What reference book is used to determine if a medication therapeutically equivalent?

The primary reference book used to determine if a medication is therapeutically equivalent is the Orange Book, officially known as the Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations.

Here's what makes the Orange Book so important:

* Published by the FDA: It's a comprehensive resource maintained by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

* Evaluates Generic Equivalence: It lists all approved drug products and categorizes them based on therapeutic equivalence.

* "A" Rating: A medication with an "A" rating is considered therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name drug. This means it has the same active ingredients, dosage form, route of administration, and quality.

* Other Ratings: There are other ratings (e.g., "AB", "B", etc.) for drugs that may have differences that don't affect therapeutic equivalence.

Important Note: While the Orange Book is the primary resource, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on specific medications and their equivalency in your situation.