Neuro changing me to Topiramate from Topamx

[Belinda5000]

My insurance company won't cover Topamax but I have about 3 month supply of it. I'd also just go ahead and get my medicine filled weather I needed it or not.:agree:
I go see my neuro the 8th of this month to see what he wants me to do.
I talked with him on the phone when he called me today.He said He didn't like me being on generics because I was so hard getting my sz's controlled.

 

[Angelita14]

I didn't think there was a difference in generics or am I wrong? I was on Topiramate for quite a while but it stopped working so now I'm in Gabapentin.

 

[Belinda5000]

I didn't think there was a difference in generics or am I wrong? I was on Topiramate for quite a while but it stopped working so now I'm in Gabapentin.

There is a slight difference between the named brand and the generic, and since I'mso hard to control my neuro doesn't like to take the chance with generics.

 

[Cint]

There is a slight difference between the named brand and the generic, and since I'mso hard to control my neuro doesn't like to take the chance with generics.

I have refractory epilepsy, too, and my epileptologist does not want me taking any generic AEDs either. Most epileptogist who see patients with refractory E will tell their patients to stay with the name brand meds for better seizure control. I've taken Topamax for 15 years now.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018179/

The Controversy over Generic Antiepileptic Drugs

 

[valeriedl]

I've always taken generic meds and I've never had a problem with them. My neuro has never insisted on taking name brand for any reason. He has asked me if I'd prefer taking the name brand but I always ask him if he thought there was any reason that I should and he didn't say there was.

I guess though if your neuro would rather you taking name brands then there is probably a reason for it.

I know that most generics are MUCH less expensive than name brands are. If I were to take name brands for all the meds that I'm on I'd be broke after having them refilled.

 

[Cint]

I guess though if your neuro would rather you taking name brands then there is probably a reason for it.

The reason my neuro has me taking name brands is because I have refractory E and had an unsuccessful temporal lobectomy and had several bad accidents, due to seizures.

And here are some reasons to consider:

http://www.epilepsy.com/information...tic-and-generic-substitutions/article-generic
Issues for Generics Specific to Epilepsy

The characteristics of epilepsy and the potential serious ramifications of therapy failure must be considered. Epilepsy is not like other medical conditions, such as elevated cholesterol, because of the seriousness of seizure events. Epilepsy patients are particularly vulnerable to the disadvantages of generic products, since slight deviations in the serum concentrations of AEDs can be the difference between keeping a patient seizure free and the occurrence of a breakthrough seizure. A breakthrough seizure after a long remission can have significant psychosocial and physical consequences for the epilepsy patient in areas of life such as employment and driving, and could lead to injury.

....... Generics are susceptible to changes over time. Excipients and colorants used in generic products may differ from the brand, potentially causing problems. In 2000, there were more than 26 different generic preparations for five brand name AEDs, with multiple suppliers and formulations. Pharmacies may change supplier depending on price and availability. For reasons discussed above, it is desirable for physicians to be able to use a single-source generic during initiation, titration, and maintenance of AED therapy; however, patients and physicians generally do not have any indication of a change from one refill to another unless they specifically ask. Patients can also become confused by changes in their medication. Generic names are not as easy to remember, spell, or pronounce as branded names. In addition, generic products usually differ in appearance from the brand and from other generic versions of the same product.

I know that most generics are MUCH less expensive than name brands are. If I were to take name brands for all the meds that I'm on I'd be broke after having them refilled.

Usually, insurance covers name brand meds for E if the neuro writes on the script. If not, go here:
http://www.epilepsy.com/get-help/services-and-support/patient-assistance

 

[Dignan]

If the neuro specifies brand name is required, then the insurance company really should have no choice. It will likely be a higher price, but I believe it is capped at a point so you still wouldnt be being full price as though you were getting it with no insurance support at all.

Tell your neuro to contact the pharmacy/prescriber, as you have a legitimate reason for taking brand name.

 

[lindsayschu2]

I found a difference on generic topamirate from topamax--my insurance covered it if my dr. marked the script "brand name necessary"--but the copay was still a lot higher. Have you called your insurance to see if they will cover it if the doc marks it brand necessary? Insurance companies are such pains!!!

 

[Dignan]

Yes my copay is higher, but I just pay it. My insurance said the full price for a three month supply of brand name keppra was $1500+, but since Doc said it was necessary my cost was capped at $120 for 3 month supply.

That is still higher than the generic, but I'm willing to pay the $120 for the stability.

 

[Belinda5000]

I'm on medicare my Tegretol is covered but my Topamax would cost $600 a month out of pocket if not more. I see my neuro tomorrow and I talk with him about all of this.
I know he put in a call for an exception to the formulary.