Saturday, May 30, 2009

Re: [epilepsy] Lamictal -- Brand Name vs. Generic (Rx Rate Increases) for EP



Edna,

I don't know if you read my other post but, Julia was switched
from one generic to another then back again and it was terrable. We
are finally on brand b/c I didn't feel like the brand of generic
should be a factor in Julia's care. I called our insurance company
and told them that Julia couldn't tolerate the generic...and the
insurance company paid!!!!

good luck...getting insurance to pay isn't easy at times...
Wendy

On Sat, May 30, 2009 at 12:07 AM, Edna Hopper
<ednawallacehopper@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> I'm new to the group, and appreciate your feedback.
>
> After 13 years of experiencing
> partial seizures (diagnosed by multiple neurologists as "panic
> attacks"), I experienced a grand mal seizure 5 years ago. I was immediately
> put on 100mg of brand-name Lamictal, and have not had any seizures since. I
> just found out that my Rx costs for Lamical have increased 600% (from $100 /
> 90
> days to $615) because the mail order Rx company now offers the generic for
> Lamictal. They insist that the generic for Lamictal is exactly the same
> formulation as the brand name, but I'm suspicious. I've read about
> seizure-free patients unknowingly being switched from the brand name to the
> generic, then suddenly suffering seizures. My doctor is adamant that I
> remain on the brand name, as he, too, is concerned that the generic
> formulation is different, and feels it's too risky to switch to the generic.
>
> I have petitioned for an appeal with the mail order Rx company with a
> letter from my physician, as well as my own impassioned plea, and have
> respectfully asked that I be allowed to continue with the brand name at the
> same cost as before the rate hike. I am awaiting their reply.
>
> I'm hoping
> someone from the group might have insight into 1.) their own experience of
> switching from brand name Lamictal to the generic and the outcome; 2.) if
> they've had experience / success appealing the Rx costs to their health
> insurance company / Rx company; and 3.) if they have a contact at
> GlaxoSmithKline. I believe some phara companies are offering their meds at
> reduced rates to patients in need.
>
> I look forward to any insight you can
> offer.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Edna
>
>

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