What are some items that really aren't worth paying the expensive version for?

Keith@lemmy.zip to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 367 points –

I saw this post and wanted to ask the opposite. What are some items that really aren't worth paying the expensive version for? Preferably more extreme or unexpected examples.

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But real Advil has the candy coating on the outside, and I haven't found a generic that does =(

Otherwise 100% identical yes.

A few years ago, I wondered why that was and googled it. I came to an Advil site with an expandable FAQ, and one of the questions was “why does Advil taste sweet?”

So I expanded it out to reveal this shocking answer (or something similar): “Advil tastes sweet because it is lightly coated in sugar.”

Thanks, I guess. I just closed the tab in mild irritation and moved on with my day.

That sucks for those of us trying to avoid sugar.

I asked AI to do better:

Advil has harnessed the power of delectable sweetness to transform the pain relief experience for millions worldwide. This cutting-edge coating, meticulously crafted by our team of expert scientists and flavor engineers, is not just a tantalizing treat for the taste buds but a testament to our unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of humankind.

Advil's Sweet-Flavored Coating is not merely a sensory delight; it serves a profound purpose in the realm of pain management. By seamlessly integrating the delightful essence of sweetness into our iconic pain relief formula, Advil has successfully elevated the overall experience of taking medication.

"We believe in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare, and our Sweet-Flavored Coating is a testament to that commitment," remarked [Spokesperson Name], spokesperson for Advil. "This breakthrough not only addresses the physical discomfort but also caters to the emotional aspect of pain relief, making the process more palatable and enjoyable for our consumers."

Advil's proprietary Sweet-Flavored Coating is meticulously engineered to engage the senses positively, creating a holistic pain relief experience. Whether it's a headache, muscle ache, or any other discomfort, Advil's innovation ensures that each dose is not just a remedy but a moment of respite and indulgence.

As the pioneer of this groundbreaking advancement, Advil continues to lead the charge in redefining the standards of healthcare, ensuring that the journey to relief is as delightful as the destination itself.

I loved every sentence of this meticulously crafted bullshit.

That reeks of chatGPT 4. It came come up with some pretty expressive nonsense prose.

Problem with the candy coating is you can't enjoy it, unless you want to suddenly learn what pure poison tastes like. It's such a tease. Doesn't help that they look like scrumptious little caramel-y morsels.

Yep

There may be a difference in things like pill shape, texture, release mechanism / time to absorb (if it's not very important for how the medication works)

So it's ok to have a preference for one brand over the other when one of those points is relevant to your situation. I know some people also prefer the generic brand version over the regular (even if prices were the same)

Wait, what? I have no idea what advil is, but sugar coating any drug is a recipe for disaster.

Sugarcoating pills is fairly common, especially for pills which are frequently ingested or target older demographics. It's because sugar coatings are much gentler on the esophagus (i.e.: less likely to cause esophagitis, "pill burn"). Advil (i.e.: ibuprofen) is a cheap, well tolerated, and non habit-forming pain reliever -- it's about as safe as such a thing could possibly be, so hopefully that helps to explain why a sugar coating might be warranted given the aforementioned upsides (for the love of all that is holy; always read the directions on the label, it's still quite possible that Advil is not safe for you specifically). FWIW: the bottles also have childproofing mechanisms built into the caps (... at least in U.S. markets. Not sure about elsewhere?)

I've never heard of sugarcoating pills, is it a US thing maybe?

I think you have a wrong image of how this looks/works. It's not like there is a cany-shell or something. It's a regular, smooth pill. You usually do not notice this coating because you don't keep a pill in your mouth. If you were to, the pill would taste sweet.

If you ever have gotten a pill of some sort that dd not feel chalky on the outside but smooth and looked kinda shiny, that probably has been a sugarcoated pill.

I think you're right then, and honestly I can't say I've noticed.

many birth control pills are sugarcoated for example. Or anti-histamine allergy medication like Cetericine