What does a product rated with "BC" generally indicate?

A product rated with "BC" indicates that it is a drug in an extended release dosage form that has bioequivalence issues. This designation signifies that the drug may not meet the necessary criteria for bioequivalence when compared to a reference product, particularly in terms of its release characteristics and absorption profile.

In contexts such as regulatory assessments, bioequivalence is crucial for ensuring that generic versions of medications perform similarly to their brand-name counterparts. A "BC" rating alerts pharmacists and healthcare professionals that while the drug may be available, there are specific considerations regarding its use due to potential differences in therapeutic outcomes related to its extended release formulation.

This understanding helps ensure that practitioners can make informed decisions about prescribing and dispensing medications, particularly when considering alternatives to brand-name products.