 |
 |
Some patients do notice a difference between brand name Sinemet and the generic levodopa/carbidipa though most do not. Teva is a reputable company so I would not be concerned that you are receiving something other than what is stamped on the pill. I'm told by my advisers (who do regularly prescribe for Medicaid recipients) that the small number of patients who notice a significant difference between the brand name and generic have been able to revert to using the brand name Sinemet (and had the costs covered) when an appropriate letter is written by the doctor explaining the patient's sensitivity and thus lack of quality response when using the generic version. Of course, you may want to try a different version of the generic. Athena makes their own which many individuals are and have been using successfully. Athena can be contacted at 1-800-528-4362 (they are located in California) or via their website at www.athenaneuro.com. Jeanne Lee-Rosner PDF-Chicago ----- 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 >