Thoughts on Generic Ribashpere

[GoofyDad]

Around mid-December 2005, generic ribaviran hit the market in the form of Ribasphere. A number of us here are in the process being switched over to it, and I think it's safe to say more and more will be switching going forward.

Most of us would probably prefer to continue treatment with the name brand drug, although with the significant price differential between name brand and generic, I expect many of us would more willingly switch to the cheaper product were we paying out of pocket.  

I thought it would be informative to have a thread for discussing the merits and issues of generic ribavirin.

[mikesimon]

Kalio said "and that is the last I will say on this.
Pick a fight with someone else, I'm not interested" and then Kalio proceeded to post again and try to pick a fight. That is neither dignified NOR curteous. I mentioned your time here in the context that experience should foster an understanding of how things generally work around here. If you haven't been here that long perhaps you don't appreciate how  posts have been handled in the past. Do you really think I need you to tell me who is the boss here and what they can do and why? i fully understand that but for some weird reason I feel that it is my right to question. Would you deny me that too? And I mentioned my contribution to elucidate the simple fact that I put my money where my mouth is. I revere this board and thus I support it. And I know how to behave myself and have known long before you arrived. Is that clear enough for you? Now I am finished with this subject and I mean what I say. Mike

[NYgirl]

Trying to sidetrack again ;-)

My Ribas have ALWAYS been white capsules compared to your pink pills.  Maybe I can find a way to change too - just for variety. I'm sick of vanilla a bit of strawberry might do just fine.

best of luck

(Dont let tempers all get too high in here - on Day After Shot Day just have an extra bowl of ice cream guys)

[Forseegood]

agree with you girl, although I've been in a few scuffles myself so I prob shouldn't talk, sometimes it seems that people get a little cranky in waves (on this board)...I've read often that liver disease in general can wreak havoc on the nerves...hopefully, I'll try to retain whatever sense of humor and equanimity I have on the tx, but God knows, I might turn into Godzilla...though I'll try my level best not to...just think this is so stressful to have this and especially to treat for it...hopefully we can just let some of this go....

[PKCO]

The generic is the same as the name brand. It is subjected to the same rigorous standards as any new drugs. The active ingredient(s) must be exactly the same in quantity and dosage. I'm surprised to hear that there is actually a doctor out there who doesn't know this. For more info go to : www.fda.gov
That whole generic v. brand name is an urban legend. The placebo effect is very powerful.  ;)
PK

[Mister beagle bailey]

I was not prsent here when all this went down today.  But I'm amazed at how out of hand it has become.  Please all of yous think for a minute and don't let the riba rage take over as it seems to have done. Forget the poor chose of words, etc. and try to remember we are all in the same boat.  We are all sisters and brothers in the fight against Hep C.  If we don't all stick together with this, all else will fail. One thing is for sure that the public as a whole has know idea what Hep C really is and what it can do, nor do they understand how people can get it.  There are Drs., nurses, CEOs, teachers, and the list goes on who have it.  It knows no boundries and it doesn't matter if your rich, poor or homeless.  
It's important we remember this and stay a team.  It's the only way to get the word out to help protect ourselves, our children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Please give this a thought,

     The Beagle

[GoofyDad]

I've always felt as you do re generics. But my Dad's neurologist wants only the brand drug for his Parkison's med. Add to that my hepatologist who is open to the possibility of the generic affecting folks diffrently, and I have two highly trained specialists who suggest to me there *could* be a difference.

I expect the manufacturing process is pretty complex - not a cup of this and a cup of that and bake on a pre-greased pan at 350 - so while the drug spec is undoubtedly the same, there *could* be a difference in manufacturing lines.

With all that, I'm sticking with the generic and not loosing any sleep over it - thanks to my brand name Ambien......