11 replies to this topic

[dianysa]

most of the dscussions center on brand name drugs.

do we have any data on generic imatinib?

[Tex]

Typically, I speak of meds using their brand name whether I'm actually using them or generics.  My attitude is that generics don't do any more harm than the brand named stuff we have to take for this crap.

[Rissa]

Not sure what you're asking.  Imatinib is marketed by Novartis as Gleevec.  It is under patent protection right now and won't go off patent until 2015.  Other CML drugs will take even longer to go generic.  Hope that helps.

[CallMeLucky]

Gleevec is still under patent so there is no Generic in most countries.  India is an exception because they have ruled that they will not grant Novartis a patent for Gleevec.  Drug companies in India produce a generic form of Gleevec.  I don't know of any studies that compare the two but from what I heard heard it's as effective as the brand name version.

[GerryL]

If you're chasing info there is an Asian CML site http://asia.groups.y...MLSupportGroup/There would more than likely be members on there that are taking the Indian version of Gleevec.

[dianysa]

Thanks GerryL, we'll be joining the Asian group.

Most of you in the USA are lucky that  you have medical insurance and are not too worried about the cost of Gleevec...... but we in the Philippines do not have that and ave to find ways for a cheaper alternative.

Gleevec patient assistance program is not really helping most of the patients. We hope Novartis will change it's global pricing and be more country friendly .

Thus, we need to get more info on generic form of Imatinib .

[Tex]

Wouldn't your doctor have information on generics? 

[CallMeLucky]

I would say there are many people in the USA who do not have adequate health insurance and the cost of TKI drugs is a very big problem for all of us.  There are very few people in the world with CML who could afford to pay for their medication without some assistance in some way.  Drug companies could do a lot more, but that is another topic of conversation.

[dianysa]

Hi Tex,

That's another probem. We feel that somehow the doctors are protecting Novartis. They do not want to discuss generics although they are aware that it is there.

[Tex]

That is F-in' crazy.  How attached are you to your docs?

[rct]

You pay the drug companies.  We pay the insurance companies.  But we blame the government.  Same money, different bonfire.

rct

[sproutgirl]

I'm in Canada, and the Novartis Alliance called to say that the patent expired in April of 2013 and advised that it would cover any costs no longer covered by my existing insurance, in case the insurance lowered its coverage to match generic drugs that would enter the market. I was never informed about any generic drugs, however.