Jan 24th 2008, 14:29

Save on Prescription Drugs

Online FDA resource lets you find generic alternatives

You've probably heard of a blue book, a black book, or even a red book, but have you heard of an Orange Book? The Orange Book is an online reference, published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which offers you free access to an updated list of all FDA-approved drugs in the country.

The Book contains information on prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and even the discontinued ones. Its user-friendly search options allow you to look for approved drugs by entering the active ingredient, proprietary name, applicant holder, or the applicant number.

Once you start your search, the site will give you details about the drug such as:

• Active Ingredient (Ex: Ampicillin Sodium, Fluconazole, Nifedipine)
• Dosage Form (Ex: Tablet, capsule, injection, spray)
• Strength (Ex: 20mg, 0.5mg/spray, 20,000 units/vial)
• Proprietary Name or Generic Name (Ex: Midol, Neurontin, Tylenol)
• Applicant or name of the pharmaceutical company (Pfizer, Bayer, Abbott)

The Book not only gives you information about drugs, but also can help you look up a generic match to the branded medication you were advised to take. Since the Book shows you what other pharmaceutical companies offer the same drug, you can choose to buy the brand that fits your budget or the brand that you trust and prefer.

The Orange Book is updated by the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) daily, as new generic products are approved.

You may access the Orange Book by using this link: http://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/default.htm.

 

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