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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 20:29:54
I am at a loss to understand how a generic of a med which is otherwise not out of patent and is not available from the "usual" generics companies can be found in an internet pharmacy?
Uh, how?
The active ingredient as compounded belongs to the formulators until the patent expires or a legal action, correct?
My med's patent expires in like 2000 and teens. I have kept up with the going-ons regarding my med and info regarding generic status.... Yet, a well-meaning someone sent me a link to a site - not in my country, the US - which offers bargain basement pricing on this med as a generic. This site does claim to require a script or other proof of precribing....
I'm not interested in the: "The prices are amazing..." place but I would like to know how one could really be getting a generic that's yet to be a generic as I understand it.
Could it be real or is it a whodo?
Posted by dbc on August 29, 2008, at 20:46:13
In reply to Generic when not generic available?, posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 20:29:54
Its a scam unless its possibly an abusable substance. If that were the case though it would be quite expensive.
For instance there was a forum years ago that has long since shut down that i remember seeing grams of xanax powder being sold at a steep price and it was legit.
Posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 21:15:22
In reply to Re: Generic when not generic available?, posted by dbc on August 29, 2008, at 20:46:13
> i remember seeing grams of xanax powder being sold at a steep price and it was legit.
Oh my.... warehouse product sizing, I guess....
The whole generic yet not did not make sense to me. Sad situation if it did make sense to some and they took em up on it...
Posted by Phillipa on August 29, 2008, at 21:15:32
In reply to Re: Generic when not generic available?, posted by dbc on August 29, 2008, at 20:46:13
Can't be the same med. A patent is a patent to my knowledge. Phillipa
Posted by mav27 on August 29, 2008, at 22:07:33
In reply to Generic when not generic available?, posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 20:29:54
Could be made in a country that doesn't give a stuff about american patents. If a company in Iran started making generic lexepro for eg they could advertise it for sale on the internet and there is bugger all that could be done about it.
(i think lexepro is still in patent, otherwise substitute if for a drug that is, but you get the idea)Im assuming the site you came accross isn't from the US if i read it correctly.
Posted by bleauberry on August 29, 2008, at 22:18:25
In reply to Generic when not generic available?, posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 20:29:54
Actually, those generics are the real thing. That is, from reputable manufacturers...in countries that are not bound by the owner's patent. Many of the generic manufacturers are in India. They ship worldwide. I can confirm, from usage of some of these meds myself, they are the real thing. They can make them generically because they are in a country where the patent does not have any value or legal relevance. Patents do not apply worldwide in every country.
I am sure there are some ripoff scams out there and some false drugs. But they are outnumbered by the legitimate reliable and reputable international pharmacies that ship to most countries. There are a good number of them. I have dealt personally with four of them. All excellent service, fast delivery considering traveling halfway around the world, and all generics felt like the real thing to me. Just one example, there is no mistaking how Modafinil feels. There is no mistake how Viagra feels. Some people at other forums even commented they prefer the Indian generic Modafinil to the real thing.
Posted by Racer on August 30, 2008, at 1:00:55
In reply to Generic when not generic available?, posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 20:29:54
Yep, it's a patent thing. In fact, it's one of the issues involved in some of those global health crises -- some of the pharmaceutical companies are balking at offering lowered prices to developing nations on some drugs, because those same nations won't enforce patents.
{sigh}
It's one of those things where both parties are right, both are wrong -- and you just kinda wanna say, "You kids better not make me stop this car!"
And, of course, some of it is just plain counterfeit. Since there's no real way to know whether or not a medication ordered online is legit or not, those who can't afford their medication are probably better off applying for the compassionate care programs with the patent holder.
Oh, yeah, and -- Hi, honey!
Posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 30, 2008, at 5:55:16
In reply to Generic when not generic available?, posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 20:29:54
Thanks to all for your input.
I guess I've always looked at these compounds as extra special secret recipes that big pockets go a good distance to protect for as long as possible. But, as far as the secret part, that might be my naive side a-showin'.
For the sake of folks who have valid and good - that gets relative, I guess - reasons for pursuing this as a means of procurement, I hope they ARE getting the real deal, so to speak. : )
Posted by SLS on August 30, 2008, at 6:10:20
In reply to Re: Generic when not generic available?, posted by bleauberry on August 29, 2008, at 22:18:25
Generics are not identical to the original US branded drug. Yes, the active ingredient is to be the same. However, there is a difference in the manufacturing process and the formula of binders and excipients that are designed to deliver the drug into the blood stream. I've seen differences in peoples' reaction to a switch to a generic. They sometimes lose the antidepessant response and deteriorate. My doctor had this happen to a patient taking Paxil (paroxetine). I have come across a few more anecdotes using other antidepressants.
- Scott
Posted by seldomseen on August 30, 2008, at 8:17:21
In reply to Generic when not generic available?, posted by Hygieia's Bowl on August 29, 2008, at 20:29:54
It could be a scam, but it most likely isn't. There are US patents and worldwide patents. They expire typically at different times.
Another thing to consider is that a company can patent the formulation of the drug - the way the active ingredient is actually compounded into a pill, capsule etc... Sometimes this patent is a process, sometimes it is the inactive ingredients that surround the active ingredient, sometimes it is a coating on the pill.
Some of these formulations are essential to the activity of the drug. So, while the active ingredient patent may expire, the company still holds the patent on how to formulate the drug.
You have to be very careful in situations like this because, yes, you are getting the drug, but you are not getting it in a fashion that is as therapeutic as the name brand.
Seldom
This is the end of the thread.
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