain profitability.
Manufacturers of generic drugs are mainly able to avoid the following three costs that brand name pharmaceutical companies incur: (1) costs associated with the research and development of the drug; (2) costs associated obtaining regulatory approval (i.e. proving safety and efficacy of a drug); and (3) marketing costs.
First, Generic manufacturers do not incur the cost of drug discovery and instead reverse-engineer existing brand name drugs to allow them to manufacture bioequivalent versions.
Second, generic manufacturers do not bear the burden of proving the safety and efficacy of the drugs through clinical trials - rather, generic manufacturers must prove the generic drug’s bioequivalancy to the existing drug.
Third, these companies receive the large benefit of the marketing and advertising that goes into pushing the innovator drug. The brand name drug has to prove itself in the eyes of the consumer, generic ones do not. The drugs that generic manufacturers are selling have been on the market for usually a decade or more and do not need additional advertising. For the same reason, generic manufacturers also do not give away sample doses to promote their products. The significant research, development and marketing costs incurred by the large pharmaceutical companies in introducing a new drug to the market is often cited as the reason for the high cost of new agents - they wish to recover these costs before the patent expires. Generic manufacturers do not incur these costs, with bioequivalence testing and manufacturing costing relatively little, and are able to charge significantly less than the brand.
Anti Bacterial / Generic Flagyl
Package
Price
Per Pill
Order
250mg x 30 pills
$49.95
US $ 1.67
250mg x 60 pills
$69.95
US $ 1.17
250mg x 90 pills
$79.95
US $ 0.89
What is metronidazole?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body.
Metronidazole is used to treat infections such as abdominal infections, skin and tissue infections, bone and joint infections, gynecologic infections, and respiratory tract infections.
Metronidazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about metronidazole?
Take all of the metronidazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole. Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting may occur when alcohol is ingested during metronidazole therapy.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking metronidazole?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
liver disease,
a stomach or intestinal disease, or
epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
You may not be able to take metronidazole, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of these conditions.
Metronidazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take metronidazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Metronidazole passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take metronidazole?
Take metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take all of the metronidazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store metronidazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Use injectable metronidazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a metronidazole overdose include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, and seizures.
What should I avoid while taking metronidazole?
Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole. Flushing, fast heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting may occur when alcohol is ingested during metronidazole therapy.
Be aware of the alcohol content of other products such as cough and cold medicines. Alcohol in these products can also cause a reaction.
What are the possible side effects of metronidazole?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking metronidazole and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives);
seizures;
numbness or tingling;
dizziness or loss of coordination; or
severe diarrhea.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take metronidazole and talk to your doctor if you experience
darkening of your urine;
nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;
an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth;
constipation or mild diarrhea;
headache; or
swollen or sore tongue.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What drug(s) may interact with metronidazole?
alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages or medicines
amprenavir
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
carbamazepine
cimetidine
disulfiram
fluorouracil
lithium
methadone
phenytoin
ramelteon
sirolimus
tacrolimus
warfarin
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
