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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Femring is a prescription vaginal ring that contains estradiol (an estrogen hormone). Femring should be removed after 90 days of continuous use. If you and your healthcare provider decide you should continue using Femring, a new ring can be inserted in your vagina. Femring is used after menopause to reduce moderate to severe hot flushes and treat moderate to severe menopausal changes in and around the vagina. Do not start using Femring if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, blood clots, or liver problems; had a stroke or heart attack; have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder; are allergic to Femring or any of its ingredients; or think you might be pregnant. Before you use Femring, tell your healthcare provider if you have any unusual vaginal bleeding, have any problems with your vagina or cervix (lower end of your womb), have any other medical conditions, are going to have surgery or will be on bed rest, or are breastfeeding. Also tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Estrogens increase the risk of gallbladder disease. Discontinue estrogen if loss of vision, pancreatitis, or liver problems occur. If you take thyroid medication, consult your healthcare provider, as use of estrogens may change the amount needed. Serious, but less common side effects include heart attack, stroke, blood clots, dementia, breast cancer, cancer of the lining of the uterus (womb), cancer of the ovary, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, gallbladder disease, liver problems, changes in your thyroid hormone levels, and enlargement of benign tumors of the uterus (“fibroids”). Less serious, but common side effects include headache; breast tenderness or pain; irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting; stomach or abdominal cramps; bloating, nausea and vomiting; hair loss; fluid retention; vaginal yeast infection; and reactions from inserting Femring such as burning, irritation, and itching.
The most important information you should know about Femring® (estradiol acetate vaginal ring) (an estrogen hormone) Using estrogen-alone may increase your chance of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are using Femring. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb). Your healthcare provider should check any unusual vaginal bleeding to find out the cause. Do not use estrogen-alone to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes or dementia (decline in brain function). Using estrogen-alone may increase your chances of getting strokes or blood clots. Using estrogen-alone may increase your chance of getting dementia, based on a study of women 65 years of age or older. Do not use estrogens with progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes or dementia. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, or blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your chance of getting dementia, based on a study of women 65 years of age or older. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Femring.