Generic vs. Non generic hormones

[dlee]

Just a quick question, I've had my prescription for about 4 days now im just waiting to go to a pharmacy and price the cost. I started pricing online and saw the "generic alternative" is way cheaper than the "brand name". Is the generic brand just as effective as the brand name? Im sure it is just looking for for some insight.

[Shodan]

I can't speak for HRT medications specifically, but every other mediation I've taken I've taken both the generic and brand name, and to be honest, the only difference between the two that I've noticed is how much I have to pay for them. After a while I've given up on trying the brand name first and have gone straight to the generic prescription when possible. I suspect that when it's time for me to start HRT I'll do the same.

[Seras]

Generic drugs are meant to be identical to their branded counterparts.

Just be careful if your thinking of getting generics online that you are buying from a reputable source.

[Jenna Marie]

Most of the time the generics are identical except in "inactive compounds" (which is usually only an issue for someone with allergies).

However, I did find out the hard way that the generic Climara patch is about 4X the size of the brand name and the adhesive is much worse. Not sure how they get away with that - the adhesive is how the medication is administered, so I'd think it was part of the active ingredients? - but tons of women on hysterectomy sites also agreed it was an issue. Bleah.

[Sadie]

Depends on the individual.

My ex was on Zoloft, she absolutely could not take generic Zoloft. She always had to have the brand name. Bad things happened when she took the generics.

I use generic hormones, they are working. But I never have idiosyncratic reactions or side effects to drugs (so far)

[Jamie D]

For instance, Spironolactone is the generic name for the diuretic/anti-androgen brand name Aldactone (in the U.S.).

Cyproterone acetate (generic) is branded as Androcur and Cyprostat, but is not legally available in the United States.

If you have a Walmart near you, you can get a one month supply for $4, and a three month supply, of low dose Spironolactone for $10.   Generic Estradiol (which is likely to be Estrace or Progynova) is the same price, for several different dosages.   You might want to check the online listing of several of the major pharmacy chains.

Talk to the pharmacist if you have questions.

[dlee]

Yes I checked online and they did have both brands the generic is cheaper so im just gonna do a a 3 month supply at Walmart.

[XchristineX]

I had a longish converasation with a pharmd yesterday morning

Basically what he said is this...there is no differance...
Its a royalty issue for x number of years.....

Chemically the same.....

So go with generics...is what I do...my HRT is free bur why put
Extra strain on a system that is already stressed?

[JoanneB]

My wife, who know far more about chemistry then I have forgotten and also worked as a lab tech for a major chemical company, explained it to me this way. The "basic" molecule is kind of sort of the same. How you take a handfull of assorted chemical ingredients and process them to get the drug is what varies. There are lots of secondary reactions and the purity of the end product reflects that. Even among generics the mileage will vary as anyone beholden to their insurance policy can tell you as each month the pharmacy may get in yet another brand of generic. Much of the brand name magic is due to the process used to get the final drug and this is proprietary.