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The problem is not that generics or brand name are superior. The problem is that they are not exactly equivalent to each other and some people who switch may find that they need to be "re-titrated" if you have already been stabilized on brand name. Just let your neurologist know and he may have some suggestions for readjustment. It is unfair that they force people to switch if they are stable on one medication, but that's the law - written by people who are not medical and don't understand the concepts of bio-equivalence well. In any event, generic levodopa works well if you stick to it. It will work as well as the brand name, and will be less expensive. However, switching back and forth will create problems, or even switching between two different generics, if in the future someone else comes out with a third generic alternative. Make sure you insist that your pharmacy dispense THE SAME generic each time. Jorge Romero, MD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ivan M Suzman" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2000 8:54 AM Subject: Trouble with "generic" carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 > A medical question: > > My government insurance (Medicaid) > requires generic substitutes > for "brand names," and I have no choice, > unless I pay out-of-pocket. > > The most recent refill of my "generic" > carbidopa/l-dopa 25/100 prescription > was composed of pills that were drier, > and slightly paler than usual-like a > faded lemon pastel color, but strangely > chalky. > > They have not worked as quickly, > nor have they lasted as long. I do not > know whether it is PD or the pills or > something else that made them noticeably > different. > > The pharmacist just told me that > the generic brand is actually an Israeli drug company's > product. The company is Teva. > > Does anyone have comments or > suggestions on what you might do next? > > Ivan > 50/39/36 >