We had to refill Cris’ most expensive prescription today, and were delighted to find it has just gone generic. This knocks $600 off the price!
Ray Dunakin said:Good for you. I know drug companies must recoup research costs, but a $600 difference seems excessive to me. Ralph
We had to refill Cris' most expensive prescription today, and were delighted to find it has just gone generic. This knocks $600 off the price!
Yeah, new psychiatric meds tend to be very expensive. But I’m glad they keep coming up with new ones. When Cris was first diagnosed (bipolar disorder) in 1975, there was just one - lithium. After 25 years she had to stop using it because it built up to toxic levels in her kidneys. If there was nothing new, she’d be screwed.
Ray Dunakin said:Great news, Ray!
We had to refill Cris' most expensive prescription today, and were delighted to find it has just gone generic. This knocks $600 off the price!
Ray,
Did you get my e-mail?
Joe
Yes, I got it Joe, thanks. I guess you didn’t get my reply. Cris and I have always tried to be open about her condition, in an effort to alleviate some of the stigma. It’s because of that stigma that many people who need help don’t seek it, or refuse it.
On the other hand, if anyone else thinks what I’ve posted falls into the category of “too much information”, or if there’s some other factor I’m overlooking, I’ll edit or delete the post.
Ray, I can appreciate you delight at finally getting a generic medicine, but be forwarned. Brand named medicines are required to maintain a standard of being within 10% of the advertised strength. Generics are only required to be within 25% of the advertised strength. That is a 50% range, from 25% under, to 25% over. Watch her carefully for under or over medication.
Most often, meds made in the USA are spot on, but the problem comes from imported meds. Just be careful and take notice. Her meds may need to be adjusted up or down.
Steve Featherkile said:
Ray, I can appreciate you delight at finally getting a generic medicine, but be forwarned. Brand named medicines are required to maintain a standard of being within 10% of the advertised strength. Generics are only required to be within 25% of the advertised strength. That is a 50% range, from 25% under, to 25% over. Watch her carefully for under or over medication.Most often, meds made in the USA are spot on, but the problem comes from imported meds. Just be careful and take notice. Her meds may need to be adjusted up or down.
Very interesting, Steve. You’ve got me wondering if that applies in Oz, too. Many of our medicines are produced by US manufacturers.
What you’re saying means Cris could conceivably take a dosage that is 25% under, followed by a dosage 25% over. That doesn’t sound like a good thing - and I doubt it’s as simple as saying one cancels out the other.
One of my mates was taking what’s basically a low-dose aspirin. Being the stubborn sort, he was convinced he didn’t need the full dosage, so he began cutting the tablets in half with a Stanley knife. I suggested he was making the assumption that the medication was evenly distributed throughout the tablet. It gave him pause - but I think he’s still doing it!
Dear Ray,
Best wishes to you, Cris and the rest of your loved ones.
Thanks for sharing your work.
Have you heard about or studied omega 3 fish oil?
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik