Rocephin – Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Ceftriaxone belongs to the family of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. It is used to prevent or treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It is given by injection only into a muscle or vein.

Ceftriaxone is often used to treat infections of the lung, urinary tract, skin, abdomen, bone, joint, and lining of the brain (meningitis), depending on the bacteria causing them. It can also be used to treat gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted infection).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Rocephin is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under ceftriaxone. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

How should I use this medication?

To treat bacterial infections, the recommended dose and dosing schedule of ceftriaxone varies according to the specific infection being treated, the response to therapy, and other medications or treatments being used. The dose administered is also based on age, body size, and kidney and liver function. For moderate to severe infections in adults, the dose ranges from 1 g to 2 g daily given once every 24 hours or divided into 2 equal doses and given every 12 hours.

For uncomplicated gonorrhea in adults, one dose of 250 mg is injected into a muscle.

For children 12 years of age and under, the dose is based on body weight and is given every 12 hours. The maximum daily dose for adults and children is 4 g. The duration of treatment depends on the type of infection and usually ranges from 4 to 14 days. Some infections require only one dose while others require treatment for several weeks.

Ceftriaxone is injected into a vein or into a muscle by a health care professional under the supervision of your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Store this medication (as unmixed vials) at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to ceftriaxone or any ingredients of this medication
• are allergic to other cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin) or penicillins (e.g., penicillin, amoxicillin)
  • the risk of developing a reaction to ceftriaxone given a history of cephalosporin or penicillin allergy is relatively low, but check with your health care provider before starting treatment

Do not give this medication to a newborn or premature infant who has high amounts of bilirubin in their blood.

Do not give this medication to a newborn who is receiving (or expected to receive) calcium-containing intravenous solutions (calcium-containing solutions should not be given within 5 days of ceftriaxone in infants up to 10 weeks of age).

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dizziness
• headache
• mild diarrhea

Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• chills
• fever
• pain, redness, and swelling at site of injection
• rash

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• severe, persistent diarrhea
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, e.g.:
  • difficulty breathing
  • hives
  • swelling of the mouth, throat, or tongue

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergic reactions: Ceftriaxone can cause severe allergic reactions. If you develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat), get immediate medical attention.

Anemia: Although rare, certain drugs can cause a blood condition called hemolytic anemia, where people have low red blood cells due to premature destruction of this type of blood cell. If you have a history of cephalosporin-related hemolytic anemia, you should talk to your doctor before starting treatment.

Blood tests: Depending on various factors, including how long you will be receiving treatment, your doctor may order blood tests while you are taking ceftriaxone.

Calcium-containing solutions: The interaction with calcium-containing solutions has only been reported for newborns. For all other people, ceftriaxone can be administered before or after calcium-containing solutions provided that the infusion lines are flushed well in between the solutions. In newborns, calcium-containing solutions should not be given within 5 days for infants up to 10 weeks of age.

Gallbladder disease: If you have gallbladder disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney problems: Ceftriaxone may cause kidney stones. If you have high calcium levels in your urine or a history of kidney stones, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low vitamin K: People with impaired vitamin K synthesis or low vitamin K stores (e.g., chronic liver disease and malnutrition) may require monitoring of blood clotting during treatment, as ceftriaxone may decrease clotting ability.

Overgrowth of organisms: Treatment with this antibiotic may allow normal fungus or types of bacteria not killed by the antibiotic to overgrow, causing unwanted infections.

Stomach and bowel disorders: If you have stomach and bowel problems (especially colitis), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Ceftriaxone passes into breast milk in small amounts. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking ceftriaxone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Newborn and premature infants (up to the age of 10 weeks) should not receive calcium-containing solutions within 5 days of receiving ceftriaxone.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between ceftriaxone and any of the following:

• anticoagulant medications (e. g., warfarin)
• solutions injected into a vein that contain calcium
• typhoid vaccine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Rocephin

Ceftriaxone: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action

Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Parenteral	1 G/3.5ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Parenteral	500 MG/2ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous; Parenteral	1 G/10ML
Powder, for solution		2 G
Injection, powder, for solution	Parenteral	0.5 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous; Parenteral	1000 MG/10ML
Injection, powder, for solution		1000 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	1 G/3. 5ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	500 mg/5ml
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	1 gr
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	1 gr
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	250 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	250 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	500 mg
Injection, solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	0.5 g
Injection, solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	0.5 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Parenteral	1 g
Injection, powder, for solution		250 MG
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	250 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	500 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Parenteral	2 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	2 gr
Injection, powder, for solution	Parenteral
Injection, powder, for solution	Parenteral	250 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	1. 184 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous
Injection, powder, for suspension	Parenteral	1 g
Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	1 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	1 g/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	250 mg/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g/10mL
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	2 g/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	250 mg/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	1 g/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	10 g/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	10 g/100mL
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	100 mg/1mL
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	100 g/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	2 g/1
Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution	Intravenous	100 mg/1mL
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g/1
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	2 g/1
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	250 mg/1
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	500 mg/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Parenteral	250 MG/2ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1. 0 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	2.0 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous; Parenteral	500 MG/5ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Parenteral	1 G/10ML
Powder, for solution	Parenteral	2 G
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Parenteral	250 MG
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Parenteral	500 MG
Powder, for solution	Intravenous	100 g / bag
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	250 MG/2ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	500 MG/2ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	1 G/10ML
Solution	Intravenous	1000 mg / 50 mL
Solution	Intravenous	2000 mg / 50 mL
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	2000 mg/bottle
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	500 mg/vial
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1000 mg/vial
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	500 mg/1
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	500 mg/1
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	0. 25 g / vial
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	10 g / vial
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g / vial
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	2 g / vial
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	250 mg / vial
Powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	500 mg / vial
Powder, for solution	Intravenous	10 g / vial
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	2 g
Injection
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g
Injection, powder, for solution
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous
Powder, for solution
Injection, solution	Intramuscular	0. 5 g
Injection	Intravenous	0.5 g
Injection, solution	Intramuscular	1 g
Solution	Intravenous
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	1 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	500 mg
Kit	Intramuscular; Intravenous; Topical
Injection, solution	Intravenous	0.5 g
Injection, solution	Intravenous	1 g
Injection	Intramuscular; Intravenous
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	0.5 gr
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	0.5 gr
Injection; injection, powder, for solution		1 g
Injection, powder, for solution		1 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1000. 0 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	2000.0 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1000 mg
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	2000 mg
Injection	Intramuscular	1000 mg
Injection	Intravenous	1000 mg
Injection	Intramuscular	250 mg
Injection	Intramuscular	500 mg
Injection	Intramuscular	0.5 g/2ml
Injection	Intravenous	0.5 g/5ml
Injection	Intravenous	1 g/10ml
Injection	Intramuscular	1 g/3.5ml
Injection	Intravenous	2 g
Powder		2 G
Injection		1 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Parenteral	1 MG/3. 5ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Parenteral	1 G
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous; Parenteral	250 MG/5ML
Injection, powder, for solution	Parenteral	500 mg
Injection, solution	Intravenous	1 g/50mL
Injection, solution	Intravenous	2 g/50mL
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular	1 g/vial
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous	1 g/vial
Powder, for solution	Intravenous	1 g / vial
Injection, solution	Intramuscular
Injection	Intravenous	1 g
Injection	Intravenous	250 mg
Injection	Intravenous
Injection	Intramuscular
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous
Injection, solution	Intravenous	2 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intravenous; Parenteral	1 G
Powder
Injection, solution	Intramuscular
Injection, solution	Intravenous
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	0. 25 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	0.5 g
Injection, powder, for solution	Intramuscular; Intravenous	2 g
Injection	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 g
Injection	Intramuscular; Intravenous	250 MG
Injection	Intramuscular; Intravenous	1 gr
Injection	Intramuscular; Intravenous	0.5 gr
Injection		1000 MG
Injection		500 MG
Injection, powder, for solution		2 G
Injection, powder, for solution		500 MG
Injection, powder, for solution		250 mg/1vial
Injection, powder, for solution		500 mg/1vial
Powder		500 mg/1vial
Powder		250 mg/1vial
Powder

Cheap analogs of expensive antibiotics: analogs of expensive drugs

Antibiotics are one of the most expensive groups of drugs. And if the cost of “old” antibiotics is more or less acceptable, then new broad-spectrum antibiotics are incredibly expensive, which is not surprising, because the development of one new antibiotic costs approximately 1 billion US dollars.

If you think about this topic, you can understand that there are not so many new antibiotics, because not only do development and clinical studies take decades, but also the cost of the project is equal to the cost of space flight. In this regard, very few pharmaceutical companies in the US and Europe can conduct such expensive research.

For example, Linezolid (trade name Zyvox) is the latest antibiotic to enter the market and is patented by Pfizer. At the same time, it was synthesized back in 1990, and only in 2000 was it first put into practice.

And what about other pharmaceutical companies, including domestic ones, who cannot afford such expenses? The answer is simple – they produce generics, that is, analogues of long-known antibiotics, with the same active ingredient as the original drug, but under a different trade name. The cost of such drugs is often lower than the cost of the original drug, but there are also opposite cases.

When prescribing antibiotic therapy, doctors can prescribe both the original drug – an expensive antibiotic (occurs less often), and its analogue – a cheap antibiotic (in most cases). The reason for this is the work of medical representatives of pharmaceutical companies and distributors. So if the doctor prescribed you an expensive antibiotic, do not rush to buy it at the expense of the budget. Most likely, he has a cheaper analogue, which a pharmacist in a pharmacy can also advise you if you ask him about it. However, it is worth remembering that from January 1, 2023 in Ukraine, you can buy an antibiotic only with an electronic prescription, which is pre-written to you by a doctor. The Doc.ua service also provides an opportunity to get an electronic prescription for antibiotics in just a few clicks. You can also buy all the necessary prescription drugs at the Doc.ua Pharmacy.

In this article we have provided a list of analogues of the most famous and widely used antibiotics.

Antibiotics for colds list Ukraine

Antibiotics of the penicillin group

Flemoxin Solutab cases of bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, peptic ulcer, cystitis and other

The average cost of Flemoxin Solutab and Ospamox is 80-150 UAH. Its analogue is Amoxil (amoxicillin analogues, amoxiclav analogues). The average cost is 50-70 UAH (inexpensive antibiotics for colds).

Antibiotics of the group of inhibitor-protected aminopenicillins

Flemoclav Solutab , Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid).

This antibiotic is used to treat mild and uncomplicated cases of bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, peptic ulcer, cystitis, etc. caused by b-lactamase producing bacteria.

The average cost of Flemoclav Solutab is 100-150 UAH, Augmentin is 130-190 UAH.

Flemoclav Solutab analogues, Augmentin analogues ( cheap broad-spectrum antibiotics):

Bactoclav is the cheapest antibiotic, the average price is 60 – 70 UAH.

Amoxil K, Medoklav, Abiklav, Amoksiklav 2x, Betaklav, are also inexpensive antibiotics for colds.

Antibiotics of the cephalosporin group

Emsef , Diacef , Denicef ​​ (ceftriaxone analogues in tablets) – Lorakson, Medakson (ceftriaxone analogue in tablets), Ceftriaxone-Darnitsa, Ceftriaxone-KMP, Ceftriaxone-Lekhim.

Antibiotics treat diseases such as sepsis, meningitis, disseminated Lyme borreliosis (early and late stages of the disease), infections of the abdominal cavity, etc. 27 (cefuroxime) – Aksetin, Aksef , Auroxetil.

Antibiotics treat urinary tract infections – cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis; skin and soft tissues – furunculosis, pyoderma, impetigo, etc.

Quadrocef , Roxipim , Abipim , Denipim 900 26, Exipim , Septipim (cefepime) – Cefepim-Lekhim, Cefepim Abryl, Cefepim Aurobindo.

Antibiotics treat respiratory diseases (pneumonia and bronchitis), urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections.

Eurosidim , Ceftazidime-Vista (ceftazidime) – Ceftazidime Yuria-pharm, Ceftum, Zacef, Ceftazidime-BHFZ.

These antibiotics are used to treat meningitis, sepsis and other illnesses.

Sorcef , Cefinac , Suprax Solutab (cefixime) – Lopraks, Opticef, Cefix.

Antibiotics treat diseases such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, otitis media, and urinary tract infections.

Macrolide antibiotics

Sumamed , Azax , Azitrox , Aztec , Hemomycin , 9002 6 Zybax (azithromycin analogues are expensive, sumamed analogues) – Azibiot, Azipol, Zitrox, Ormax, Azimed (the best analogue sumamed) Azicin, Zoxy, Azithromycin-Astrapharm, Azithromycin-Health, Azithromycin-BHFZ, Azithromycin-Red Star, Ziomycin (azithromycin analogues of the drug).

These name antibiotics are used to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, as well as acute bronchitis, pneumonia. 9Ora dro (clarithromycin analogs) – Aziklar, Clarithromycin-Health, Clarithromycin-Astrafarm, Clarithromycin-Darnitsa, Clarithromycin-Arterium, Clubax.

Antibiotics treat diseases such as infections of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs: tonsillopharyngitis, otitis media, acute sinusitis, as well as infections of the lower respiratory tract: acute bronchitis, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and others.

Antibiotics of the tetracycline group

Unidox Solutab (doxycycline) – its inexpensive antibiotics – analogues: Doxycycline-Teva, Doxycycline-Darnitsa, Doxycycline-BHFZ (inexpensive antibiotic).

Antibiotics are used to treat pharyngitis, bronchitis, tracheitis, bronchopneumonia, as well as otitis media, tonsillitis, sinusitis and others.

Antibacterial drugs of the fluoroquinolone group

Ofloxin (ofloxacin) – Ofloxacin-Darnitsa, Ofloxacin-Lekhim (inexpensive antibiotic).

Antibiotics treat infectious and inflammatory diseases of bones and joints, abdominal cavity, diseases of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis.

Abiflox , Levaksela, Lebel , Levoksimed, Levomak , Tigeron (levofloxacin) – Levokilz, Levofloxacin-Lekhim, Levofloxacin-Health, Floxium, Leflok.

Antibiotics are used to treat acute sinusitis, exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections.

Avelox , Moxicum, Timoksi, Moxifloxacin-Sandoz (moxifloxacin) – Moxifloxacin-Lekhim, Moflaxa, Moxifloxacin-Pharmex, Atovax.

Antibiotics are used to treat acute sinusitis, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia.

Cifran , Tsiprinol , Tsiprolet analogues , Flaprox, 900 26 Ciprobel (ciprofloxacin analogues are expensive) – Ciprofloxacin-Euro, Ciprofloxacin-Lekhim, Ciprofloxacin-Astrapharm, Citeral.

An antibiotic is used to treat sepsis and peritonitis and to prevent and treat infections in immunosuppressed patients.

Nitroimidazole antibacterials

Strong antibiotics in tablets

Trichopolum , Efloran (metronidazole) – Metrogyl, Metressa, Metronidazole-Health, Metronidazole-Darnitsa, Metronidazole-Infusion, Metronid Zol-Yuria Pharm, Metronidazole Lubnypharm.

Antibiotics treat protozoal infections: extraintestinal amoebiasis, including amoebic liver abscess, intestinal amoebiasis (amebic dysentery), trichomoniasis, giardiasis, balantidiasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, trichomonas vaginitis, trichomonas urethritis, and others.

Ornigil , Ornizol, Ornimac (ornidazole) – Ornidazol-Darnitsa, Ornidazol-Novofarm, Ornidazol-Infusion.

Antibiotics are used to treat trichomoniasis, amoebiasis, giardiasis, and a mild antibiotic is used to prevent postoperative complications.

Antibiotic analogues table

Help DOC.ua: You can sign up for a consultation with a general practitioner on the website.

Russians will be deprived of the right to choose medicines

Latest issue

WG-Week

Motherland

Thematic applications

Soyuz

Fresh issue

Society

22.07.2005 02:00

Share

In short, the essence of innovation is that from now on, more precisely after its legal entry into force, they will prescribe drugs, sell them, and supply beneficiaries with them not by their brands, but by the international non-proprietary name. Tell me, what’s the difference – whatever you call the pot, just don’t put it in the stove? However, the difference is huge. After all, what is an international non-proprietary name (INN)? This is nothing more than the name of the active substance included in the medicine. But it’s not the cure!

This seems to require some clarification. All drugs that are developed by a large company receive a patent for the drug. The patent is valid for no more than twenty years. Another large firm can “circumvent” the patent and offer its own similar drug, but is obliged to offer a new way of production, new chemical reactions. And after the expiration of the patent, the hands of other firms are completely untied. And under the INN, it is quite likely not a “native” drug, but something changed. Better? Worse? Perhaps both. The main thing is that it is different.

Here is a very well-known drug timolol, which reduces intraocular pressure, and this is extremely important in the fight against glaucoma. The drug was created a long time ago, and many reputable companies produce its analogues. We have timoptik registered, and there are 25 timolols on the pharmaceutical market from various manufacturers. There is also domestic – the cheapest. Domestic, however, with a stretch: we buy the base in China – powder, dilute and … Not the best option, and therefore cheaper than imported counterparts. Due to its low cost, it is on the list for preferential drug coverage.

But even those who are not related to the beneficiary category will not receive a doctor’s prescription for timoptik: according to the innovation, the doctor is obliged to prescribe timolol. How to be a patient? How can he not get confused in 25 types of this very timolol, acquire exactly the one that helps him, does not cause adverse reactions?

A lot of people are now taking Zakor, a drug that lowers blood cholesterol levels. Take for years, and even for life. Zakor came to us from the USA. There are its analogues in our pharmacies: vasilip from Slovenia, simgal from the Czech Republic … Their prices are different. Which to choose? Obviously the one that suits this particular patient. It is on the basis of these considerations that the attending physician writes out a prescription. But now the prescription will be the same for everyone without exception: and it will be written “simvastatin”. Oh, the patient doesn’t know what it is? Doesn’t matter! The Duma members decided everything for him: this is the international non-proprietary name for drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

The antibiotic ceftriaxone will also be prescribed. Is he unknown? So know: these are the INNs of the latest generation of antibiotics. And the Swiss rocefin, which helped you so well, the doctor has no right to prescribe from now on. It is possible that the pharmacy will offer you an Indian analogue, which is clearly inferior to the Swiss one.

Lobbyists of the law hope that the doctor is obliged to explain everything to the patient, even to provide him with a scribble from himself in addition to the prescription, to recommend the right choice. Or let the patient go to the pharmacy and deal with the pharmacist there, let the pharmacist give specific recommendations. Shall we begin to be treated on the advice of a pharmacist?

Doctors are very concerned about the Duma proposal. But it is rather the voice of one crying in the wilderness. It is unlikely that he will be heard – as has happened more than once.

The chief doctor of one of the capital’s hospitals commented on the situation: “Different companies produce the same medicine according to the same formula. But they use different degrees of purification, different additives. It’s, say, like a car of the same brand is produced by different companies. Different assembly. And when buying, you will definitely begin to find out. And give preference to the company that has proven itself. Even if you have to pay extra for the company. And here we are talking about health. It may turn out that the same zakor helps you, but it will not be in the pharmacy “Firms producing other statins will fill drugstore counters only with those drugs in the sale of which they have a personal interest.”

Most likely, the new bill warms their souls so much. A patriotic base is even being laid under it: the introduction of INN will save Russian pharmaceutical companies from competition with leading drug manufacturers and there will be freedom for domestic companies. And what about you and me, drug users? This is a rhetorical question.

And since we had a comparison with a car here, let’s remember that once Boris Nemtsov wished everyone to get behind the wheel of the domestic “Volga”.