New Member
Posted 02 February 2015 - 08:51 PM
Hi all. Has anyone come across info showing that upcoming U.S.-made generic imatinib will differ from Novartis's Gleevec in a chemical way--perhaps something involving alpha and beta differences...and that this may lead to different side-effect profiles, and possiby even a difference in effectiveness?
I could've sworn I read this somewhere, but can't recall where. Perhaps it only pertains to the Indian generic. Or perhaps I imagined it altogether:)
Advanced Member
Posted 02 February 2015 - 09:15 PM
The beta crystalline form is Gleevec, the alpha crystalline form is generic. It is a difference in how the TKI drug is put into pill form. They are not different at the TKI level (presumably). But they could dissolve at different rates. Overall it should not be an issue.
http://www.capho.org...io de Lemos.pdf
Advanced Member
Posted 02 February 2015 - 09:46 PM
Binders, dyes, and flavorings are supposed to be innocuous, but can impact how the active drug behaves. My PCP once told me he prescribed generics for most conditions, except for heart-related issues, where he noticed a difference in effectiveness. I asked my onc about the Gleevec generic equivalent. He has not formed an opinion, as it is not yet available here.....
Dx: Sudden severe anemia detected 07/2011, followed by WBC spike. CML Dx 02/2012.
Rx: 03/2012-Gleevec400. Reduced 02/2013 to Gleevec300 due to side effects (low blood counts).
Response: PCR-Und within 7 mo. on G400. Maintained MMR4-MMR4.5 on G300. PCR-Und since 02/2016.
Advanced Member
Posted 06 February 2015 - 12:55 AM
Advanced Member
Posted 06 February 2015 - 01:13 AM
Anyone have a feel for the price difference expected?
Drugs are typically more expensive in the U.S.
Novartis Gleevec U.S. 400mg is currently approx. $312/tablet
Novartis Gleevec Canada 400mg is $128/tablet
Generic elsewhere http://bit.ly/1vvuCg3
For the benefit of yourself and others please add your CML history into your Signature
02/2010 Gleevec 400mg
2011 Two weakly positives, PCRU, weakly positive
2012 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, PCRU
2013 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, weakly positive
2014 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, PCRU (12/07 began dose reduction w/each continuing PCRU)
2015 300, 250, 200, 150
2016 100, 50/100, 100, 10/17 TFR
2017 01/17 TFR, 04/18 TFR, 07/18 TFR 0.0012, 08/29 TFR 0.001, 10/17 TFR 0.000
2018 01/16 TFR 0.0004 ... next quarterly PCR 04/17
At the earliest opportunity, and whenever possible, lower your TKI dosage; TKIs are toxic drugs and the less we take longterm the better off we are going to be ... this is especially true for older adults.
In hindsight I should have started my dosage reduction two years earlier; it might have helped minimize some of the longterm cumulative toxic effects of TKIs that I am beset with.
longterm side-effects Peripheral Artery Disease - legs (it's a bitch); continuing shoulder problems, right elbow inflammation. GFR and creatinine vastly improved after stopping Gleevec.
Cumulative Gleevec dosage estimated at 830 grams
Taking Gleevec 400mg an hour after my largest meal of the day helped eliminate the nausea that Gleevec is notorious for.
Trey's CML Blog - Stopping - The Odds - Stop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study
Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt
Member
Posted 06 February 2015 - 09:14 PM
I am seriously considering switching to an Onc that can right a prescription valid in Canada. Anyone know of one in Fargo or Grand Forks, ND?
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