generic imitrex.... myth or fact?

[jason]

Is there a generic yet? what is the predicted date if there is not? im sooo tired of paying so much money for these pills.. agh

[Janie]

Gosh, I agree!!!!!! i just went to the doc today and she gave me SIX nasal spray prescription--and it was $30.00, that is FIVE DOLLARS a pill!!! I cant afford this but Imitrex is the only thing that will relieve my migraine. I heard that prescriptions have a patent of TWENTY YRs, i dunno-- imitrex has been on the market for 10 yrs already- i think..I hope it comes in generic soooon

[Janie]

I just found this in wikipedia... so the 10 yrs were up but they had it extended---and then went into litigation, and HOPEFULLY a generic will be out next year!

. Originally covered by UK Patent GB2162522, extended by supplementary protection certificate SPC/GB93/071, protection in the UK (as well as the rest of Europe), expired on 16 May 2006. Through patent litigation, Glaxo was able to extend their US patent considerably beyond this date. However, as the result of a lawsuit by the maker of a generic version of the injectable version of Imitrex, a settlement should allow this generic to come to the market in the US in August of 2008.

[Janie]

I just posted a response and it was deleted.. anyhow, I went to the doctor today and got a script for 6 (one use) nasal sprays---my copay is $30 --so that makes each single use spray $5 --it is TOO expensive--even with insurance. it is killing me!

[bebe]

I've found a way around the high cost.......
I have my doctor prescribe the higher dosage and using a pill splitter cut the 100mg in half or sometimes in fourths. I wrap the unused cut pills in foil. two to four headaches relieved for the price of one.

[Kevin]

Does anyone know anything about all of the "generic Imitrex" that is advertised on the internet? If you do "google" on Imitrex, you find listings with generics. I think they have to be counterfit.

[cherbear]

I also have used a pill splitter on the 100 mgs. for years. I take two Naproxen with it, and it usually works like a charm. I have to pay 90 bucks for 9 pills PER MONTH, and that is with insurance. They won't let me have more than one script per month, as if they can number how many headaches I will have.:(
I called Glaxo a several years ago and told them about the mixing with Naproxen,....and guess what they are coming out with soon??

[Missy]

When you say Naproxen do you mean "Aleve"?

cherbear wrote:

I also have used a pill splitter on the 100 mgs. for years. I take two Naproxen with it, and it usually works like a charm. I have to pay 90 bucks for 9 pills PER MONTH, and that is with insurance. They won't let me have more than one script per month, as if they can number how many headaches I will have.:(
I called Glaxo a several years ago and told them about the mixing with Naproxen,....and guess what they are coming out with soon??

[julie]

I have been taking imitrex for many many years. I am "self insured", and just bought 12 for $250. What a deal. Anyway, I too split my apart and "judge" how bad it is going to be. I will go weeks without some, then weeks with a couple a week. The package insert says not to split them though. I guess because of stomach upset?

[ronda]

I, too, think it's ridiculous that the insurance companies will limit the number of pills. A few years back, when I was getting 3 to 4 migraines a week, I spoke to my insurer. While they would not increase the amount of pills for the Imitrex, they would accept a prescription for Zomig in addition to the Imitrex. Go figure. Between the 2 prescriptions, I was able to get almost enough pills to cover the month.

cherbear wrote:

I also have used a pill splitter on the 100 mgs. for years. I take two Naproxen with it, and it usually works like a charm. I have to pay 90 bucks for 9 pills PER MONTH, and that is with insurance. They won't let me have more than one script per month, as if they can number how many headaches I will have.:(
I called Glaxo a several years ago and told them about the mixing with Naproxen,....and guess what they are coming out with soon??

[Terry J]

I just pd $57.95 for 2 Imitrex. My ins. won't cover it again til the end of the mo.
Thank you for the info on litigation. It was exactly what I was looking for.
. Originally covered by UK Patent GB2162522, extended by supplementary protection certificate SPC/GB93/071, protection in the UK (as well as the rest of Europe), expired on 16 May 2006. Through patent litigation, Glaxo was able to extend their US patent considerably beyond this date. However, as the result of a lawsuit by the maker of a generic version of the injectable version of Imitrex, a settlement should allow this generic to come to the market in the US in August of 2008.

[mar]

I found generic Imitrex on Shopping.com for as low as $135 for 30 pills, 100 mgs. If I use a pill splitter, that's practically a years supply.

[Anne]

See http://www.migraeniker.dk/english/index_eng.h...

The low prices in Denmark are only possible because of the special subsidy system for prescription medicines in Denmark.

But maybe some lobbying could introduce the cheap generic Sumatriptan also in the US?

Anne

[akk]

mar wrote:

I found generic Imitrex on Shopping.com for as low as $135 for 30 pills, 100 mgs. If I use a pill splitter, that's practically a years supply.

Is the generic you found real? I've heard about Rx internet scams. Have you used it - did it have the same efficacy? Thanks

[aggmom]

I just went into the Imitrex website and found a printable coupon for $25. I'm guessing you can print (or copy) as many as you can use until Dec. 31. At least you don't have to wait to get it (the coupon)in the mail! By splitting the 100mg and using the coupon, you can make the cost a little better.

[akk]

Has anyone out there obtained Imitrex (generic or brand) from an internet pharmacy? Have you used it? Did it work? My insurance is charging me $600 (no, that's not a typo) for one card of 100 mg pills.

[FASFans]

Imitrex is the only thing that helps my headaches. It's a miracle drug. However, that "miracle" is costing me (out-of-pocket) almost $200 for 27, 50mg pills. I also love it that the drug companies get to decide what a "three month supply" is. How do they figure that nine pills a month is sufficient? Are they in my head? No. This has to end. I hope that things change in August, 2008, but I'm not optimistic.

[mike]

Ive been splitting them for years

[judy]

AKK: your insurance company is ripping you off big time, unless that "card" has a LOT of pills on it. Even self-pay, a prescription for Imitrex pills I filled years ago was $13/ pill. It's not hard to find them for around $10/ a pill at legit online U.S. pharmacies. Have your doc give you a written prescription and shop around.

Yesterday I found a U.K. pharmacy with a promotional price of $3.88/ card of six (count 'em) pills; they will let you order six cards at once; these are 100mg's, which I have split too w/ no problems...Sounds way crazy, too-good-to-be-true, I know--but I checked them out every way I could and I THINK it's legit. They give address & phone #'s, carry many meds, not just a few, require a prescription, etc. and are listed on a pharmacy checking site I believe to be legitimate.

I have ordered and should get them within a week to ten days. I will re-post here to let you all know if it turns out ok. I figure I don't have too much to lose, since I just plain can't afford them here.(I have no insurance at all; can't get it. Don't know the price of the nasal spray; I can't use it. But the pills are $13 each, and the shots over $140 for two.) All you migraineurs know how much suffering these pills will alleviate if it's truly possible to get them at this price! I'll let you know.

[klh]

I too have had it with the cost. I just filled my script - got 9 pills (max allowed at once) for $189.99.$21.11 per pill. I hate paying that, but when you get a migraine you'll pay about anything to make it go away! I was looking for generic,but that appears to be a ways off.
I'm curious to hear how Judy's UK order goes, so will check back.