7 replies to this topic

[TeddyB]

Seems 100mg Vativio tablets, a generic Gleevec from Novartis has arrived to some people in South Africa. (Saw it on one of the CML facebook groups)

Except from the fact that it will probably be alot cheaper, would this be any different than Gleevec, since they are both made from Novartis?

I think i would be more comfortable taking a generic made from the same manufacturer as Gleevec.

Teddy

[Trey]

I doubt Novartis would call imatinib mesylate anything except Gleevec or Glivec, and Novartis will never manufacture a generic version of its own drug.  So I am skeptical.

[0vercast]

Good question. I'd also be more comfortable with a generic made by Novartis. I have to admit, I'm not thrilled with the idea of switching to a generic in general.

[chriskuo]

I don't see that this has anything to do with a generic imatinib.  It appears to be a brand name for a cardio drug.

[TeddyB]

Here is the text from a CML fb group:

"Got my first month's worth of Generic Gleevec, now called Vativio, 4 X 100mg tabs per day, about 5/8th of the price of Gleevec.....and produced by who.......Novartis."

also:

"Gleevec costs R29500.00 per box of 30, Vativio is now R17000.00, we have different medical aids in SA, I have a chronic care cover of R400 000.00 per year, I guess I could opt to drop the maximum limit, but I think I am limited to either R200 000.00 or R400 000.00, so would not be able to drop it. Exchange rates vary for you guys overseas, do the exchange rate from ZAR and compare."

I did some google searches and didnt come up with much, except that is seems Novartis owns the trademark, and this: http://www.careware....1 June 2013.pdf

If you do a search in the pdf file for imatinib, you find this (Which refers to price etc, see the pdf more a more complete picture):

CAP801 IMATINIB 100MG 718477 001 Vativio 100MG 20617.41 171.81 120 10308.71 60 171.82 10309.20 0.00

CAP801 IMATINIB 100MG 718595 001 Imavec 100MG 8586.75 143.11 60 8586.75 60 171.82 10309.20 0.00

Thats all the information i have on this, so im not sure about it, thought you guys might now something more

.

Teddy

[Trey]

Wouldn't be the first time someone took the wrong medication for their disease.  Probably equivalent to a STIM trial except too clueless to know. 

Let me reiterate, Novartis WILL NOT make a generic of their own drugs.  Almost by definition the major drug companies don't do that. 

[CMLSurvivor]

Trey is correct Novaris will not make a generic to compete with itself.  The patent has not been released yet to make a generic Gleevec so you guys who take what they are calling a generic Gleevec are playing Russian Roulette with your life.  The patent ends I believe in 2015 for Gleevec so if you can hold on til then, it would be in your best interest.  Stay safe.

[TeddyB]

Thanks for clarifying, it did seem a little "shady".