Posted by Sunnely on March 6, 2001, at 20:40:09
In reply to Re: Prozac Zyprexa Study, posted by Cam W. on March 6, 2001, at 20:02:57
Hi Cam,
Thanks for the info on the structural make up of Depakote. I always value your info and opinion. Thanks for all the great posts.
However, Depakote's generic name as "divalproex sodium" and not valproic acid was a "marketing coup," says Stephen R. Saklad, Pharm.D., Editor of the Psychopharmacology Update (Nov. 1998 issue), Manisses Communications, Providence, R.I. The following is his full comments on this matter.
"Technically, Depakote's generic name is divalproex sodium, not valproic acid. However, this was a marketing coup by Abbott, not science. Depakote uses a "2:1 coordination salt" of valproic acid and sodium (in a 2 to 1 ratio, respectively) instead of the acid itself as is used in Depakene, the original product. This was done to extend the patent life. At the same time, Depakote was enteric coated to reduce stomach upset. The two changes are unrelated, but only Depakote contains the newly patented salt. Abbott convinced the United States Adopted Names (USAN) committee to assign them a new generic for this salt. They therefore were able to have a product with a different generic and avoid substitution with another company's generic valproic acid. Divalproex doses are expressed in mg equivalent to valproic acid. In the blood, after either form is absorbed, the molecule exists in the ionized form: valproate. I usually refer to either one as valproate for this reason."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> > This kind of ploy is nothing new to the pharmaceutical companies. Ever heard of Depakote or divalproex sodium by Abbott? Except for the coating and the generic name (divalproex sodium) being registered so it could be patented (and no switching allowwed), no difference from Depakene (valproic acid), except the latter is much cheaper. The coating in Depakote is supposed to minimize the GI distress, although most patients generally tolerate Depakene (valproic acid).
> >
>
> Sunnely - Actually, although divalproex (Depakote™ - U.S.; Epival™ - CDN) is a gimicky valproic acid, there is a slight difference besides the coating. Divalproex is 2 valproic acid molecules joined together that dissociates in the intestine, avoiding stomach upset; hence "di"-valproex. Therefore, Abbott can justify calling this a "different" drug.
>
> HMOs and Provincial Formularies are getting around these pharmaceutical company ploys by only paying for the "least expensive equivalent" medication in a particular drug class; hence they will only pay for valproic acid, rather than ther more expensive divalproex. I guess this is the equivalent of nature's "Darwinian arms race". - Cam
poster:Sunnely
thread:55673
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55779.html