Generic or Brand name Meds | Arthritis Information

I recently ran out of my samples of Rheumatrex that I was given by the doctor and I got the generic brand of MTX from the pharmacy. I noticed a LOT more side effects with feeling exhausted this time. I wonder if it was my weaning off the pred or using the generic brand.

Do any of you have any experience with the difference in a med being generic or not? I am just curious.

I've takes all kinds of generic meds and never noticed a difference. Maybe you can call the pharmacy and ask them about it.

Well, I called and the price for generic of MTX is 21.72 a month versus 148.78. I guess I will just learn to live with the side effects.

I priced out all the DMARDs, wow. I just can't believe the prices. Arava is the only one with a generic. It just seems so unbelievably unfair that these medications can be thousands of dollars a month. I just walked through all of them, and I just can't believe it. No wonder the insurance companies deny them. They are high as hell.

Also, what dosages are you all on for the injections of Remicade, Enbrel and Humira? I was not sure on the dosages when doing the pricing, so it is hard for me to know how much per month they are -- though they are HIGH.

I don't have insurance, and this just makes me want to cry. If Arava doesn't work for me, I am screwed.
Hey AZ, I wish I could help you. I'm on the generic brand of MTX, and I haven't had any problems with it. We're all so different, that doesn't necessarily mean anything. My insurance will ONLY pay for generics unless you get a prior authorization for regular meds. They penalize the doctors for a prior auth. We're working on it for the Celebrex.

I have to think that as all of these new biologics come online, the cost of the older ones is going to have to come down. We all know they're not really worth that - except to desperate people, and then they're priceless. The newer meds will always cost more. The pharmecutical companies do it because they can.

AZ...sorry you are feeling worse. I haven't noticed much difference between my generic and name brand meds...like Fiona said, we are so different though and all experience different side effects.

I take 50mg a week of the Enbrel injection. They are prefilled syringes. I pray the Arava works for you. I hate that it is so difficult for people to afford the meds they need :(

You can get help with your medications a number of ways. A lot of the drug companies have patient assistant programs. From what you have said, you would certainly qualify for the more expensive ones. Your RD office can help you apply.

Then, for the lower cost ones (as if any counted as that), you can check with each manufacturer's web site. Often they will list something about their own programs.

This site might be helpful to you: www.patientadvocate.org/

This link has a lot of info and further links: http://singleparents.about.com/od/familyhealth/a/freemeds.ht m?terms=patient+assistance

The other thing I did when I had no insurance is that I joined CareEntree at www.careentree.com. They are not really an insurance company. They are a discount plan that is about .00 a month. Their discounts vary a lot, and they change providers a lot. But their card will get you into a lot of doctor's offices. It was better than no insurance and there is no pre-existing conditions restrictions. It will cost you in the long run because they are just discounting the prices of meds, docs and hospitals. But I needed something that would get me in the door. Then, I have spent a couple of years paying off those medical bills. But remember that you can take your medical expenses off your income taxes if it adds up to over 7% of your income. Check this out, because it can change every year. But I have been able to do it for at least the last two years. Keep a record of everything you spend. Guidelines are on the IRS web site.

So, if you didn't take medical last year and you could have, you can file an amended return to get credit for it.

Other options are to buy from other countries like Canada or Mexico. But I haven't seen Canadian prices to be much cheaper and I worry about the quality of Mexico. Fortunately for me, when things were really desperate, I had a friend from India that got me my medications and he did it for free. He would not let me do anything for him.

Another thing to try in a real pinch is to call the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and big churches in your area. They often have funds available to help people who cannot get their medicines any other way.

Hope this helps some.

What wonderful information Deanna!! :) Thanks Terinski. It came from total desperation. I don't want anyone going through what I did.

I always take generics when available. I have BCBS of NC and I get all my generics for free!! So yeah; I love getting generics. They always seem fine to me.

If your coming off Predisone I'd certianly consider that the cause of your recent change verses the generic form of any medication.

I don't know how I'd manage this disease without insurance. All my meds together would be over 00 or 00 a month. I take Humira weekly and that alone would cost out of pocket over 00! No way I could be on a biologic without insurance and good prescription med. coverage. Not to mention all the doctor visits and labs that go along with it.

I am fortunate to have health insurance and it's decent by today's standards even if it is an HMO. I truly feel for those that are not as fortunate. I have noticed a difference between generic and non generic MTX. The little orange ones seem to have fewer side efects than the generic which are oblong shaped. The pharmacist said that many people have reactions to the coating in the generic brand. My rheumy , however, says there's no difference and I have been taking the generic brand because they are much cheaper. It's hard to differentiate because I have variable reactions to MTX anyway no matter which I take, but I think there is some difference.Thank you so much for all that helpful information. I was really upset after talking to the pharmacy today. I know I will cross the bridge when I come to it. I am still waiting to see if I qualify for insurance, I am waiting for a letter in the mail. I need to not think too far ahead of today. I get so worked up and worried. I have been feeling angry about it lately and I need to chill out.

You all are so supportive and understanding. Thanks a bunch.
I have an update, and it is GREAT news. I recieved a letter that I was accepted for State insurance. My medical expenses have gotten so high that I am qualified. I am feeling such relief -- for the moment. I still need a longterm plan, but I am so greatful to be covered for now.

Awesome!!!!!! I am so very happy for you. I know what a battle it is and how bad your expenses have to be.

Congrats!!!!

That is great news!!! Congrats!That is great news! Congratulations! What a relief. I'm so glad for you. I hope it means that whatever medicine you need, you will be able to have. It just seems wrong that we have to deal with this on top over everything else. I know what you mean about getting worked up and worried. There aren't any easy answers here, are there? Great news. One more thing you won't have to worry about.

I was so "whacked out" the day after I took my MTX. My RD switched me to Rheumatrex and I am fine. She said she has had a lot of people react this way to the generic MTX. It does cost me a little more with my prescription card though.

I agree with the others that there doesn't seem to be a difference using generics. Actually, I never knew the brand name for MTX till I read your post. I definitely think your problem may be linked to weaning off pred. That's really hard--at least it was for me. And regarding your question about dosages of the biologics--I take Kineret, which I like to refer to as "the forgotten biologic." It's equally expensive as the others. It comes in prefilled syringes of 100mg, administered daily. No idea why people don't mention it with the other three.

BTW, most insurance companies refuse to cover the bilogics until the patient has tried something like MTX alone for a period of time. Then if the doctor states that it has proven ineffective by itself, they'll then cover the biologic.

I know why Kineret is the "forgotten" biologic. ....because you inject it daily. Enbril is usually injected once a week and Humira starts out injections once every other week.

I never thought of that, Gena. You have a good point. I guess I've gotten so used ro it, it's like brushing my teeth every day--not a big deal. That along with another daily shot I give myself for MS. The biggest problem is remembering to give myself the stupid shots.

Too bad folks hae such an aversion to shots, because it's been very effective for me--I've been using it for more than a year. Doesn't seem to "wear out" like the others.