POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Buckmark on June 15, 2012, 10:57:23 am
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Viramune (nevirapine) is now available in the US in generic form. Looks like several manufacturers have jumped on board to produce it:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm305654.htm (http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm305654.htm)
I checked with my prescription drug provider, CVS Caremark, and indeed I can order nevirapine as a generic. A 90 day supply of generic nevirapine costs me $24 copay, whereas a 90 day supply of Viramune costs me a $178 copay.
This will be a game changer. Although Viramune is not the most widely prescribed HIV drug, patents on other more popular HIV drugs start to expire soon, most notably Sustiva. For example, Gilead is going to be shitting bricks when their patents for Sustiva expires in 2013 (composition patent) and 2014 (method of use patent).
I wonder how long it will be before insurance / prescription drug plans start pushing generic as preferred alternatives, and make it more difficult to get brand name drugs. This concerns me, because we know that HIV drugs don't work the same for everyone.
Still, each new generic HIV drug provides greater access to treatment, particular here in the US.
Henry
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I've been counting down the days for this to happen. My copay is going to go from $150 per month to $5.
This should be great for programs like ADAP too, making the funds available go farther.
Also, people in the US can put together a Viramune based three drug cocktail of all generics costing hundreds (maybe less) instead of thousands.
I know it's illegal to import drugs still under patent, but is it illegal to import generics?
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even though generics may be out there but to me its going to be awhile , b/c theres alot of scams concerning hiv generic drugs
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even though generics may be out there but to me its going to be awhile , b/c theres alot of scams concerning hiv generic drugs
Please provide links to generic HIV drug scams in America, otherwise it's just your opinion.
Joe
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Will the companies attempt to do with HIV meds what they've done with other meds-- make new formulations, like extended release, and get their patent extended? I am confused by the "scams" statement, too. Not sure what that means. I know some generics don't work as well (I've only experienced this with pain meds), but that's not a scam. Would be interested in clarification.
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It's a double edge sword, generic drugs.
Take Atripla for example, it's the most prescribed HIV drug and costs about $2000 per month. When it goes generic two things can happen.
1. People will move to a "newer" drug like the quad pill. Then they will still be on a non generic drug paying very high prices.
2. They will stay on generic Atripla paying pennies of what they were, but then what incentive do drug makers have to come up with better and newer HIV drugs if people will just stay on generic drugs because they are cheaper. The HIV drug pipeline ceases.
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you people got the internet as well as i do , why should i have to do your homework when u should be doing it yourself as far as i know adap isn't going to be changing my medicine to generic or anytime soon otherwise i would of been told
Buyer Beware! Internet Scams Targeting People with HIV
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2. They will stay on generic Atripla paying pennies of what they were, but then what incentive do drug makers have to come up with better and newer HIV drugs if people will just stay on generic drugs because they are cheaper. The HIV drug pipeline ceases.
What incentive do the drug companies have to invent newer better drugs if the patents never expire?
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/quote]
What incentive do the drug companies have to invent newer better drugs if the patents never expire?
Hmmmm, good point
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you people got the internet as well as i do , why should i have to do your homework when u should be doing it yourself
Providing links to credible websites is not only helpful , it also can demonstrate that your not just mouthing off about something you know little about .
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you people got the internet as well as i do , why should i have to do your homework when u should be doing it yourself as far as i know adap isn't going to be changing my medicine to generic or anytime soon otherwise i would of been told
Buyer Beware! Internet Scams Targeting People with HIV
I asked for references, because you have a poor habit of posting comments, with no sources or substantiation of your claims. It becomes tedious when you attempt to derail a post, by adding comments that are best, anecdotal to the topic at hand.
Also, if you feel that generic HIV medications scams are so prevalent in the US, you would have ample links to support your claims and would have the good sense to start a new thread to discuss that topic. Your suggestion that we should do the work, to support your unfounded comments, is the sign of a lazy mind. You want to state something as fact, then provide support. Without it, it's just meaningless comments that add nothing to this thread.
Joe
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As to the topic at hand, I've been on Viramune/Truvada going on 10 years now. I tolerate it extremely well, my counts keep going in the right directions and my last CD4s were 640, which is an all time high for me. The idea that many of these perfectly capable drugs, will now be accessible to millions of pozzies, is welcome news indeed. The costs savings, especially to ADAP will be substantial.
This is indeed, wonderful news.
Joe
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Will the companies attempt to do with HIV meds what they've done with other meds-- make new formulations, like extended release, and get their patent extended?
Yes. Viramune XR, an extended release formulation of Viramune, is already on the market. The method of delivery gives the manufacturer a new patent.
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As to the topic at hand, I've been on Viramune/Truvada going on 10 years now.
I'm a Viramune / Truvada guy too! 8)
The idea that many of these perfectly capable drugs, will now be accessible to millions of pozzies, is welcome news indeed. The costs savings, especially to ADAP will be substantial.
That's what is so encouraging -- generics will make treatment available to more people, and reduce costs to programs like ADAP.
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kill if you have nothing but negative comments to say than u ought to keep that big mouth shut , they're maybe be better drugs out there but alot of people will agree stick to those that u know work
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kill if you have nothing but negative comments to say than u ought to keep that big mouth shut , they're maybe be better drugs out there but alot of people will agree stick to those that u know work
Hey... wait a minute. Why so defensive? It appears that you are looking to pick a fight when there is absolutely no reason to. You of all people should know that when you are living with a condition such as hiv, many people like to see valid, proven substantiation when people start spouting out information, otherwise, as Joe said: whatever the information being conveyed is no better than someone's opinion.
You really need to step back and quit thinking that people are out to get you because it is obvious you have some type of persecution complex.
How dare you think that people should do their own research over some trivial tidbit you dropped into this thread that has absolutely nothing to do with Henry's original topic.
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kill if you have nothing but negative comments to say than u ought to keep that big mouth shut , they're maybe be better drugs out there but alot of people will agree stick to those that u know work
Asking for substantiation of your claims are not negative comments. Just because I ask you to support your drive-by postings, does not make me anything, other than a LTS who has seen this movie many times. Presenting something as fact, with no substance, causes confusion among readers and that's why I asked for sources to support your assertions.
What angers me about you, is that you know virtually nothing about HIV, other than what you can parrot from what others have told you. You seem to think that dropping non-related posts in a thread is some sort of fun and if you get called on it, then you become the victim. Your resorting to calling me names, just confirms your inability to articulate anything of substance and just like a bully, you attempt to cower me, by calling me names?
But what really pisses me off, is that Henry started a thread regarding excellent news on generic Viramune, that has the possibility of greatly expanding access to this drug and lowering the cost for ADAPs across the nation. Your comment about sticking with drugs that work, also makes no sense, because this news will expand access to a drug that has served us very well.
Don't bother replying, I've had my say... with apologies to Henry.
Joe
edited to say what I really feel, PC be damned. >:(
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kill i ought to plain out ignore u ,not worth my time
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kill i ought to plain out ignore u ,not worth my time
Please do, I wish I could "ignore" you, but I can't because I'm committed to presenting the truth in the forums. Not everyone knows how harmful comments like yours can be to readers. If you don't like being called on your behaviour, then stop doing it.
Over and out.
Joe
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I wonder if these generics may also be used in our commitments to other countries? It would be nice if they could manufacture them in the US, providing much need jobs and increasing our buying power of the drugs, by lowering their costs. Maybe someone will start a trend.
Joe
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SSShort, we're getting complaints about your abrasive style. Please stick to saying what you want to say without the inflammatory rhetoric.
Thanks for your cooperation. Ditto cooperation requested from all concerned in any ongoing discussion here.
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kill if you have nothing but negative comments to say than u ought to keep that big mouth shut , they're maybe be better drugs out there but alot of people will agree stick to those that u know work
I'm going one step further than Andy and saying maybe it's time you kept YOUR big mouth shut. You have absolutely NO respect for our members here who have been poz possibly longer than you've even been alive. Grow up.
Seven day time out.
Ann
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Please provide links to generic HIV drug scams in America, otherwise it's just your opinion.
Joe
Thank you for that. I have also been on Viramune and Truvada for years with excellent results.
I take generic Viramune since a few years (though not living in the US) and that goes very well, too.
So here's to cheap meds and good health for everybody! :)
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I think the "scam" is the cost of generics in the US compared to generics in India. I think the prices are still multiples higher. Why?
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I think the "scam" is the cost of generics in the US compared to generics in India. I think the prices are still multiples higher. Why?
Not only generics. Truvada (the original brand, non-generic) is only 70 (seventy) USD here.
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Not only generics. Truvada (the original brand, non-generic) is only 70 (seventy) USD here.
If you don't mind me asking, where is "here"? Where are you?
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Oops! Bangkok, Thailand.
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June 15, CIPLA got FDA approval for epivir. I thought they already had it for PEPFAR. Maybe this means they will sell their generic drug in the US? Could that mean more competition among generic HIV drugs sold in the US?
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails)
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June 15, CIPLA got FDA approval for epivir. I thought they already had it for PEPFAR. Maybe this means they will sell their generic drug in the US? Could that mean more competition among generic HIV drugs sold in the US?
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails)
I believe the way the law works is that the first generic to be approved gets 6 months to sell its product without competition from other generics. (That gives the manufacturer an incentive to go through the hassle of getting the generic approved -- which often involves legal action by the original patent holder.)
Prices often drop only by a relatively small amount during that 6 month period.
After 6 months, more generics can get approval (easily). Once there are multiple competing generics for a drug, prices often fall to 5% to 10% of what the brand name patented drug had previously been selling for.
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Yes. Viramune XR, an extended release formulation of Viramune, is already on the market. The method of delivery gives the manufacturer a new patent.
Given that I just started Viramune XR+Truvada, I checked the full cost (not co-pay) on the bottles for 30 days worth:
Viramune XR = $74.07 (!)
Truvada = $798.88
Total = 872.95
Atripla = $2,417.98
I sure hope this new combo works well, since I've just saved the provincial government $18,540.36 a year!
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Thank you Buckmark for posting this. As of this month, today actually, I am now paying $5.00 a month for this part of my medications and that means a lot to me. I truly appreciate it, money is tight for everyone and when every penny counts this could mean much to many. Thank you again. :)
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I've been counting down the days for this to happen. My copay is going to go from $150 per month to $5.
This should be great for programs like ADAP too, making the funds available go farther.
Also, people in the US can put together a Viramune based three drug cocktail of all generics costing hundreds (maybe less) instead of thousands.
I know it's illegal to import drugs still under patent, but is it illegal to import generics?
How much co-pay would you have to pay on Atripla a 30day supply?
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How much co-pay would you have to pay on Atripla a 30day supply?
It depends on your insurance policy. Not all insurance policies are the same. You really need to learn about your own policy and what it does and does not cover.
For example. My copay for Atripla is $100 per month. Someone else may pay full price, someone else may pay $10. It all depends on the policy. No one here can tell you what YOU will pay. YOU need to learn about your policy and find these answers out.
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It depends on your insurance policy. Not all insurance policies are the same. You really need to learn about your own policy and what it does and does not cover.
For example. My copay for Atripla is $100 per month. Someone else may pay full price, someone else may pay $10. It all depends on the policy. No one here can tell you what YOU will pay. YOU need to learn about your policy and find these answers out.
Yes I know what you mean. It is not so easy in my case (as usual!!!) because my insurance has no perscription benefit.
I'm asking because my fiance just started a new job and she will be getting a insurance in 3 months.
I know its easy to just call the number on my card and ask...lol... but she doesn't have the card yet.
I dunno, its always just a little more complicated for me. I hope its not going to be like $400 a month per person because I will be pissed.....
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Ps. She will have the perscription benefit on her plan and when we get married I could go on her plan. Maybe we could use the perscription discount card let's say $200 of Artipla or Complera a month. It could work
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Yes I know what you mean. It is not so easy in my case (as usual!!!) because my insurance has no perscription benefit.
I'm asking because my fiance just started a new job and she will be getting a insurance in 3 months.
I know its easy to just call the number on my card and ask...lol... but she doesn't have the card yet.
I dunno, its always just a little more complicated for me. I hope its not going to be like $400 a month per person because I will be pissed.....
Ps. She will have the perscription benefit on her plan and when we get married I could go on her plan. Maybe we could use the perscription discount card let's say $200 of Artipla or Complera a month. It could work
CoupleNYC: for future reference, please do not derail someone else's thread with irrelevant information. You've already posted on numerous occasions asking about ADAP, Atripla and your specific situation and people have attempted to provide you information.
This thread was to inform people who might be taking Viramune that they now have a new, affordable option in the US; not to fire out questions about your drug coverage. If you have additional questions, comments, etc. regarding yourself, you should try to keep them limited to threads which you originate -- especially since you are inquiring about an entirely different drug than the one in this thread.
We know you are new to the forums (and also anxious over insurance) but there are certain rules which need to be respected.
Thanks ;)
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CoupleNYC: for future reference, please do not derail someone else's thread with irrelevant information. You've already posted on numerous occasions asking about ADAP, Atripla and your specific situation and people have attempted to provide you information.
This thread was to inform people who might be taking Viramune that they now have a new, affordable option in the US; not to fire out questions about your drug coverage. If you have additional questions, comments, etc. regarding yourself, you should try to keep them limited to threads which you originate -- especially since you are inquiring about an entirely different drug than the one in this thread.
We know you are new to the forums (and also anxious over insurance) but there are certain rules which need to be respected.
Thanks ;)
Yes I agree with you. It wasn't my place to post questions about something else. Now that I look at it, I feel the same way. Sorry about that guys.