I will point out that I take one of the meds on the list (Metformin HCL) and it's made by Apotex, not Ranbaxy. So there's definitely other companies making them.

Also, I'd rather have the FDA then, oh, China's version of non-enforcement. I may pay more, but I'm fairly sure they ain't gonna kill me.

@Trai_Dep:

Hey those aren't penis enhancing drugs. Those are 'male enhancement' or maybe even mail enhancement. It would be immoral to mention those kinds of things on TV, so we'll veil it behind a phony euphemism.

Oh, and the fact that we can't legally call it penis enhancement? That's just a happy coincidence.

I'm assuming, that the FDA is telling us to keep taking these medications because they did a batch test to all of the drugs. On that batch test they can tell if the drugs are contaminated and what they are contaminated with. If those batches came clean, then there is no reason to stop taking the medications. The FDA is punishing Ranbaxy for not complying with the cGMP. Until they can show that they are complying with the cGMP, then they won't be allowed to sell certain drugs here in the US.

I do believe that there is a revolving door policy between the FDA and big pharma, but this doesn't seem to show any collusions between the two.

-Phex
-3rd Year PharmD / MBA Candidate

In my opionion I feel like Ranbaxy was used as an example as there has been increased pressure on the FDA after a number of recent manufacturing issues have come to light in the past few years, not neccessarily dealing in pharma, but accross the board.

Pharma is an area that FDA can flex on and it will have a ripple effect accross the market. Prices will increase for the generics as there is one less player in the market now and other generic firms have a rare chance to dictate the price.

Although there could be an failure in proper paperwork keeping, the FDA obviously does not feel that any damage to humans could happen or a Recall would have been mandated.

One can continue taking a drug without taking the one manufactured by Ranbaxy. When you order or pick up your Rx make sure it's not a Ranbaxy product if you're concerned. Only one company makes a brand medicine. Many companies can make the generic.

@ninabi: So, the problem was bad enough that new shipments were banned but not so bad that we can't keep consuming the drugs?

yeah, my thoughts. how do they know what's at home in my medicine cabinet is safe?

keep taking what you have, and whatever the pharmacy has on the shelf, then what?

"consult your doctor" - yeah, like he's going to have a better answer. well, the fda says to keep taking it, so you should. and/or, let's switch that medicine to something else, something insurance doesn't cover, perhaps?

^^is angry. takes one of the listed meds twice daily.

So, the problem was bad enough that new shipments were banned but not so bad that we can't keep consuming the drugs?

Was it just a little bit of dirt on the production line or am I consuming melamine in 300mg tablet form?

Then I realized that I take one of the generics listed. ****.

All things considered, I think I'd like to know that when I put something into my body that's supposed to alter the way it would naturally behave (as in medication, not food though it may apply) ... I'd really like to know that the necessary steps were taken to ensure that it is what it's supposed to be.

So long as I can get my generic Viagra from Canada, I'm set.

err...wait

@winstonthorne: Agreed, and its not like our current government is doing a bang-up job protecting the safety of our drug supply.

"If you're taking any of the affected drugs, keep taking them. The FDA found no evidence to suggest any consumers are at risk."

wouldn't it seem like there would be a higher chance of taking tainted drugs considering the risk factors created by the quality control issues?

Metformin HCl
Ranitidine

Well, OF COURSE!
5 bucks says my doctor won't be able to tell me squat.