Generic A.I's

Information about conventional breast cancer treatments - inc surgery, chemo, rads, hormonal, reconstruction, lymphedema, side effects
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zigzag
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Re: Generic A.I's

Postby zigzag » Thu Sep 13, 2012 12:53 pm

Hi Wendy
I am taking Arimadex and tolerating it well. I take it in the morning after breakfast. I always like to have some food in my stomach before I take any type of medication.

I have been offered a generic by the pharmacist but the cost was the same and I am concerned with the fillers in the generics so happy to stick with the brand name - especially as my side effects are fairly minimal.

cheers
Deb
Dx June 2011, DCIS 6mm & 8mm, Lumpectomy, Sentinal Node Biopsy (3 nodes removed all clear) P+ E+, 30 x Rads, Arimadex x 5 yrs (lasted 2 years Onc was fine for me to go off it) Dx Dec 2013 Lymphoma! Gawd Wot Next!

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winterlong
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Re: Generic A.I's

Postby winterlong » Wed Sep 12, 2012 5:12 pm

I am re starting Anastrozole tomorrow.
I tried for a few weeks after Rads, but felt lousy.
When I saw my Rads Onc, she said I'd tried it too soon after treatment, and to give it another go, but take only 1/2 a tablet for awhile, and see how that goes.
She has other patients who that worked for, and her point was, some is better than nothing.

My chemist asked if I wanted generic, and I asked if it differed in any way from the Arimidex..ie fillers etc. he said it was Exactly the same.
Reading through on line forums about it, and best time of day etc, many seem to feel there IS a diff.
quite bewildering.

I think I'll just go ahead anyway, with the generic.

Would love to hear others experience if they've taken it, or Arimidex.

Cheers,
:heart:
winterlong (Wendy) :)
.

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jayem
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Re: Generic A.I's

Postby jayem » Sat Apr 14, 2012 1:28 am

I am every so slightly wary of generics as, although the active ingredients are the same as the branded medications, the agents used to bind may not be. It is sometimes these binding agents that cause reactions.

I also have a moral aversion to the generics in that the branded medications have gone through a rigorous testing process, funded by a specific company, and the companies that market the generics come in and take advantage of all that research.

Having said all that, if the generic medication is the only one available then I would want to take it, although that was an interesting point Gail about those on trials. For that reason also I will need to stay with the branded Femara.
Jan

Dx 20 Sept 2006, 2 cm IDC + DCIS, 1/16+ node, ER+, PR+, HER2-, 4 AC, 4 Taxol, 33 rads
CFEM Trial 5 years Arimidex, 5 year SOLE trial Femara
Dx Aug 2016 neuroendocrine cancer in pancreas, mets to liver, abdominal nodes, hip, skull, scalp and breast.

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Re: Generic A.I's

Postby KarenC » Fri Apr 13, 2012 10:49 pm

Thanks Gail for that info on Femara
I would not take a generic if offered one when getting my script filled,
but it's handy to know that we may be able pay the same as the generic brand.
Invasive Ductual Carcinoma Bre grade 3, ER+/PR+ Her2+ Feb '10 Lumpectomy 20mm clear margins clear lymph nodes Chemo March '10 Taxotere Carboplatin Herceptin 5 weeks radiation Femara - 5 years

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Gail
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Generic A.I's

Postby Gail » Fri Apr 13, 2012 1:00 pm

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News | 2 April 2012

Are you taking Femara or Arimidex? You may now be offered generic brand alternatives to these drugs by your pharmacist.

Femara and Arimidex are brand names for the drugs letrozole and anastrozole, respectively. These drugs are often broadly referred to as aromatase inhibitors. Femara is manufactured by Novartis, and Arimidex is manufactured by AstraZeneca.

Generic versions of letrozole and anastrozole have the same active ingredients as Femara and Arimidex, but will have different brand names and are manufactured by other companies.

These generic versions will be available on the PBS from 1 April 2012, which means your pharmacist may now offer you a generic version next time you have your prescription filled.

Sometimes opting for generic versions of medications will be cheaper. However, BCNA has been advised by both AstraZeneca and Novartis that they will not charge any more for Arimidex and Femara than the generic versions of the drug. This means that if you elect to continue taking Femara or Arimidex, it should not cost you more than if you had chosen a generic version.

If you take Femara and participate in the Novartis bisphosphonate access programme, you should be aware that switching to a generic version will mean you will be unable to continue to access free bisphosphonates. Your doctor should be aware of this, and will ensure that your prescription is for Femara only, not a generic brand of letrozole.

Women who are currently taking Aromasin (manufactured by Pfizer) may have already noticed there are generic versions available for this drug. Aromasin is the brand name for exemestane, another form of aromatase inhibitor. BCNA has confirmed with Pfizer that the cost of Aromasin is no more than the cost of generic alternatives.

If you have any concerns about your prescription or feel you've been overcharged for your medication, speak to your pharmacist or doctor about the issue. If you have any general queries about this issue, you can contact BCNA at beacon@bcna.org.au or freecall 1800 500 258.
"You Gotta Laugh!"

Gail


Diagnosed April 2006,Lumpectomy,17 of 25 nodes positive, chemo, radiation. Finished treatment March 07
Diagnosed July 2012 cancer of mediastinal(nodes around lungs and heart)pelvis and spine. Up for the fight!


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