I work in healthcare, so see this a lot. The difference between brands and generics are in the inactive ingredients: fillers, coating, etc... They can also be off slightly in the dissolution rate-meaning how fast it goes through your body.
For most people, generics work just fine, for others, they don't. My CVS always lets me know when they change suppliers for generic Keppra.
By law in many states, the pharmacy automatically fills with the generic version, so if you need a brand name, make sure your doctor writes "No Substitutions" on the prescription.
Elizabeth
To: epilepsy@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [epilepsy] Re: Medication Brand name versus genertic
I had been on brand name Keppra and Lamictal for a few years until (mainly because of insurance) my specialist and I decided we would try putting me on the generic for lamictal. I have been fortunate to not have much trouble in the transition. However, I'm not going to press my luck and will remain adamant that I stay on the brand name Keppra (even though it's way more expensive).
Fortunately my insurance will cover part of the cost, but it's like they're pushing me to take the generic for financial reasons. It has something to do with the tier that my medications are on. The lower tier is the cheaper meds (like most generics). Generic lamictal is there, but brand name Keppra is tier 3 (I think), so it's in the most expensive range. It's not exactly fair what they're doing, but if I want to stay on the same meds, that's the price I have to pay.
Mark S.
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