Generic Medicines: Are They worth the Risk of Making the Switch

Every year, people save an estimated $ 8 billion to $ 10 billion at retail pharmacies by buying generic drugs rather than brand-name medications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports. The lower cost, of course, is the key advantage of generics. But the real reason for the cost-savings that generic medicines should not suffer the big expensive clinical trials, which are necessary for the approval of branded drugs raises questions about the quality and safety of generic drugs.

Are these concerns justified? In such circumstances, it is safe to prescribe generic medicines, or to substitute a generic for a brand-name drug? Are brand-name drugs always better? To answer these questions, we conducted a thorough review of the evidence, which included numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and case studies, as well as a unique meta-analysis that evaluated the benefits and risks of generic medications.

Generics: On the positive side

Safety and efficacy. Our literature search revealed little evidence that generic medicines are less safe or less effective than their brand-name counterparts. The meta-analysis, for example, included 47 studies (38 out of 47 were RCTs) covering 9 subclasses of cardiovascular medications. In studies involving beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, antiplatelet agents, statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and alpha-blockers, is no evidence of the superiority of generic drugs it was found vs brand.

Cost. Generic medicines typically cost 30% to 60% less than their branded counterparts, and the widespread use of generic drugs has the potential to reduce the price of other brand name drugs by creating more competition.

Another benefit: Patients taking generic medicines appear to be more willing to continue therapy than those treated with brand-name medications. Lower co-pays are a key factor. In one recent study of patients with high cholesterol or diabetes, those taking generic drugs had a greater adherence than patients treated with brand-name drugs.

Quality. It is important to note that many generic medicines are produced under license of the manufacturer of the original brand product, with low-cost equivalent often introduced after the drug's patent has expired. Even when several manufacturers to produce the brand name product and the generic, there are strict standards to ensure the quality of generics.

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Role of Personal Health Record in Our daily Life

Imagine when you are travelling and you are on many medications if you falls sick and you are admitted to an emergency care centre. Your emergency doctor will not know your medical history as you are unconscious or being able to communicate. You will not be able to retrieve your medical information from your previous doctor. It is also technically not possible to retrieve information via fax or e-mail. How will doctors treat you in the best way?

Portable Digital Personal Health Record can play a key role in solving the puzzle. It will provide physicians with immediate access to patient history, including their past medical history, diagnosis, allergies and prescriptions. Doctors can treat these patients immediately without relying on the patient and their ability to communicate or waiting to fax or e-mail to the family doctor.

In today's fragmented health care service, there is no complete record sharing between the different health care centres, especially when you are travelling abroad. These are the situations in which you should bring a personal health record for you and your family with you forever. Paper-based Records are an easy choice, but they have their limits.

There is one factor that distinguishes personal health records in the platform used to deliver it. There are various platforms such as paper, portable devices, the internet and personal computers. Let's look at some of these platforms.

Paper-based PHRs

Paper format is used to record and store your personal health information. This includes your printed lab records, any health history you may have made, and photocopies of notes provided by the clinic. The advantages of this method are that it is reliable, low cost and can be reached without a computer. The disadvantage of using this method is that records can sometimes be difficult to update, share and locate. These records could get lost or damaged particularly in times of a natural calamity.

PC-based PHRs

The personal computer-based software is used to record personal health information. This allows you to easily print, encrypt import data. Creating a backup becomes even easier than paper records. Some PHR products can be easily copied to the mass storage devices such as smart cards, USB flash drives and CD-ROM. The data stored here may be lost if the PC is damaged.

Internet-based PHRs

A web browser can be used to access and modify health information. The advantage of using an Internet-based system is that you can access from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. The PHR system can be interactive and data in such a system is not on the user's local machine but on a remote server. Backup becomes easier. However personal medical records stored in this way makes it easier for unauthorised people to access it.

ABOUT US

Mediklik is a great online platform whether it is for getting an online health consultation, share your health records online, find the right specialist for your condition or know correct and upright information about diseases, medicines, surgical procedures and first-aid. This platform provides the one-stop platform for all your health.

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Getting Second Medical Opinion Becomes Easy via Telehealth

Getting a second opinion is usually a good idea when the patient has to go through a complicated, expensive, or that threaten the procedures as suggested by the first opinion. In addition to this, a second opinion is important to prevent problems, including misdiagnosis. It is also important that when you go through the steps that you are sure it's the right thing to do.

With the rise of medical tourism, getting medical services abroad (including only get a second medical opinion) is now possible. For a second opinion, get advice from people abroad can be done through a new industry called telemedicine.

How does it work?

Good medical tourism companies should have case managers who will review the request and diagnosis. An expert should be determined later. Only experts should be given the authority to diagnose the case. These assessments would include the medical evaluation and recommendation. Sometimes, experts provide useful readings or other sources of information about your case.

Remote Patient’s Vitals Monitoring

The great thing about getting a second medical opinion via Telemedicine is that you do not really have to leave the comfort of your home. Plus, you get high-level services abroad without actually going abroad, and for a cheaper cost.

Picking a Telehealth Service

For an online health consultation service that also provide the facility of second opinion that provides great services according to medical opinion via telehealth is recommended Mediklik Webhealth pvt. Ltd. Mediklik is an online health consultation portal that help patients take an active role in their health and help people find a right specialist based on symptoms rather than area or location. 

Online monitoring of patient’s condition

For people who want to have a second medical opinion on their case. Apart from this, they also offer access to major hospitals, clinics and health centers abroad, at a fraction of the price.

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About Us:

Mediklik Web Health Pvt Ltd is a doctor consultation online service, which is not only providing health advice for people but also help them get quality treatment with their cutting-edge tools such as Free PHR, Healthline, diagnostic tool and complete information on diseases, drugs, and first-Aids.

A Definitive Guide for Those with Knee Pain

The knee pain can come from any of the bony structures that make up the knee (femur, tibia, and fibula), the patella (kneecap), or ligaments, or cartilage (including meniscus) of the knee. It can affect people of all ages without distinction.

The seven main causes of damage to the knee pain:

1.       Pain from trauma (bruising or injury of soft structures or fracture of the bony parts).

2.       Overload pain or excessive joint use.

3.      Pain from wear of the structures of the knee.

4.      By pain infection (arthritis).

5.      Pain from rheumatic diseases.

6.      Pain from neoplasm.

7.      Pain for other systemic diseases.

What are the symptoms and signs of knee pain?

The knee pain location can vary depending on which structure is involved. With infection, the entire knee might be swollen and painful, while a torn meniscus or fracture of a bone gives symptoms only in a specific location.

We can make a first rough classification of knee pain in 5 main categories:

1.       Gonalgia or knee pain is one of the common disorders of skeletal muscles that often affects athletes or people with active lifestyle.

2.       Anterior knee pain: the pain is localised in the anterior region of the knee.

3.      Medial knee pain: is defined as such pain that affects the medial (inside) of the knee, i.e. that part of the knee that "looks" the contralateral knee.

4.      Lateral knee pain: the pain as the region outside the knee.

5.      Rear knee pain: the pain is localised behind the knee, at what is called the popliteal fossa.

Some of the other results that accompany knee pain are:

1.       Difficulty walking because of the instability of the knee

2.       Knee joint block (inability to bend and/or extend it completely)

3.      Redness and swelling.

What are the causes of knee pain?

Below is a list of some of the most common causes of knee pain. This is not an all-inclusive list, but rather points out some causes of knee pain in each of the categories above.

Fractures: a direct trauma to the bone structure can cause an injury to one of the bones that make up the knee. This is usually a very obvious and painful injury. The majority of fractures of the knee are not only painful, but also interfere with the proper functioning of the knee (such as the fracture of the patella) or make it very painful to the load of the weight on (as the flat tibia fracture). All fractures require immediate medical attention.

Ligament injuries: The most common injury is the injury of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This is often a sports injury related to a sudden stop and change direction.

Meniscus injuries: The menisci (medial and lateral) are made of cartilage and act as shock absorbers between knee bones. Twisting the knee can cause damage to the meniscus.

Dislocation: the knee dislocation (i.e. the loss of normal articular) is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. This injury often occurs during a car accident, when the knee hits the dashboard.

Biomechanical Factors: The knee joint has a complicated operation mechanism and is used frequently during the day. Any issue that causes a change in the joint scrolling (different length of legs, alteration in supporting foot, abnormal walking for hip or back problems) may cause subtle changes and cause pain and injury to the knee.

The excess weight: The stress on the knee increases with the excess weight. Obesity also increases the risk of osteoarthritis with the cartilage breaks down and degenerates more quickly.

When people with knee pain should call a health professional?

Any pain that does not improve with rest or disappears within a few days should be evaluated by a physician. In addition, the following are the symptoms and signs of the knee that a doctor should evaluate:

1.       Swelling

2.       Inability to bend

3.      Deformity

4.      Unable to walk or discomfort while walking

5.      Significant pain

Often, knee pain disappears without ever finding a specific cause. However, depending on the underlying cause of the pain, the disease can progress and lead to severe injury or complications of the picture. Usually, these complications do not have immediately but are long term and result in the worsening of pain or increasing difficulty walking.

If you also face frequent back pain, knee pain and live a sedentary lifestyle, click here to consult an Orthopedician to get yourself diagnosed before it’s too late.

ABOUT US

Mediklik is a great online platform whether it is for getting an online health consultation, share your health records online, find the right specialist for your condition or know correct and upright information about diseases, medicines, surgical procedures and first-aid. This platform provides the one-stop platform for all your health.

Mediklik-Apka Health Buddy

Telehealth: Getting a Second Medical Opinion Has Never Been Easier

Getting a second medical opinion is usually a good idea when the patient has to go through a complicated procedure, expensive, or threatening as suggested by the first opinion. In addition to this, a second medical opinion is important to prevent problems, including misdiagnosis. It is also important that when you go through the procedure that you are sure it is the right thing to do.

With the rise of medical tourism, getting medical services abroad (including only get a second medical opinion) is now possible. For a second medical opinion, get advice from people abroad can be done through a new industry called telemedicine.

Telemedicine is the use of communication technologies to be able to communicate with the health and medical experts on the other side of the world. This is usually done by a video conference and clear voice conversations with experts.

How does it work?

Good medical tourism companies should have case managers who will review the request and diagnosis. An expert should be determined later. Only experts should be given the authority to diagnose the case. These assessments would include the medical evaluation and recommendation. Sometimes, experts provide useful readings or other sources of information about your case.

The great thing about getting a second medical opinion via Telemedicine is that you do not really have to leave the comfort of your home. Plus, you get high-level services abroad without actually going abroad, and for a cheaper cost.

Medical tourism companies-

Our advice is to find a medical tourism company that provides medical services, as a second medical opinion via Telemedicine, in this way, if ever necessary, can provide the necessary information that you need to complete the diagnosis and procedure. For example, if the second medical opinion does match the first opinion and it turns out that there are services abroad who can do the procedure at a cheaper price, then the company should provide the details on travelling, accommodation, transfer of folders clinics, etc. Other than that, make sure the company where you will get your second medical opinion is accredited and is connected only to hospitals that are accredited.

Picking a Telehealth Service-

For a medical tourism company that provides great services according to medical opinion via Telemedicine is recommended Mediklik Webhealth Pvt. Ltd. They provide telemedicine services for people who want to have a second medical opinion on their case. Apart from this, they also offer access to major hospitals, clinics, and law specialist at your fingertips.

ABOUT US

Mediklik.com involves the aggregation of the best doctors in the country for a second Medical opinion from medical specialists selected to offer the consultations that are fast and reliable to help patients seeking a second opinion within a 24-hour response time.

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New to Diabetes? Ask a Doctor These Questions

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a scary thing for most of the patients. There is typically much uncertainty and information overload. If you got the call to come in and talk to your doctor about your recent blood glucose test, have this list of questions ready so you can better understand your new diagnosis.

1. What is my fasting blood sugar? 

The fasting blood sugar is used to find out if a patient has high blood sugar or hyperglycemia, or if the patient has diabetes. Any fasting value above 100 mg/dl is considered abnormal. A fasting blood glucose greater than 126 is diagnostic for diabetes. Everything between these numbers is borderline high and at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

2. What is my Hb1c?

A haemoglobin A1c is a test that measures the blood sugar level in 2-3 months. It gives an idea oof what your average sugars have been. To manage diabetes with diet and exercise, the HbA1c should be below 7.0%. Anything higher than this may require the use of drugs.

3. Do I need to see any other specialists?

Ask a doctor for a referral for an eye exam and ask if you need to see a foot doctor.

4. Can I test my sugar at home?

Ask a doctor for a blood glucose machine, the testing strips and lancets. Keep a daily log of the readings and food intake.

5. Can I see a certified diabetic educator? 

This may be the most valuable reference! These professionals will explain your condition and work with you to develop a personalised management plan.

6. Is it safe for me to exercise?

You may need to test your heart before you start, but weight loss and exercise are important parts of diabetes management. Make sure your doctor thinks that you are healthy enough to exercise before starting.

Bring this list with you to your appointment if you are overwhelmed and not sure what questions to ask. Understanding your diagnosis is the first step in learning how to live with diabetes and improve your blood sugar.

ABOUT US

Mediklik involves the aggregation of the best doctors in the country for a second Medical opinion from medical specialists selected to offer the consultations that are fast and reliable to help patients seeking a second opinion within a 24-hour response time.

Mediklik-Apka Health Buddy

Type 2 Diabetes - Getting the Most Out Of Your Visit to Your Doctor

Regular visits to your doctor are a necessary part of managing your Type 2 diabetes. However, many people are not prepared for their medical examination.it is vital importance to get the most out of every visit to the doctor so as to have the best chance to recover your health.

Take a notepad and pen with you. Write down everything you're worried about so you remember to ask your doctor during the visit. Most people forget to ask questions about what is bothering them until they have left the exam room. This same rule applies to the specialists they may be much more difficult to contact later on if you forget to ask something.

Having a notepad with you means you can also write the answers and any other information your doctor gives you. It is very easy to get distracted if you have to discuss a range of issues and doctors are always on a tight schedule.

It can be hard to remember what is being explained to you, because you might be feeling very sick and nervous, and that makes it hard to concentrate on what he is saying. Make notes means you can read them when you are at home and feel better, so the information may make more sense for you.

The symptoms of diabetes change very often and it is a wise move to keep a diary so you can record when something bad happens and when. This information can be used by the doctor to help determine the best treatment if you need to reduce your medication or increase your intake of carbohydrates. 

If you do not understand something he tells you, ask him to explain. He can use a medical language you do not understand, then it is best he explains it so you understand correctly. Sometimes doctors forget that you don’t speak medical.

It is in your best interest to be totally open with your doctor about your health, even if you do not think that's related. So many aspects of your health can be affected in ways you may not even be aware of. If you do not discuss with your doctor all your medical problems, you could end up with more serious problems down the track.

If you're taking a lot of different medications, keep a running list in your wallet or purse for ease of reference. This list can help doctors and hospital staff if you are unexpectedly admitted. You can also give your pharmacist a copy to add to your record if you buy drugs from the pharmacist.

Make sure you have any new or repeat prescriptions. Before leaving the doctor's office, make your next appointment. Do everything possible to get the most out of every visit to the doctor. Stay healthy and live a long and happy life.

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you have to just live with. By making simple changes to your daily routine, it is possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience. Have regular medical check will let you know if you are on track.

ABOUT US

Mediklik is a great online platform whether it is for getting an online health consultation, share your health records online, find the right specialist for your condition or know correct and upright information about diseases, medicines, surgical procedures and first-aid. This platform provides the one-stop platform for all your health.

Mediklik-Apka Health Buddy