Brand name versus Generic

[DTScott]

My daughter, who is 8, has been on Zonegran for a couple of years. Out of the blue...our pharmacy gave me the generic Zonisamide. My question...
Is there any difference between the two? Is it okay for her to take the generic?

[brain]

My daughter, who is 8, has been on Zonegran for a couple of years. Out of the blue...our pharmacy gave me the generic Zonisamide. My question...
Is there any difference between the two? Is it okay for her to take the generic?

Is generic Zonisamide bad? No and Yes. Depending on
whom the manufacturer is. It would be wise to stick with
one or two manufacturers that are the closest to each
other; otherwise, consult with the Doctor to have the
Brand Name only and if necessary, if your insurance
allows, an override, medically necessary, due to formulary
differences to vast generics availability.
Zonegran.com
does offer assistance to those who meet the criteria
through their special program if it is still available, I
have not checked it lately.


I was on Generic Formula for quite a while until a flurry
of Generics came flooding the basement; and now I'm
on the Brand Name only and not had any problems. But
I must stress I didn't have problems with the original
Generics (Sun Labs & Dr. Reddy - which are very close
to each other).

SPECIAL NOTE!
Please make sure that she drinks a little more water
than usual when she's on Zonisamide / Zonegran!


As with all anti-epileptic drugs, every medication effects and
affects everyone differently.

[DTScott]

Thanks Brain!! Tahya has been on Zonegran for two years and I did not know to push the water to prevent kidney problems...Thanks.

Will the pharmacist supply me the manufactures information? Or should I just go straight to her Ped. Neur? We get our medication at a naval pharmacy, which is so government run. A new pharmacist just came on and refused to give me Zonegran. She said it was a formulary drug....blah, blah, blah. Several phone calls later, she was made to order it. My husband picked it up today and I noticed that it was in a different bottle and the pills did not say Zonegran, as they usually did. That is my concern. I just had a bad feeling. I will keep her on the Zonegran until I find out exactly. I have a stash of 25mg until then.

[brain]

The Pharmacist can provide you the info;
just give them a call and state you'd like
the package insert, and they'd be glad or
a copy of it if all possible, they can print
it all out (remember there are so many
generics out there - so I wouldn't be able
to provide you the specifics, the Pharmacy
who fills it will be able to be of far more
assistance than I could).

In addition - if it did not say ZONEGRAN,
and the Doctor had it marked DAW (dispense
as written) - then you need to phone the
pharmacy. SOMETIMES Insurances will
require a generic formula if it is available,
however, there are more and more laws
coming out now making it more rigid and
exact - so if the Physician WRITES a
SCRIPT for DAW - HE/SHE MEANS DAW
no generic(s) or substitute(s)!

Generally, it's a wonderful thing to have
an established rapport with ONE Pharmacy
who KNOWS you, your family, et cetera.
And in addition - like my own Pharmacy,
they have rapport with all three of my Doctors
as well - so they are all in fine tune with each
other.

It's true, sometimes the Doctors are in a rush
and becomes absent minded and forgets to
write down DAW, my own Pharmacy has caught
this several times, has personally phoned them
and corrected this, all because of the close
rapport.

If you do not have this type of rapport with
your Pharmacy, then find one that you can
have an established rapport with. My Pharmacy
not only watches over my son and I, but they
also care! They do go the extra mile, and yes,
a couple of times they had some problems but
they always go the extra mile.

Even when I had a seizure (and I didn't know it),
they went the extra mile there too, twice, in two
different years!


Does your Pharmacy REALLY CARE, or is it all just
BUSINESS? There are caring Pharmacies out there,
but you have to look, and you can tell; Here's a
Breakdown list:

• 1) They take the time to answer your questions and
  are not annoyed or irritated.
  
• 2) Are more than happy to assist you
  
• 3) Will be alarmed if they see on your profile that
  there's medications that are going to cause conflicts
  and will notify you merely that they are going to consult
  with your Doctors first. Sometimes a different prescription
  will be given out to prevent problems that the one you
  brought in! OR If a specific prescription that raises "red
  flags" - but is deemed 'safe for you', it will be so noted
  on your account.
  
• 4) It's best to go to a Pharmacy that is opened 24/365/7
  in case of emergencies!
  
• 5) Above all things - type or print out your allergies, don't
  hide or withdraw anything - this includes any Over the
  Counter meds too. They will take care of it all. This will
  prevent any future problems and possibility - save your
  OWN LIFE!

[Shelley]

I was on generic albuteral for asthma for years. The doctor decided to try the brand name since my asthma has become chronic bronchitis. Wow, there is a difference in just the propellent alone. Now I am going to be careful, and make darn sure I get brand name meds.

[DTScott]

Tahya's Doc said "NO" for generic!!! Zonegran only!!! He couldn't believe that after two years the pharmacy went in this direction. We are military so we don't have much choice for pharmacy's unless we pay out of pocket.
Thanks for all the great info!!!!
Tobi