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GENERIC GLEEVEC

Started by Karen06410 , Feb 15 2016 07:01 PM

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#1 Karen06410

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Posted 15 February 2016 - 07:01 PM

Hi everyone:

 

I have a questions for anyone who can answer.  I have been taking Gleevec since June 2014, when I first was diagnosed.  I have been doing fairly well on it, but had to have it increased from 400 mg. to 800 once a day.  

 

I called today to my drugstore to get a refill and was told that I would have to have the generic now that is was approved, unless my dr. writes a script stating brand name only.  I know it's all about the money, but my insurance pays all of it in full, thankfully.  

 

Now my questions.  Has anyone tried the generic yet?  If so do you have any more side effects?  Also if anyone has been taking the generic, are your numbers staying the same as with the Gleevec?

 

I am a nervous wreck thinking about changing to generic.

 

Thank you.

Karen


#2 scuba

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Posted 15 February 2016 - 08:37 PM

Karen,

 

This is generic gleevec. It is the compound Imatinib Mesylate (aka STI571) which is a brilliant discovery and patented for a long time so no other pharmaceutical manufacturer was allowed to make it.

 

slide4.png

 

This is Gleevec:

 

slide4.png

 

They two compounds are identical. The only difference is the pill that is produced  by Novartis has their initials on it and the one made by the generic company does not. The fact that the patent has expired is the reason the generic company can make the same identical compound that Novartis made.

 

What treats your CML is the chemical formula which is identical in structure and in amount. 

 

Hope this puts your mind at ease.


Diagnosed 11 May 2011 (100% FiSH, 155% PCR)

with b2a2 BCR-ABL fusion transcript coding for the 210kDa BCR-ABL protein

 

Sprycel: 20 mg per day - taken at lights out with Quercetin and/or Magnesium Taurate

6-8 grams Curcumin C3 complex.

 

2015 PCR: < 0.01% (M.D. Anderson scale)

2016 PCR: < 0.01% (M.D. Anderson scale) 

March        2017 PCR:     0.01% (M.D. Anderson scale)

June          2017 PCR:     "undetected"

September 2017 PCR:     "undetected"

#3 Trey

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Posted 15 February 2016 - 09:15 PM

If you read the Sun Pharma website it should help alleviate your concerns.  I would not worry about its effectiveness. 

 

http://www.imatinibrx.com/

 

Also, since you are taking 800mg I would personally split the dosage 400mg morning and evening. 


#4 acl

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Posted 15 February 2016 - 10:37 PM

Hi everyone:

 

I have a questions for anyone who can answer.  I have been taking Gleevec since June 2014, when I first was diagnosed.  I have been doing fairly well on it, but had to have it increased from 400 mg. to 800 once a day.  

 

I called today to my drugstore to get a refill and was told that I would have to have the generic now that is was approved, unless my dr. writes a script stating brand name only.  I know it's all about the money, but my insurance pays all of it in full, thankfully.  

 

Now my questions.  Has anyone tried the generic yet?  If so do you have any more side effects?  Also if anyone has been taking the generic, are your numbers staying the same as with the Gleevec?

 

I am a nervous wreck thinking about changing to generic.

 

Thank you.

Karen

Hi Karen I was diagnosed with CML March 2014, and I have always taken generic Gleevec (Imatinib) It works very well. My PCR is 0.18%. I never took the Brand name. The side effects for me are almost non-existing, except for a mouth sore sometimes. It works. I only take 300 mg. of Imatinib. daily.I could never take 800 mg. I hope this helps.


Diagnosed March 2014

Imatinib 400 mg. Summer 2014, Imatinib 300 mg.

 

% BCR-ABL

IS-NCN

 

06/01/16     0.18%

24/02/16     0.11%

23/03/16     0.13%

12/05/16     0.07%

13/07/16     0.17%

12/09/16     0.12%

21/19/16     0.15%

23/11/16     0.09%

20/12/16     0.11%

19/01/17     0.07%

21/02/17     0.07%

20/03/17     0.06%

20/04/17     0.06%

20/05/17     0.07%

20/06/17     0.06%

23/08/17     0.08%

22/12/17     0.04%

 

 

 

 

#5 chriskuo

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Posted 17 February 2016 - 01:54 AM

Indian drug companies have had quality problems at their Indian factories which have resulted in the FDA banning imports from those factories into the US.

 

In this case, although Sun is an Indian company, it is making the US imatinib in the US.


#6 SandyG353

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Posted 18 March 2016 - 01:41 PM

Before generic Gleevec was available , I contacted Dr. Druker and asked if it would be as effective as brand Gleevec.  His answer was "yes".  He even gave me the date in which it would be in the pharmacies.

That should help ease any worries and concerns that anyone has.

Sandy


#7 gagne

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Posted 18 March 2016 - 02:53 PM

I started on the generic this past Tuesday 3/15/16. So far, I have had absolutely no change in side effects. I was on 400mg Gleevec since May 2015. I was very nervous as well (I actually started another post about it) but so far so good.
April 2015 CML Diagnosed 53.4% BMB
May 2015 Started 400mg Gleevec
August 2015 2.2%
November 2015 0.062%
February 2016 0.045%
March 2016 started 400mg generic Gleevec (Sun Pharmaceutical brand)
May 2016 0.025%
September 2016. 0.007%
December 2016 0.009%
February 2017 Undetectable!
September 2017 Undetectable!

#8 R0f03l

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Posted 18 March 2016 - 09:24 PM

I make use of Imatinib Mesylate for 1 + year by not having another choice or use Mesylate imatinib because no other choice. Soon I want to stop Imatinib forever but registered in STOP imatinib group to only 2019-2020 and still have to fulfill some temporal order


#9 snowboots

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Posted 23 March 2016 - 02:11 PM

I was taken by surprise yesterday when Walgreen's suddenly switched me to generic. I almost had a panic attack because I had just discussed this with my doc. He had actually told me that the generics may not manufacture to the same standards (safety or other?) as the original from Novartis. He had no problem with me keeping to the brand. I remember a few years ago when an Indian manufactured generic Lipitor (atorvastatin) was found to have glass particles in it. My husband was on it at the time, but it turned out that his was safe and not one of the recalled manufacturers. That really scared me though, so I called Walgreen's and they said that my doc had not specified Brand Necessary. A phone call to my onc had them calling Walgreens to change the prescription to Brand Necessary. I am sure the generic is fine, but I just feel so relieved that I can stay on the Novartis. It's a peace of mind thing for me.


#10 Susan61

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Posted 29 March 2016 - 06:36 PM

Hi  Hope everyone is doing well. I keep trying to get back on, but always something new in my life.  I guess I should be grateful for the fact I can say things are always going on in my LIFE.  This July will be 15 years of undectable with Gleevec if that helps any new people.

      I just got on here because I got a note from  Novartis regarding the Generic will be given now, unless my doctor says Brand Name Necessary.  Glad to hear such good results on the usage of Generic.

     Wondering what the cost is on Generic Vs. Brand Name.  I just got my 90 day supply for my Brand Name so I am okay on that for now.

     Love to All

Susan


#11 Buzzm1

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Posted 29 March 2016 - 08:08 PM

Sun Pharma reported gaining a 40% share of the U.S. Gleevec/Imatinib market after their first month with Imatinib Mesylate.


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

#12 Antilogical

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Posted 29 March 2016 - 09:19 PM

The cost of the generic is so close to the cost of Gleevec that my insurance company is sticking with Gleevec for the time being.


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.

#13 Buzzm1

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Posted 29 March 2016 - 09:35 PM

The cost of the generic is so close to the cost of Gleevec that my insurance company is sticking with Gleevec for the time being.

Sun Pharma has the generic market to themselves until August, then we should see an appreciable decrease in the price of the generic as others enter the market..  Teva and Apotex generics are approved in Canada and will likely be granted approval here (at a much higher price, of course).  

 

Until then:

Imatinib (Gleevec) Cost/yr. USD

U.S. Gleevec $132K
U.S. Generic Gleevec $124K
Canada Gleevec $46K
Canada Generic Gleevec $6.5K
http://bit.ly/1mTVH8x


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

#14 r06ue1

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Posted 30 March 2016 - 05:21 AM

With all of the generics hitting the market in the US soon, perhaps we will see Novartis decrease the cost of the brand name to compete?  Or perhaps even (if enough people switch) the other drug prices come down also?  

 

I know, dreaming.  ;)


08/2015 Initial PCR: 66.392%

12/2015 PCR: 1.573%

03/2016 PCR: 0.153%

06/2016 PCR: 0.070%

09/2016 PCR: 0.052%

12/2016 PCR: 0.036%

03/2017 PCR: 0.029%

06/2017 PCR: 0.028%

09/2017 PCR: 0.025%

12/2017 PCR: 0.018%

 

 

Taking Imatinib 400 mg

#15 snowboots

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 01:47 PM

The thing I don't care for with the generic is that brand Gleevec was always packaged nicely in a 30 day blister pack - easy to keep track of. The generic is a slightly larger pill and they are just all thrown in a bottle. Just the presentation of it makes me leery. Nutty, I know.


#16 Antilogical

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 02:29 PM

My name brand Gleevec pills come in a bottle, not a blister pack.  Depends on the specialty pharmacy that fills the prescription..


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.

#17 Buzzm1

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 03:07 PM

My name brand Gleevec pills come in a bottle, not a blister pack.  Depends on the specialty pharmacy that fills the prescription..

Same here ... through Kaiser

 

BTW, Antilogical, congrats on reaching PCRU again .. this time for good, hopefully ...


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

#18 Antilogical

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 05:33 PM

Thanks, Buzz.  Doc pushed my next appointment out 6 months instead of 3.  More progress....


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.

#19 Buzzm1

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Posted 31 March 2016 - 05:48 PM

Thanks, Buzz.  Doc pushed my next appointment out 6 months instead of 3.  More progress....

When my "new Oncologist/Hematologist" took over my case. shortly after I was diagnosed, she said that if I progressed well she wouldn't see me very often.  That was almost six years ago and true to her word, I've only seen her three times and one of those times was when she first took over my case.  She does immediately respond to emails.  


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

#20 chiocchi

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Posted 09 April 2016 - 03:27 PM

I just started generic Gleevec this past week. I'm feeling a real slump part way through the day. I've been taking Gleevec for 6 years now without major problems. Can it be the new Med or do you think it's just in my head? Sounds like a new song
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