Summary and comments:
Although this study was performed with patients taking brand name Topamax and generic topiramate for epilepsy, patients taking them for Migraine and headache prevention could indeed encounter similar problems. At this point, a major problem for patients who are using the generic, but would like to return to the brand name is cost. There is a significant price difference between brand and generic. Even with prescription drug insurance, this is a problem as most insurance companies will no longer cover brand name Topamax. This shows a short-sighted, put-the-money-first attitude on the part of those making such decisions for the insurance companies.
If you're taking topiramate and switching to the generic, keep your prescription bottles. The bottles should have the name of the generic manufacturer on the label. If you experience problems after changing to the generic, please discuss the problems with your doctor.
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Source:
Duh, M.S., MPH, ScD; Paradis, P.E., MA, DESS; Latre´mouille-Viau,D., MA; Greenberg, P.E., MS, MA; Lee, S.P., PharmD, MS; Durkin, M.B., M.F.T., MS; Wan, G.J., PhD, MPH; Rupnow, M.F.T., PhD; LeLorier, J., MD, PhD. "The risks and costs of multiple-generic substitution of topiramate." Neurology 2009;72:2122–2129. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181aa5300.
Interview with Dr. John Claude Krusz. Teri Robert. August 14, 2009.
Note: You can read more about brand and generic medications in this post by Karen Lee Richards, Brand Name vs. Generic Drugs: Are They Really the Same?
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© Teri Robert, 2009. Last updated August 14, 2009.
