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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Abajo on October 9, 2001, at 23:32:02
In reply to What I learned today about alprazolam, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 19:55:56
Good work on your research Collete. I took Mylan's version of the generic for a couple of years and then moved to another city and started getting Greenstones. I noticed a difference in the change immediately. I wondered why I was taking 1-2 mgs less each day with Greenstone's version.
Posted by Cam W. on October 10, 2001, at 0:28:01
In reply to What I learned today about alprazolam, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 19:55:56
Collete - Sounds like Greenstone's is what is referred to as an "ultrageneric". Some of the brand name companies have got together to form their own generic company (at least in Canada they did). The drugs the ultrageneric companies sell is exactly the same as the brand name, except for name and markings on the pills. They come from the same machines and have the same binders, colorants, excipients, etc. They also meet the price of the other generics.
In Canada, the main company is called Alti-Med™, and they sell a wide variety of drugs.
I was told that the reason that brand name companies do not just drop their price to meet the generics is that if they did that in one country, they would have to do it in all countries, including the one's where generic companies are not allowed to sell their versions (ie. where the brand name companies still have patent protection). This may not be totally true, but it sounds good. This may not be as big a deal, now that the U.S. have allowed generics to be made on a large scale.
Big business and multinational corporations, huh < shakes head >
- Cam
Posted by Abajo on October 10, 2001, at 19:01:23
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by Cam W. on October 10, 2001, at 0:28:01
Ok folks, here is what I have found out about Mylan and the generic xanax they make. Several years ago Mylan bought all the rights to generic Tranzene and Ativan (both benzos). They then raised the prices of these generics to approximately the same price as the original patent holder. Several state attorneys filed a law suit against Mylan for cornering the market and raising the prices. Mylan just lost the lawsuit. They are of course appealing to keep their profits as high as possible as long as possible. It looks like they are now signing new contracts with the big drug chains like Wal Mart, undercutting Greestones prices to get their version of generic xanax on the market. I just had a refill filled by Wal Mart and noticed for the first time that the generic was made by Mylan, not Greenstone. I called the pharmacist to inquire why they had changed companies and he told me that home office got a better price with Mylan than with Greestone. I told him about the problems people were having with Mylan's version of generic Xanax and he said he knew it. He said that since they had signed the contract with Mylan there was nothing they could do about it. As Collete said, the only thing we can do is call our doctors and have them request that the generic version be made by Greenstone, not Mylan. The Pharmacist was well aware of this problem and told me to contact my doctor and have him call in a request that the generic dispensed be made by Greenstone, so they had a few days to get it in. There is nothing else the Pharmacist can do. The Pharmacist said to be sure and tell your doc what was going on with Mylan, as they might not have heard about the problems yet. This presents many problems. If Mylan's generic version of xanax is weaker than other generics we will have to take more of Mylan's pills to get the relief needed.
Xanax is a controlled substance and if we take more than prescribed to get the needed relief daily, we will run out of our scripts sooner and when we call in for a refill the pharmicist is going to call our doctors to get approval. If we don't inform our doctors about the weakness of the Mylan generic they might think we are taking more than they prescribed and that could create a problem with the docs thinking that we are abusing the drug. It's imperative that you let your doc know what is going on if MYLAN'S GENERIC VERSION IS CAUSING PROBLEMS FOR YOU. Mylan's name as an ethical company is already in question because they cornered the market on Tranzene and Ativan for several years. The doctors were pissed and the Pharmisist's were pissed. A lot of patients had been controlled and were stable for long periods of time on Tranzene and Ativan, only now they couldn't afford them. My monthly cost for Tranzene went from $30 to $240. The Pharmacist's were being acosted about why the price of these drugs had gone up so high. If anyone knows how to get a hold of Mylan, we can start sending emails with complaints. We can also email the FDA about this problem. I have already sent an email to the FDA complaining about Mylan's version of generic xanax. Alone, my email will have no affect. But if others will email them, perhaps we can get the FDA out to investigate Mylan. It is obvious that Mylan see's the writing on the wall about their jacked up prices with generic Tranzene and Ativan. As soon as they exhaust their appeals, other companies will be able to make generics and the price will come back down to affordable prices. One problem with all this. What if Mylan is trying to corner the market on generic Xanax, since they have lost Tranzene and Ativan. Lord have mercy on us. Corporate profits over human health. Nothing wrong with making a profit, but in my case, they jumped the profit up 800%. Please, if someone knows how to get in touch with Mylan, post it so we can complain.
Posted by Abajo on October 10, 2001, at 19:49:59
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Cam W., posted by Abajo on October 10, 2001, at 19:01:23
The Mylan address is www.Mylan.com if you wish to file a complaint
Posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 1:35:41
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam, posted by Abajo on October 10, 2001, at 19:49:59
> The Mylan address is www.Mylan.com if you wish to file a complaint
To further the point that Abajo made, the script from Greestone that I finally got went UP in price by about 1/3 from what it was just last month! Collette
Posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 3:45:50
In reply to This is amazing » Abajo, posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 1:35:41
PLEASE read this whole thread as I am quite convinced that when you refill your perscription, you will be given Mylan Labs version of alprazolam and you will run into all sorts of problems as described in this thread! Also, if Mylan Labs is coming out with their own versions of OTHER psyco meds...watch out, as they may not work the same way as your old medicines did...even if your old medicine was a generic. Good luck and be aware, Collette
Posted by Abajo on October 11, 2001, at 17:03:50
In reply to EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!!, posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 3:45:50
I received a phone call today from Mylan after my email I sent yesterday. They are going to analyze their samples of generic xanax from the batch I got refilled yesterday. If you are interested in having your batch checked, just email them and complain. They will call you and ask what pharmacy you got your generic filled at and then they call the pharmacy to get the batch #. They keep samples from every batch they make for just this type of problem. If you would like to have your pills analyzed just email them and bitch about the strength of the pills. Their web address is www.mylan.com They were very apologetic and really seemed to care. They are going to send me a printout of their analysis, but you have to ask them to do this. They won't volunteer it. They are also going to send me a survey and some other stuff ( maybe a coupon for a free refill). Who knows. Why don't all the people who feel there is a significant difference in Mylan's generic xanax email them. Raise a little hell. Your paying for the stuff, you should get what your paying for. They may find that your batch was weak and they might offer free refills for the troubles you went through. You've got nothing to lose and maybe a free refill or reimbursment of the money you have already spent. But be sure to ask for a printout of the batch they sampled or you will never know if they actually checked it. You may not anyway. They can always send you a fake printout.
Posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 18:04:51
In reply to Re: EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!!, posted by Abajo on October 11, 2001, at 17:03:50
Your informative posts have been terrific and thank you. I will contact Mylan Labs now ( I wasn't planning to) because it just MIGHT help. I definately don't want a freeie from them though! Basically what I have done is notified my GP as well as my Pdoc so that they are aware. Also, of course, the CVS drugstore that special ordered my new script from Greenstone knows and the pharmacist said he'd notify the managers. Still, I will WRITE them a letter as well. I hope people see these posts here so that they don't have to experience what we have described. This has been quite an education. I never even THOUGHT about who made my drugs before this! Collette
Posted by Abajo on October 11, 2001, at 20:26:45
In reply to Re: EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!! » Abajo, posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 18:04:51
Thanks for the kind words Collete. FYI, I always check my refills at the pharmacy to make sure they are mine and to look for discoloration or any wetness or evidence of melting. It happens sometimes. Not often, but it does happen. If I were you, based on what happened to you, I would ask for a refund of your generics. Cold turkey withdrawals from xanax can be dangerous, not to mention the rebound anxiety and insomnia associated. I really slammed Mylan in my email. And although I noticed a difference with Mylan's version, it was nothing I hadn't been through before. I would tell them every side affect you had, what you had to do with your doctor, and how it made you feel. They will ask you anyway, so you might as well let them know in the email what you went through. Good luck!
Posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 21:23:51
In reply to Re: Generic Ritalin Too, posted by Mark H. on October 9, 2001, at 18:45:50
> I have noticed a large difference in potency between different makers of methylphenidate, the generic equivalent to Ritalin. How do you tell who made it (it's not shown on my prescription label)? The last two batches have been called "Methylin," and they have a capital "M" in a square box on a white pill, 20mg strength.
>
> While it's not a big deal for me to simply take more, since I have good insurance, it would make a huge difference to someone on a limited income paying out of pocket.
>
> Anyone else have this experience with generic Ritalin?
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Mark H.I guess a simple thing to do would be to ask your pharmacist what lab makes your pill. My pills had the whole word Mylan written on it. The Greenstone version have a G and some numbers.
Posted by Elizabeth on October 12, 2001, at 10:16:04
In reply to What I learned today about alprazolam, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 19:55:56
> The lab that made the alprazolam I used to get is Greenstone and my pharmacist said they are owned by Upjohn (who makes Xanax) and therefore are very similar, if not identical in formulation.
They are identical, except for the markings on the pills. As such, you can expect Greenstone alprazolam to be reliable.
Whenever I fill a prescription for alprazolam, I make sure I'm going to get the Greenstone generic. If the pharmacy doesn't carry it, I'll go somewhere else.
Generics are *supposed* to be equivalent to the brand-name drug, but I think that there are some cases that slip through the cracks where, because of different inactive ingredients in the pills, the generic has poor bioavailability relative to the brand-name stuff.
Just my $0.02...
-elizabeth
P.S. Ever since the lorazepam thing, I've made a point of boycotting Mylan drugs.
Posted by kid_A on October 12, 2001, at 10:21:38
In reply to EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!!, posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 3:45:50
This may be just me, but I've also seen posts that others have experienced this, I feel that Geneva pharacuedicals generic Xanax is somewhat weaker than Upjohn's brand version...Geneva has their own plant, so I dont know what process they go through to make it, and it has a bioequivalency rating of AB, which I think, Is slightly under an A rating...
I'm thinking of having my doctor write, brand name only on my script so my insurance will cover it... Otherwise its a bit expensive to get the brand name for Xanax...
Posted by Collete on October 12, 2001, at 10:33:57
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by Elizabeth on October 12, 2001, at 10:16:04
> > The lab that made the alprazolam I used to get is Greenstone and my pharmacist said they are owned by Upjohn (who makes Xanax) and therefore are very similar, if not identical in formulation.
>
> They are identical, except for the markings on the pills. As such, you can expect Greenstone alprazolam to be reliable.
>
> Whenever I fill a prescription for alprazolam, I make sure I'm going to get the Greenstone generic. If the pharmacy doesn't carry it, I'll go somewhere else.
>
> Generics are *supposed* to be equivalent to the brand-name drug, but I think that there are some cases that slip through the cracks where, because of different inactive ingredients in the pills, the generic has poor bioavailability relative to the brand-name stuff.
>
> Just my $0.02...
>
> -elizabeth
>
> P.S. Ever since the lorazepam thing, I've made a point of boycotting Mylan drugs.I am boycotting Mylan as well and telling EVERYONE I know about it too. Be sure you give your pharmacy several days to order the Greenstone for you because if they are like mine (CVS), they are no longer ordering from Greenstone because of their new contract with Mylan.Also, as mentioned above, this is taking place in many of the large chains, such as Walmart, as well.Take notice when you refill your next script if the price has gone up....I am not sure, but I think mine went up. Collette
Posted by abajo on October 12, 2001, at 21:48:46
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Elizabeth, posted by Collete on October 12, 2001, at 10:33:57
Hey Collete.....I'm really pissed at Mylan. I've been taking xanax for over 10 years and know how it affects my body. When I got my refill from Mylan yesterday I still had some xanax from Greenstone. So I didn't notice a big difference yesterday. But I sure as hell did today. Had several panic attacks and some pretty intense anxiety. I had to take twice as much mylan xanax as greenstone's just to make it through the day. It was like taking candy. I emailed mylan tonight and asked them for a refund. I was pissed off. I told them that if they didn't refund my money I was going to send one of my tabs to an independant lab to analyze it. I wonder how they will respond to that. This xanax is just not right. Either it got to hot in transport or it is an old lot # that has lost it's effectiveness. I really tore into them with my email. I paid good money for a bad product. I may contact a lawyer on monday to see if anything can be done legally.
Posted by madeleine on October 13, 2001, at 13:02:19
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by abajo on October 12, 2001, at 21:48:46
I never expected that there would be any difference between the generic and the brandname version of lorazepam until I tried them both--not only was the generic version a poorly made product (tended to crumble, which was a big problem for a medication that I needed to carry around in case I needed it) but it was not nearly as effective as the brandname product. Don't quote me on this, but I read somewhere that a generic is only required to demonstrate 80% effectiveness in clinical trials when compared to the original brandname product. I try to get the brandname whenever possible--in my state the doctor has to specify at the bottom of the prescription 'DAW" (dispense as written), otherwise the pharmacy automatically dispenses the generic (even if the brandname is written in the body of the prescription).
This is not to say that there aren't good generics out there, but my theory is that their manufacturers are not necessarily as invested in quality control/effectiveness as the original patent owner.
I don't take Ativan anymore, but I have to say it was a stroke of brilliance to manufacture them in the shape of a capital A . Instant recognition, great product design.
madeleine
Posted by Collete on October 13, 2001, at 13:20:56
In reply to I had a similar experience with generic Ativan, posted by madeleine on October 13, 2001, at 13:02:19
> I never expected that there would be any difference between the generic and the brandname version of lorazepam until I tried them both--not only was the generic version a poorly made product (tended to crumble, which was a big problem for a medication that I needed to carry around in case I needed it) but it was not nearly as effective as the brandname product. Don't quote me on this, but I read somewhere that a generic is only required to demonstrate 80% effectiveness in clinical trials when compared to the original brandname product. I try to get the brandname whenever possible--in my state the doctor has to specify at the bottom of the prescription 'DAW" (dispense as written), otherwise the pharmacy automatically dispenses the generic (even if the brandname is written in the body of the prescription).
>
> This is not to say that there aren't good generics out there, but my theory is that their manufacturers are not necessarily as invested in quality control/effectiveness as the original patent owner.
>
> I don't take Ativan anymore, but I have to say it was a stroke of brilliance to manufacture them in the shape of a capital A . Instant recognition, great product design.
>
> madeleineI am pretty sure that I just read that the culpret in the case of Ativan was Mylan Labs also. I think generics can be useful for those who don't have insurance, provided they are from labs with a proven track record for making the generic. At lease, when trying a new generic, those of us who are now aware, will know what to watch out for! This is such a wonderful board, I only wish I had looked for it sooner! Collette
Posted by Elizabeth on October 13, 2001, at 16:50:50
In reply to Re: I had a similar experience with generic Ativan » madeleine, posted by Collete on October 13, 2001, at 13:20:56
> I am pretty sure that I just read that the culpret in the case of Ativan was Mylan Labs also.
Me too. They're pretty sleazy. :-)
> I think generics can be useful for those who don't have insurance, provided they are from labs with a proven track record for making the generic.
I think that if you're trying a new generic, it's probably a good idea to take note of which company makes it so that if it's less effective than what you're used to, you can avoid it in the future.
> This is such a wonderful board, I only wish I had looked for it sooner! Collette
You've made some great contributions. I'm glad you're here.
-elizabeth
Posted by Gracie2 on October 15, 2001, at 0:50:18
In reply to Fake Xanax by Mylan Labs!, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 13:37:34
Walgreen's gave me a generic brand of Xanax by Purepac, a round peach pill. If you have to buy a generic brand maybe this one is better than Mylar.
Unfortunately, this is my first prescription for Xanax so I have nothing to compare it to myself.
I sleep a lot more.
-Gracie
Posted by Ted on October 15, 2001, at 10:39:57
In reply to Re: I had a similar experience with generic Ativan » Collete, posted by Elizabeth on October 13, 2001, at 16:50:50
I have generic ativan (lorazepam) that is made by Purepac (white, round, scored tablets). It seems fine. My previous prescription was a different generic (white, 5-sided tablets) and it was fine also.
Ted
> > I am pretty sure that I just read that the culpret in the case of Ativan was Mylan Labs also.
Posted by Joy on October 16, 2001, at 21:07:20
In reply to Alprazolam by Purepac, posted by Gracie2 on October 15, 2001, at 0:50:18
> Purepac genric Xanax is a good one; I've had it a few times, and it works fine.
Joy
> Walgreen's gave me a generic brand of Xanax by Purepac, a round peach pill. If you have to buy a generic brand maybe this one is better than Mylar.
> Unfortunately, this is my first prescription for Xanax so I have nothing to compare it to myself.
> I sleep a lot more.
> -Gracie
Posted by Cardio on December 5, 2001, at 13:08:18
In reply to Re: EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!! » Abajo, posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 18:04:51
Where did you get your script filled? Interestingly enough, I've run into the same problem with CVS here in Tampa, FL, and if I could get your Pharmacist's name and number, maybe he could talk to the pharmacist here.
Thanks,
Chris
> Your informative posts have been terrific and thank you. I will contact Mylan Labs now ( I wasn't planning to) because it just MIGHT help. I definately don't want a freeie from them though! Basically what I have done is notified my GP as well as my Pdoc so that they are aware. Also, of course, the CVS drugstore that special ordered my new script from Greenstone knows and the pharmacist said he'd notify the managers. Still, I will WRITE them a letter as well. I hope people see these posts here so that they don't have to experience what we have described. This has been quite an education. I never even THOUGHT about who made my drugs before this! Collette
Posted by Snowie on December 7, 2001, at 20:13:18
In reply to Re: EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!!, posted by Cardio on December 5, 2001, at 13:08:18
I'm in Tampa, Florida also, and I get the Greenstone brand at certain of the Eckerd Pharmacies. You might have to call around to see which ones carry it though.
Snowie
> Where did you get your script filled? Interestingly enough, I've run into the same problem with CVS here in Tampa, FL, and if I could get your Pharmacist's name and number, maybe he could talk to the pharmacist here.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris
>
>
> > Your informative posts have been terrific and thank you. I will contact Mylan Labs now ( I wasn't planning to) because it just MIGHT help. I definately don't want a freeie from them though! Basically what I have done is notified my GP as well as my Pdoc so that they are aware. Also, of course, the CVS drugstore that special ordered my new script from Greenstone knows and the pharmacist said he'd notify the managers. Still, I will WRITE them a letter as well. I hope people see these posts here so that they don't have to experience what we have described. This has been quite an education. I never even THOUGHT about who made my drugs before this! Collette
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 8, 2001, at 2:16:20
In reply to Fake Xanax by Mylan Labs!, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 13:37:34
Hi...I am almost affraid to post here...but here goes...
I have now been on the 'Greenstone Labs' version of Alprazolam for 5 days. I had been getting Alprazolam from Mylan for over a year now (handled 'my' anxiety/panic attacks very well). I had heard all of this before on another thread here, so I decided to check into it for my own sense of wellbeing.
My WalMart pharmacist was MORE THAN willing to order from Greenstone Labs for me. I have to tell you all, that I feel NO DIFFERENCE from the Mylan batch of Alprazolam and the Greenstone Labs batch of Alprazolam.
I hear what you are saying, but..for me the two generics act the exact same way in 'my' body.
Sorry to be the sour grape here in the bunch!
P.L.
> Are there any others out there besides MickRock and myself who have recently refilled their perscription for alprazolam and been given the new generic by Mylan Labs? It is a round, white pill and it is NOT effective. Maybe there is a little bit of drug in there, but nothing that you can feel. I didn't even realize this was what caused my problem yesterday morning, until I read MickRock's post and put it together. I woke up yesteday just filled with anxiety and within a few hours had a panic attack. I don't have panic attacks! I take Alprazolam to help me sleep and with the help of Mylan Labs, I got to go off it cold turkey! I am so furious and just want to warn others who may be refilling their perscriptions soon, that the Mylan Labs version on Xanax is not good. Collette
Posted by gilbert on December 11, 2001, at 10:54:24
In reply to Re: Fake Xanax by Mylan Labs! » Collete, posted by Pamela Lynn on December 8, 2001, at 2:16:20
P >L >,
Well I have read your posts and enjoy them thouroughly. I know we had that little tete et tete last week over the mylan xanax. It is possible that my mylan xanax was just as good as regular. I have sent them back today and if I was wrong and the strength and dosage bioflav. is up to snuff I will owe you and others includding Mylan a huge apology. I promise to post the results....not sure how long before they get back to me but when they do I will let you know. Don't be afraid to post upstream....LOL it is was makes this board so significant.....we are all not just a bunch of sheep. So I am glad you have the courage to go against the grain. We got off on the wrong foot and for that I am sorry. Good Luck.
Gil
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 11, 2001, at 11:14:46
In reply to Re: could have just been my lot number, posted by gilbert on December 11, 2001, at 10:54:24
Thank you very much for your words Gil. As for us getting off on the wrong foot...no harm, no foul, ok?
P.L.
> P >L >,
>
> Well I have read your posts and enjoy them thouroughly. I know we had that little tete et tete last week over the mylan xanax. It is possible that my mylan xanax was just as good as regular. I have sent them back today and if I was wrong and the strength and dosage bioflav. is up to snuff I will owe you and others includding Mylan a huge apology. I promise to post the results....not sure how long before they get back to me but when they do I will let you know. Don't be afraid to post upstream....LOL it is was makes this board so significant.....we are all not just a bunch of sheep. So I am glad you have the courage to go against the grain. We got off on the wrong foot and for that I am sorry. Good Luck.
>
> Gil
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