Elizabeth,
Keppra might have a generic,but they aren't as good as the real thing.Keppra XR
doesn't have a generic it's better than the plain form of Keppra.Keppra XR is
eXtended Release it needs to be taken once per day,it's usually prescribed to be
taken at bedtime.Take itat your usual bedtime set a time that's your usual
bedtime to take a dose every day.Don't skip a days dose because you stayed out
of bed for two days.Ask you doctor to prescribe it,its worth the higher
cost.Generics are OK for people with other medical problems, not for most people
with epilepsy.Generics need to copy only the therapeutic ingredient,the brand
name company develops more in it than just that one ingredient.
Timothy Baldwin
________________________________
From: Elizabeth Quinn <equinn76@earthlink.net>
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, December 29, 2010 8:23:34 PM
Subject: Re: [epilepsy] Your change from Lamictal to Keppra
Doris,
I didn't have a problem switching, however, now that Keppra has a generic, you
are going to have a problem finding a Medicare D plan that covers brand-name
Keppra. I know, only because I counsel people all day on this!!
If you need to take the brand-name, next year, they will be discounted to 50%
when you enter the donut hole, and generics will be discounted at 7%. So a $100
brand name drug will cost you $50.
If your total monthly income is less than $1,373 gross, and your assets are less
than $12,500 (single person), then you qualify for Extra Help, which will help
pay for your co-pays, and the Keppra--there's also no donut hole!
If you don't qualify for Extra Help, then definitely apply for your State's
Pharmacy Assistance Program (SPAP). Some of them help pay the monthly premium,
you just fill out the application.
Contact your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) office for info, or
your local senior center for their phone #. You can apply for Extra Help
on-line via the Social Security website.
elizabeth
----- Original Message -----
From: DorisY
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 2:52 PM
Subject: [epilepsy] Your change from Lamictal to Keppra
I was wondering how it might have gone with others who changed from Lamictal to
Keppra. I have been on Lamictal several years now and since I still get seizures
when asleep, change might be the next step.
I wonder if the Keppra is an expensive as the Lamictal. I pay $360- a month for
this. My drug coverage is just Medicare, but any coverage stops when I reach a
certain amount for the year.
Your experience with the Keppra or opinion would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Doris
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