Generic Synthroid/Levoxyl

[WVUPharm2007]

Every single day I swear I get 5 scripts at least from specialists that claim switching to the AB generic would be just so, so horrible that they have to write for brand every time. Is there any documented proof anywhere that suggests that the generic levothyroxine is an inferior product or isn't as accurately weighed as the branded version? I'd like to think these specialists are actually getting this from somewhere other than assumption.

 

[ZpackSux]

Every single day I swear I get 5 scripts at least from specialists that claim switching to the AB generic would be just so, so horrible that they have to write for brand every time. Is there any documented proof anywhere that suggests that the generic levothyroxine is an inferior product or isn't as accurately weighed as the branded version? I'd like to think these specialists are actually getting this from somewhere other than assumption.

I only carry the cheapest Levothroid generic levothyroxine under contract. I haven't had any issues for the past 10 years. But that's just me.

 

[bananaface]

There is more than 1 generic out. The Sandoz product is AB rated to Synthroid and to Levoxyl. The Mylan product was only AB rated to the Synthroid product at launch. I'm not sure offhand if an additional equivalency has been added in the meantime.

CA law is a bit different than elsewhere. Most areas couldn't legally substitute until the AB ratings were established.

If the prescriber says DAW, it's DAW. Your store probably makes more $ per RX from Synthroid and Levoxyl than for generic, anyway. The markup on "dirt cheap" may be higher percentage wise. But, when brand cost so much more than generic, a smaller percent profit can lead to a higher overall profit per RX. When i checked it out my store was making 5x as much per Synthroid RX and 3x as much per Levoxyl RX relative to the Sandoz generic.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Yeah, I know I'd make more with a brand, it's simple economics. I want to know if there is any empirical evidence supporting brand being more accurate/consistent than generic?

 

[Caverject]

If the prescriber says DAW, it's DAW.

DUH

 

[ultracet]

Yeah, I know I'd make more with a brand, it's simple economics. I want to know if there is any empirical evidence supporting brand being more accurate/consistent than generic?

Actually that's not what we are told in our business class..

I'm sure one of the independent rphs on here can tell us for sure but...

this is cash patients mind you

i was told that you can actually make more on generics because the markup is greater from you to the patient whereas brands are always so expensive you can't afford to mark them up as much

yes the percentage will definitely be greater but if you are talking $5 markup on brand and $7 on generic... the generic is still cheaper and you make money on it


now again...
i could be completely wrong on this one that's just what those people who stand in front of us all day say.

 

[Sosumi]

I think it was mentioned in this thread.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=185089&highlight=synthroid

 

[jdpharmd?]

I think that one of the major problems that we're facing is that you can "DAW" for brand name and get some consistancy, but as soon as the "DAW" gets left off, the patient could be switched around to a multitude of generics at each refill. I.E. nobody will "DAW Mylan generic Levothyroxine"..

Consistancy is the only thing that the patient needs, and the dose can be worked out from there via labs. The problem (IF there is one) is switching the patient from one generic to another at irregular intervals, and frequently without telling the patient. (also applies to other NTI drugs, like warfarin).

Every single day I swear I get 5 scripts at least from specialists that claim switching to the AB generic would be just so, so horrible that they have to write for brand every time. Is there any documented proof anywhere that suggests that the generic levothyroxine is an inferior product or isn't as accurately weighed as the branded version? I'd like to think these specialists are actually getting this from somewhere other than assumption.