Are Generic Rx names allowed?

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

So, if this is a question that has been answered before, sorry. (The search function on the forums is... not great.)

Okay, I'm writing a character who's got issues and is on medications. While you can get the brand names, there are the generic basic pharmaceutical names used for specific drugs and classes of drugs.

Classes seem less likely to break the rules since its akin to saying beer or wine. Benzodiazepines or SSRIs.

Specific drugs are where I'm unsure. Repeatedly writing out 'my anti-anxiety meds" is a significantly clunkier than throwing in the word clonazepam on occasion.

Thanks for any answers. Y'all've been really helpful to a newbie.

 

[WoodmanStark]

I have no authority here, but I don't see why it would be a problem. I have one passing mention of Viagra in one of my published stories here.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

So, if this is a question that has been answered before, sorry. (The search function on the forums is... not great.)

Okay, I'm writing a character who's got issues and is on medications. While you can get the brand names, there are the generic basic pharmaceutical names used for specific drugs and classes of drugs.

Classes seem less likely to break the rules since its akin to saying beer or wine. Benzodiazepines or SSRIs.

Specific drugs are where I'm unsure. Repeatedly writing out 'my anti-anxiety meds" is a significantly clunkier than throwing in the word clonazepam on occasion.

Thanks for any answers. Y'all've been really helpful to a newbie.

How would he discuss it with his doctor?

We mention, as an example, Viagra here all the time. In context, it’s not a marketing thing: it’s just part of your character’s life.

 

[KeithD]

You can use the brand names themselves as long as you spell them as trademarked (and you can off-spell them too if you can show it's parody), so using generic words isn't a problem at all.

 

[Voboy]

Sure, but I've got a character named Gina in a similar situation and people just say, "she's on a shitload of medications."

Ask yourself: does the reader truly need to know the actual names OR classes, or is a general impression going to get you just as far but with fewer words?

I do, however, write in FP, where I can choose terms that help deepen my characters. I'm sure if I ever write a story about Gina written from a medical practitioner's point of view, I'd include more detail just because that would be truer to that narrator. But even so, I'd have no qualms about using the actual drug names. Especially if, as I would, I choose meds common enough for readers to know. I'd avoid using this as the place where you show off your knowledge of esoteric meds.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

We mention, as an example, Viagra here all the time. In context, it’s not a marketing thing: it’s just part of your character’s life.

Okay, people aren't writing down Sildenafil, so saying something even brand name like Klonopin or Xanax shouldn't be an issue.

Cool. Thanks.

 

[SimonDoom]

So, if this is a question that has been answered before, sorry. (The search function on the forums is... not great.)

Okay, I'm writing a character who's got issues and is on medications. While you can get the brand names, there are the generic basic pharmaceutical names used for specific drugs and classes of drugs.

Classes seem less likely to break the rules since its akin to saying beer or wine. Benzodiazepines or SSRIs.

Specific drugs are where I'm unsure. Repeatedly writing out 'my anti-anxiety meds" is a significantly clunkier than throwing in the word clonazepam on occasion.

Thanks for any answers. Y'all've been really helpful to a newbie.

You shouldn't have any problem at all.

Nobody owns the right to the scientific name for something, so nobody can stop you from using names like ibuprofen, acetiminiphen, etc. That presents no problem at all.

There is no rule at this Site that I know of against using brand names in stories. If you want to use brand names, whether Motrin or Coke or Amazon, it shouldn't matter.

A trademark problem only arises if the trademark owner can claim that your use causes confusion-- meaning, you are offering a service with the name and making consumers think that the brand approves of or is associated with your service. That's a big stretch for an erotic story. So, don't worry about it. No brand owner is going to come after you because you use a brand name in a Literotica story. Except maybe if you use it in the title.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Ask yourself: does the reader truly need to know the actual names OR classes, or is a general impression going to get you just as far but with fewer words?

It's FP for someone on several different medications. I haven't really mentioned the daily, but I've written two scenes so far across two chapters where he's having a panic attack. The second scene he has to ask a lady friend to grab him his rescue meds. Being able to write Xanax, which is understandable to a wider audience, than Alprazolam is better. Unless you're on it, prescibing it, or dispensing most generic names aren't gonna instantly ring any bells for readers.

(Also, if you're having a panic attack, saying "Need Xanax" is a lot easier than, "can you get my anti-anxiety meds? They're on the bottom shelf to the right.")

 

[MelissaBaby]

You shouldn't have any problem at all.

Nobody owns the right to the scientific name for something, so nobody can stop you from using names like ibuprofen, acetiminiphen, etc. That presents no problem at all.

There is no rule at this Site that I know of against using brand names in stories. If you want to use brand names, whether Motrin or Coke or Amazon, it shouldn't matter.

A trademark problem only arises if the trademark owner can claim that your use causes confusion-- meaning, you are offering a service with the name and making consumers think that the brand approves of or is associated with your service. That's a big stretch for an erotic story. So, don't worry about it. No brand owner is going to come after you because you use a brand name in a Literotica story. Except maybe if you use it in the title.

I've used brand names many times, including on a few occasions, brand names for medications. I don't know anything about trademark regulations, but as far as site rules go, there doesn't seen to be a problem with it.

 

[Voboy]

It's FP for someone on several different medications. I haven't really mentioned the daily, but I've written two scenes so far across two chapters where he's having a panic attack. The second scene he has to ask a lady friend to grab him his rescue meds. Being able to write Xanax, which is understandable to a wider audience, than Alprazolam is better. Unless you're on it, prescibing it, or dispensing most generic names aren't gonna instantly ring any bells for readers.

(Also, if you're having a panic attack, saying "Need Xanax" is a lot easier than, "can you get my anti-anxiety meds? They're on the bottom shelf to the right.")

Good. I agree, and I think you'll have no problems.

 

[lovecraft68]

Sure, but I've got a character named Gina in a similar situation and people just say, "she's on a shitload of medications."

Ask yourself: does the reader truly need to know the actual names OR classes, or is a general impression going to get you just as far but with fewer words?

I do, however, write in FP, where I can choose terms that help deepen my characters. I'm sure if I ever write a story about Gina written from a medical practitioner's point of view, I'd include more detail just because that would be truer to that narrator. But even so, I'd have no qualms about using the actual drug names. Especially if, as I would, I choose meds common enough for readers to know. I'd avoid using this as the place where you show off your knowledge of esoteric meds.

I agree, we don't need details

"Jesus, Ken, calm down. And you wonder why you have to take something for your blood pressure"...we now know ken takes BP meds we don't need to know the brand or dose

Same for clothes...do we need to know what brand sneakers so and so has on..."he wore black sneakers" okay good to go.

 

[MelissaBaby]

Same for clothes...do we need to know what brand sneakers so and so has on..."he wore black sneakers" okay good to go.

Disagree. I think it can be a significant detail in describing a character whether they are wearing a pair of Chunk Taylors or a pair of Air Jordans.

 

[MelissaBaby]

Oops-duplicate post

 

[Voboy]

Disagree. I think it can be a significant detail in describing a character whether they are wearing a pair of Chunk Taylors or a pair of Air Jordans.

Any opportunity we have to add depth to a character, we should take. That can include taking either your or LC's approach. A reader can get to know a character better if he or she cares more or less about things like clothes. Sometimes the story calls for one approach, sometimes for another.

My Gina, on this topic, is the patient on the shitload of meds, but she doesn't really know or care what they are or what the dosage is. That contributes to an overall impression I want the reader to have: that she's a flighty, dangerously instinctive and unreliable person.

I think the OP's character is a little less unstable, or at least cares a bit more about the decisions he makes.

 

[SimonDoom]

I agree, we don't need details

"Jesus, Ken, calm down. And you wonder why you have to take something for your blood pressure"...we now know ken takes BP meds we don't need to know the brand or dose

Same for clothes...do we need to know what brand sneakers so and so has on..."he wore black sneakers" okay good to go.

But the problem with that is that in real life people don't talk and think and act this way. In the real world, people think and talk and act in terms of brands. Fiction should be able to capture how people REALLY think and act and talk.

In the real world we say "Grab me a Coors from the fridge", not "Grab me a lager." Kids say they want to wear Air Jordans, not sneakers. People use TikTok and Instagram, not social media applications.

So using brand names isn't a case of overdosing on detail. It's something that can lend realism to your story. That's a legitimate artistic purpose.

In general, people often have an exaggerated and inaccurate idea about what trademark and brand name owners can stop you from doing. Generally speaking, they have no right to stop you from using their brand name in a fictional story, and in particular, at an erotic story website where nobody is making money, you have nothing to worry about.

You might have some reason to worry if you:

1) Use the brand name in a way where it looks like your story is authorized or associated with the brand, which would cause confusion among the brand's consumers. This is rarely going to be the case here, and certainly not if you only use it like, "Hey, honey, pass me the Coke."

2) If you defame a company and use its brand, you might have a problem. That's rarely an issue in an erotic story.

If you write a story in which your characters consume Xanax and Pepsi, and go to Wal Mart, and shop online at Amazon, and play games like Fortnite or Monopoly, and use social media apps like TikTok and Twitter, you are not going to have any problem whatsoever, and shouldn't worry about it.

 

[Voboy]

But the problem with that is that in real life people don't talk and think and act this way. In the real world, people think and talk and act in terms of brands. Fiction should be able to capture how people REALLY think and act and talk.

In the real world we say "Grab me a Coors from the fridge", not "Grab me a lager." Kids say they want to wear Air Jordans, not sneakers. People use TikTok and Instagram, not social media applications.

So using brand names isn't a case of overdosing on detail. It's something that can lend realism to your story. That's a legitimate artistic purpose.

In general, people often have an exaggerated and inaccurate idea about what trademark and brand name owners can stop you from doing. Generally speaking, they have no right to stop you from using their brand name in a fictional story, and in particular, at an erotic story website where nobody is making money, you have nothing to worry about.

You might have some reason to worry if you:

1) Use the brand name in a way where it looks like your story is authorized or associated with the brand, which would cause confusion among the brand's consumers. This is rarely going to be the case here, and certainly not if you only use it like, "Hey, honey, pass me the Coke."

2) If you defame a company and use its brand, you might have a problem. That's rarely an issue in an erotic story.

If you write a story in which your characters consume Xanax and Pepsi, and go to Wal Mart, and shop online at Amazon, and play games like Fortnite or Monopoly, and use social media apps like TikTok and Twitter, you are not going to have any problem whatsoever, and shouldn't worry about it.

With a caveat: the world changes fast in some contexts. In an effort to be topical, you can overdo it for people opening your story in five or seven years' time.

I chuckle to myself whenever I come across a Lit story that mentions Myspace.

 

[SimonDoom]

With a caveat: the world changes fast in some contexts. In an effort to be topical, you can overdo it for people opening your story in five or seven years' time.

I chuckle to myself whenever I come across a Lit story that mentions Myspace.

Very true. That's one reason I tend NOT to use many brand names in my stories. Sometimes I make up brands for my stories. I wouldn't hesitate to use "McDonald's" or "Coke" or "Mercedes Benz" but many retail or online brand names could become obsolete very quickly and date my story, so I don't use them.

But this is a practical consideration quite different from the one raised by the OP.

 

[MelissaBaby]

With a caveat: the world changes fast in some contexts. In an effort to be topical, you can overdo it for people opening your story in five or seven years' time.

I chuckle to myself whenever I come across a Lit story that mentions Myspace.

Yeah, try writing a long series that begins in the present day and covers more than fifty years of the character's lives...

After a fair amount of fretting, I decided that not much that mattered would really change.

 

[Bramblethorn]

But the problem with that is that in real life people don't talk and think and act this way. In the real world, people think and talk and act in terms of brands. Fiction should be able to capture how people REALLY think and act and talk.

"...he turns around and straightens his Versace tie ready to face whoever. Courtney opens the door and she's wearing a Krizia cream silk blouse, a Krizia rust tweed skirt and silk-satin d'Orsay pumps from Manolo Blahnik. I shiver and hand her my black wool Giorgio Armani overcoat and she takes it from me, carefully airkissing my right cheek, then she performs the same exact movements on Price while taking his Armani overcoat."

- Brett Easton Ellis using an obsession with brands to establish his protagonist's spiritual emptiness. That passage would read very differently if you took out the brands.

I hated the book and didn't finish it, but that was largely because BEE did such a thorough job of making his protagonist repellent, even before the violence.

 

[lovecraft68]

Disagree. I think it can be a significant detail in describing a character whether they are wearing a pair of Chunk Taylors or a pair of Air Jordans.

Matter of style. Unless I want to portray a character as being a certain type of person, the brand names for the clothes aren't that important for me, anyway.

And I think like anything else there's a fine line. If you described a character head to toe and from the brand of shirt to the pants to shoes you're risking that reading off a menu too many details and detracting from the story.

 

[SimonDoom]

"...he turns around and straightens his Versace tie ready to face whoever. Courtney opens the door and she's wearing a Krizia cream silk blouse, a Krizia rust tweed skirt and silk-satin d'Orsay pumps from Manolo Blahnik. I shiver and hand her my black wool Giorgio Armani overcoat and she takes it from me, carefully airkissing my right cheek, then she performs the same exact movements on Price while taking his Armani overcoat."

- Brett Easton Ellis using an obsession with brands to establish his protagonist's spiritual emptiness. That passage would read very differently if you took out the brands.

I hated the book and didn't finish it, but that was largely because BEE did such a thorough job of making his protagonist repellent, even before the violence.

I read some of that book but didn't finish it either. Agree that the use of brands served the artistic purpose of demonstrating the character's emptiness, but I couldn't help but wonder whether it did not also serve the less noble artistic purpose of trying to establish Ellis as an "It" author by demonstrating his up to date brand knowledge. I find that kind of writing annoying.

I thought it worked better in the movie. The scene where they are all comparing business cards, for example, is well done.

 

[Salacious_Scribe]

In ET The Book, the candy was M&M's. There was a single pine that ET turned it over and saw the M. (Dont remember the exact quote. I read it 35 years ago).

In the movie Mars Inc. Decided not to pay for the "privelage" of being featured in the Movie. Hersheys jumped at the chance. The sales if Reeces Pieces increased 65% in the two weeks after the movie opened.

That being said,under Fair use laws you can use a TM or (c) as its commonly used. You cannot use them to imply an endorsement, or increase the value of your work.

 

[SisterJezabel]

Okay, people aren't writing down Sildenafil, so saying something even brand name like Klonopin or Xanax shouldn't be an issue.

Cool. Thanks.

Just remember, you have an international audience. I'm a RN and have to google what Klonopin is. If you'd just called it clonaz I would have known!

I still have to google what folks in the US call paracetamol (acetaminophen- I just googled it again!) too!

 

[SisterJezabel]

I agree, we don't need details

"Jesus, Ken, calm down. And you wonder why you have to take something for your blood pressure"...we now know ken takes BP meds we don't need to know the brand or dose

Same for clothes...do we need to know what brand sneakers so and so has on..."he wore black sneakers" okay good to go.

I'm with you LC. I'd rather have "Please, get my pills from the bottom drawer." than "I need Xanax, stat!"

To me seeing Xanax in t9is case would be a red flag because it is not prescribed routinely in other places and diazepam (Valium) is much more readily used (and abused!)

 

[lovecraft68]

But the problem with that is that in real life people don't talk and think and act this way. In the real world, people think and talk and act in terms of brands. Fiction should be able to capture how people REALLY think and act and talk.

In the real world we say "Grab me a Coors from the fridge", not "Grab me a lager." Kids say they want to wear Air Jordans, not sneakers. People use TikTok and Instagram, not social media applications.

So using brand names isn't a case of overdosing on detail. It's something that can lend realism to your story. That's a legitimate artistic purpose.

In general, people often have an exaggerated and inaccurate idea about what trademark and brand name owners can stop you from doing. Generally speaking, they have no right to stop you from using their brand name in a fictional story, and in particular, at an erotic story website where nobody is making money, you have nothing to worry about.

You might have some reason to worry if you:

1) Use the brand name in a way where it looks like your story is authorized or associated with the brand, which would cause confusion among the brand's consumers. This is rarely going to be the case here, and certainly not if you only use it like, "Hey, honey, pass me the Coke."

2) If you defame a company and use its brand, you might have a problem. That's rarely an issue in an erotic story.

If you write a story in which your characters consume Xanax and Pepsi, and go to Wal Mart, and shop online at Amazon, and play games like Fortnite or Monopoly, and use social media apps like TikTok and Twitter, you are not going to have any problem whatsoever, and shouldn't worry about it.

Really?

So when my wife asks me "Did you take your vitamins?" she should be asking "Did you take your Vitamin D, Your mens multi vitamin, your..."

No, people do not speak that formally. That makes them sound like computer programs.

But let me try it your way

"Calm down Ken! No wonder you have to take Lisinopril!"

Reader...what's wrong with Ken? What's Lisinopril?

Maybe by context someone could assume its BP or heart meds because he's being told to calm down, but you just created a speed bump

In real life "Wow, look at those heels"

Not, "whoa check out the Christian Louboutin pumps on her"

But again as I replied to Melissa it can be a matter of a person's style, so an argument can be made for both sides.

Some people are more detail oriented and will write that way or look for it that way, some writers are more simple-unless the brand name is meaningful for a reason, and some readers are "who cares what brand of shoes they are?"

"A pair of fuck me heels, if I ever saw them" has a better flow than the brand name model etc...but that's to me.

Neither way is better, just better for the individual.

There is no absolute here.