Posted by Cam W. on March 6, 2001, at 20:02:57
In reply to Re: Prozac Zyprexa Study » Neal, posted by Sunnely on March 6, 2001, at 19:33:39
> This kind of ploy is nothing new to the pharmaceutical companies. Ever heard of Depakote or divalproex sodium by Abbott? Except for the coating and the generic name (divalproex sodium) being registered so it could be patented (and no switching allowwed), no difference from Depakene (valproic acid), except the latter is much cheaper. The coating in Depakote is supposed to minimize the GI distress, although most patients generally tolerate Depakene (valproic acid).
>Sunnely - Actually, although divalproex (Depakote™ - U.S.; Epival™ - CDN) is a gimicky valproic acid, there is a slight difference besides the coating. Divalproex is 2 valproic acid molecules joined together that dissociates in the intestine, avoiding stomach upset; hence "di"-valproex. Therefore, Abbott can justify calling this a "different" drug.
HMOs and Provincial Formularies are getting around these pharmaceutical company ploys by only paying for the "least expensive equivalent" medication in a particular drug class; hence they will only pay for valproic acid, rather than ther more expensive divalproex. I guess this is the equivalent of nature's "Darwinian arms race". - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:55673
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55775.html