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Re: generic version of klonopin - Jill

Posted by Cam W. on March 24, 2000, at 19:31:28

In reply to Re: generic version of klonopin , posted by JIll on March 24, 2000, at 10:05:58


Jill - In Canada, by law, the generic version must be within 5% of the pharmacokinetic parameters of the name brand product (eg within 5% in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). This essentially means that the two are interchangeable. The generic companies sometimes use cheaper fillers and binders. I have seen some people with allergies have problems with some of the generic products. Also, for some reason, generic Valium doesn't seem to work as well as the name brand. Much of this may be due to the fact that the resale value on the street is much lower for the generic version, but some of my reputable customers have said the generic version of Valium doesn't work as well. I do take there word for it, as I have not done any informal studies myself. =^)

In Alberta we have what is called the Drug Benefit List (has a new, more politically correct name now, but I forget what it is) which contains the maximum costs that the government will pay for medications for those covered by Social Services, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and for Seniors. Essentially, the costs allowed are for the generic versions, where available.

The name brand companies do not lower their prices because they are multinational companies selling to many countries. If these companies lowered their prices in Canada, they would have to do so in countries where generics are not allowed (damn lobby groups). This has included (until recently) the United States. In Canada, we have had generic versions of older drugs for about 20 years.

The name brand companies can get around this pricing problem by forming what are called "ultra-generic" companies (eg Altimed) that are at arms length from the parent companies. These ultra-generic companies essential buy the rights to sell exactly the same tablet that the brand name company markets and sell them at a generic price. The drug, binders and fillers are exactly the same as the name brand product. These generics actually come from the same lots (batches) and machines that the brand name drugs do. During the manufacturing process the dies (stamps) that press the tablets are changed from name brand to ultra-generic brand, using the very same batch of drug. The ultra-generic companies market by saying that they are made by using the same process, but are actually the same tablet. Slimy business practice, huh. All this is done so that the multinationals can charge you (in the United States) more than is charged in Canada for exactly the same product (but under a different name). Thought you'd like to know - Cam W.


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Psycho-Babble Medication | Framed

poster:Cam W. thread:1356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/28067.html