Questions
Short answers to what readers ask most about the medicine records. The methodology has the full detail.
Updated
Why do a brand and its generics share one page?
A medicine on PlainMeds is its set of active ingredients. Lipitor and every generic atorvastatin contain the same active ingredient, so their labels, makers, prices, shortages and recalls are read together on one record, and each brand name leads to it.
Which label does a medicine page quote?
The label of the reference product the FDA lists in the Orange Book, in the most common dosage form, when there is one, and the application holder’s own label before a copy; otherwise a brand label, a prescription label before an over-the-counter one, then the most recent. Where only repackagers publish copies of a brand’s label, the newest copy under the brand’s application is quoted and both companies are named. The page names the label, its labeler and its date, and links it on DailyMed, where the full text is.
Does the interaction checker tell me whether two medicines are safe together?
No. It shows what each FDA label says about the other, quoting the sentence. A label lists the interactions its studies and reports found and is not a complete list. A pharmacist can tell you what an interaction means for your own medicines.
What do the adverse-event report counts mean?
They count reports sent to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System that name the medicine. Anyone can report, a report does not show that the medicine caused the event, and widely used medicines collect more reports. They are not rates of side effects.
Is the price on a page what I will pay?
No. It is NADAC, what retail pharmacies paid per unit in a CMS survey. Your price depends on your insurance, your pharmacy and any discount program.
A medicine is in shortage. Does that mean I cannot get it?
Not always. FDA shortage entries describe particular presentations and companies; other strengths or makers may be available. The shortage page lists each presentation, its status and the reason the company gave. Your pharmacist can check supply.
Why is a medicine missing, or marked as no longer listed?
PlainMeds covers the finished human medicines in the FDA NDC Directory. Dietary supplements are not covered. A medicine that had a page here and is no longer listed for sale keeps a page that says so, with the date the directory was read, and shows its FDA approval history.
How current is the information?
Each section shows the date its file was read. Labels, shortages, recalls and prices are refreshed when the site is rebuilt from newer files; if the FDA posted something newer, the linked source has it.