Sandoz introduces CellCept generic

PRINCETON,A N.J. The generics arm of Novartis has introduced its version of a drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs.

[Cheryk]

This generic version of Cellcept HAS NOT been approved by many transplant centers as of yet. Make sure you check with your center. You don't want to go into rejection just because you wanted to save.

[B from NJ]

Cheryk wrote:

This generic version of Cellcept HAS NOT been approved by many transplant centers as of yet. Make sure you check with your center. You don't want to go into rejection just because you wanted to save.

Couldn't agree more!

[Dave]

Insure trying to force generic wants doctor to submit paperwork so I can continue on non generic cellcept. Transplant Doc says generic not tested enough, can insurance force you to accept generic, or raise rate if doctor insists on non generic ?

[Jean]

Dave wrote:

Insure trying to force generic wants doctor to submit paperwork so I can continue on non generic cellcept. Transplant Doc says generic not tested enough, can insurance force you to accept generic, or raise rate if doctor insists on non generic ?

The doctors and I appealed to the insurance and i lost.Said generics are availabe and i have to take them or pay 40.00 copay plus 848.00 penality for taking cellcept.Is there any hope for the transplant patients.

[Dave]

we just lost our appeal also, the company my wife works for said they didn't care what the doctor wanted it was their policy to go with generics if available. they wouldn't however provid us with a letter stating this and the government wants to take over health care, it would be worse if you have ever had experience with a V A hospital. Thanks for your reply Jean, we've been to rock hil it's beautiful. Dave

[Ceiling]

Jean wrote:

<quoted text>
The doctors and I appealed to the insurance and i lost.Said generics are availabe and i have to take them or pay 40.00 copay plus 848.00 penality for taking cellcept.Is there any hope for the transplant patients.

this makes me sick... INS companies are nothing more than legitimate mobsters.

[Carla]

I asked for the generic CellCept so my copay would decrease to something I can afford. However, Medicate Part B (which covers my CellCept) won't allow the generic. They are forcing my pharmacy to fill brand name only. Go figure.

[Jean]

if you have high insurance payments or high copays on cellcept or prograg contact the health well foundation. you may be able to get some help thru them.

[Dave]

we're still looking for ways to keep the name brand, I'm into week two with generics and have to have labs done now twice a month, I guess those will tell how things are going.

[Tiffany]

Cheryk wrote:

This generic version of Cellcept HAS NOT been approved by many transplant centers as of yet. Make sure you check with your center. You don't want to go into rejection just because you wanted to save.

Call 1-888-754-7651 and ask for Savanah fee can be waived.Drug hasn't been tested on transplant patients.

[Tiffany]

Carla wrote:

I asked for the generic CellCept so my copay would decrease to something I can afford. However, Medicate Part B (which covers my CellCept) won't allow the generic. They are forcing my pharmacy to fill brand name only. Go figure.

Call 1-888-754-7651 talk to Savanah fee may be waived

[Tiffany]

Dave wrote:

we just lost our appeal also, the company my wife works for said they didn't care what the doctor wanted it was their policy to go with generics if available. they wouldn't however provid us with a letter stating this and the government wants to take over health care, it would be worse if you have ever had experience with a V A hospital. Thanks for your reply Jean, we've been to rock hil it's beautiful. Dave

call 1-888-754-7651 and ask for Savanah

[Tiffany]

Jean wrote:

if you have high insurance payments or high copays on cellcept or prograg contact the health well foundation. you may be able to get some help thru them.

Get hold of 1-800626-2538 stay on and press O then aske them Savanah's number,she will give you a card that will pay for the offset of cellcept!

[Dr Bob V]

I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years and have dispensed thousands of generic prescriptions. For my own personal use, for my elderly mother, and for my own children I always use generic medications. Always. There are currently 4 or 5 drugs that could make a difference if you switch from brand to generic or vice versa (phenytoin[Dilantin, others], levothyroxine [Synthroid, others]). Even for these my family uses generic - we just stay on the same brand of levothyroxine each month. I personally do not recommend brand name drugs.

[Dave]

Dr. Bob V., Thanks for your input, I have been taking the generic for Cellcept for over 3 months now, I was hesitant at first due to my Dr. advising against it due to being new and not tested,(cites previous lack of companies not doing adequate control on batches), I have labs drawn 2 times a month, no problems yet. It's just scary when your Dr. talks about not wanting you to take a generic over name brand, it paints a bleak picture until you realize there may not be a problem, again thank you.

[Tiffany]

Dave wrote:

Insure trying to force generic wants doctor to submit paperwork so I can continue on non generic cellcept. Transplant Doc says generic not tested enough, can insurance force you to accept generic, or raise rate if doctor insists on non generic ?

Yes,but call your transplant center and there is a toll free number to call and you can send the paid receipt in no matter what you make and get the $100.00 back from this Cellcept company,please don't anyone risk the generic the only difference in generic is it is slow to release.So see why they do not want us on the generic. It is not worth it no matter what.

[Dave]

I think I understand what you are saying,if I get name brand over generic and the insurance doesn't pay because of policy and Ipay for the name brand this toll free number will reimburse $100.00 of the cost?

[Tiffany]

Dave wrote:

I think I understand what you are saying,if I get name brand over generic and the insurance doesn't pay because of policy and Ipay for the name brand this toll free number will reimburse $100.00 of the cost?

Yes,Davemy transplant center has the number.The transplant nuber is 1-800-626-2538,this is the transplant number.They will give you a woman's name and she will send you a coupon to send in to get your $100.00 from cellcept. It is so rediculous. But for now we have a solution and after your reimbursement you end up paying $50.00.

[Tiffany]

Dr Bob V wrote:

I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years and have dispensed thousands of generic prescriptions. For my own personal use, for my elderly mother, and for my own children I always use generic medications. Always. There are currently 4 or 5 drugs that could make a difference if you switch from brand to generic or vice versa (phenytoin[Dilantin, others], levothyroxine [Synthroid, others]). Even for these my family uses generic - we just stay on the same brand of levothyroxine each month. I personally do not recommend brand name drugs.

You are not a transplant Dr. so I would never go according to anyone less than a transplant Dr..When we as transplant patients take any medicine our family physician has to call to see if we can take it. I am sure you see nothing wron with inflamatory drugs either and we are not suppose to take them.Celebrex caused me to loose my kidney and I won the lawsuit saying just that. You should have been in the court room to hear the medicines that are not okay for transplant patients. My daughter said they had an expert on generics and they are slow to get in the system that is the only difference.So now I understand exactly why we should not take them. I for one do not want to be on a list and risk dyalisis. Plus my donor only has one kidney left. Whatever the risk it is not worth it! Thhe transplant Drs. said they have not been tested enough on transplant patients!

[Dave]

That's the explanation I was waiting for, it was nice for Dr. Bob to respond, but everybody is different, and react to medicines differently, this is why I'm against the government health care as it is suggested.