Generic antiarrhythmics are not therapeutically equivalent for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias

Am J Cardiol. 2000 May 1;85(9):1151-3, A10. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(00)00715-3.

Abstract

The consequences of antiarrhythmic drug formulation substitution were assessed by survey of 130 experts on arrhythmias. Fifty-four arrhythmia recurrences, 7 proarrhythmic events, and 3 deaths resulting from generic substitution are reported, thus raising serious concerns about both antiarrhythmic drug substitution and the adequacy of the generic drug approval process.

MeSH terms

  • Amiodarone / pharmacokinetics
  • Amiodarone / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Tachycardia / drug therapy*
  • Therapeutic Equivalency

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Amiodarone