What Is The Best Generic Of Lamictal? (Page 5) (Top voted first)

I've been taking the generic for Lamictal for about five years. Recently I've been feeling different at about the beginning of the year. I use to take the white ones but now I am taking a generic by Taro. What is the best generic for this drug? I never really payed any attention until I started getting this crazy migraines. If anyone has any insights it would be much appreciated.

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So I tried both Taro and Unichem for a couple months each. Did "ok" on both but still up and down moods.

I'm currently trying a "branded generic" lamotrigine called Subvenite by OWL Pharmaceuticals (non-profit). Basically they went through all these extra hoops to get their specific generic its own NDA so your doctor can write it for ONLY that kind. They're making these for a few seizure meds since epileptics can have serious issues w/ bad/changing generics.

It's only been 2 days but I do think it's working better than "Unichem" which I was on for the past 2 months. Pain in the ass to find a pharmacy that could order it even w/ a script. I did find an independent pharmacy that got it next day though so I'll just use them from now on. Praying it works well as my go to Lamictal generic (TEVA) was discontinued. Brand (which I took until 2008 or whenever it went generic) was about the same as that. Only $16 with one of those app/coupon things.

If anyone else has taken Subvenite it'd be cool to hear your experience. I'll followup w/ mine after I use it for a longer period of time. Currently taking 250mg and have been taking Lamictal since 2007 (Brand, TEVA, then tried Alembic, Taro, Unichem)

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I’ve tried many generics, Teva was best but now discontinued. Taro is next best, i had to have my dose increased. Maybe you dr consider increasing your dose would be better option in my opinion.

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Re: Connie (# 12)

A brand name drug can vary 20% from its stated dosage, according to FDA regulations. There are some exceptions to this rule for drugs that require a tighter tolerance to be safe. It's interesting that in the USA, liquor and other alcohol containing products must be within 1% of the stated proof, and pharmaceuticals can vary 20%. This is not to say that generics are the same as brand. What you're getting in a generic is anyone's guess. Look up the pharmacy Valisure for a source of generics that are evaluated to be what they claim to be (what a novel idea right?). Also, go to your local library and check out a book called "Bottle of Lies" for an interesting investigation into the generic industry.

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Re: PeterWashington (# 195)

Called Taro this morning - Lamotrigine is NOT being discontinued, and has indeed been on backorder...triggered by the recall of the 100mg. Should be making its way back to suppliers soon - they are still getting shipments in, and have more ordered...but then it has to get to a supplier for individual pharmacies to be able to get it. This rep told me that the Walgreens supplier is AmerisourceBergen (ABC). Why does it have to be so hard to get a generic that we need from a specific manufacturer??!! Anyway, I am going to get Unichem from Walgreens for one month and hope that I don't crash... maybe by next month the Taro will be available again.

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Re: Karen (# 207)

I’m still trying to find a good alternative to Cadista. No one really mentions it in this thread, but I thought it worked well. From what I’ve read, most people that liked Teva, the most popular one before it was discontinued a couple years ago, have switched over to Unichem and some to Taro, and I haven’t heard any complaints lately. I think Unichem is the one I will try next; I’ll post an update when I have more info. How about you, have you found any generic particularly good or bad?

I would also say don’t take any one person’s opinion as fact; just because they reacted one way doesn’t mean you will. Try some different generics, I still haven’t tried Zydus and a couple others. If none of them work, it might be possible to buy the brand name from Canada through mail order pharmacy. I’ve never done it, but I don’t see why you couldn’t. I saw brand name Lamictal from GlaxoSmithKline on a Canadian mail order website and it came out to be about $75-$100 per month for 200mg/day.

There is also the possibility that you could ask your doctor for the ODT (orally dissolving tablet) or chewable version of lamotrigine, but I’ve never tried those and don’t know how they measure up. You may also qualify for patient assistance from GSK for brand name if you meet their criteria. You may also need to increase or decrease your dose a little bit. It could also take two weeks or more for your body to adjust to a new generic. Hope you find something that works, let us know if you do.

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Re: aussiecurry (# 8)

WARNING>>> STOP THE NONSENSE! THE GENERICS ARE NOT 99% OF THE ORIGINAL. Generic lamotrigine formulas, when you are accustomed to Lamictal, are woefully lackluster and can be dangerously dissimilar. generics only have to be accountable for 80% of the same ingredients as the brand. I've been on Lamictal brand most of my life and have paid the price for using generics...without fail. They are not even close to the same as far as effectiveness or mental stability. Every time I've tried generics, within a few days, I have been hospitalized for mental illness. The confusion, lack of self-awareness, loss of "reality" and physical "side-effects" on several generic lamotrigine substitutions have always left me incapacitated. trust this, the generics might as well be placebos in chemical similarity as far as i have experienced. Lamictal is not a drug that has useful generics. whatever that 20% difference is, it is life-changingly incompatible. lamictal is so expensive now, i am up against the wall on options for coverage. the average price is 3400$ brand per fill. i came here with hopes of seeing a convincing argument for a better generic. it looks like i have one solid day left in me. (my Lamictal runs out tomorrow) and then, i guess i'll just pack my pajama pants and a Kurt Vonnegut book because i will be off to the loony bin again.

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Re: jenn (# 213)

Do you live in the us? If so you can receive brand lamictal monthly free of charge straight from the manufacturer. Visit GSK Patient Assistance (GSKforyou) and fill out form. To be “eligible” you must make $2500 or less a month or just check “unemployed” and your good to go. ;)

Your doctor will have to fax them your script and sign a paper saying that you have tried generics and they don’t work for you. It’s an easy overall process.

I’m taking my time to write this to you because I agree with what you wrote 100% and have lived through it. Generic is nothing like the brand. I also become unstable mentally and feel like s*** if I take generic.

None of this is “in our heads” and don’t let any doctor or pharmacist convince you that. We know our bodies and we know how we feel. We also know how each medicine affects our physical and mental health. Best of luck to you.

-Gus

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Re: fanoxinow (# 208)

I've had great success with Unichem but I had to go to several pharmacies to find one that would order it for me. Most pharmacies here in Washington get theirs from Northwest and people were saying it was awful. Also, be careful when ordering from outside the US. I ordered from Turkey which was supposed to be the manufacturer for brand name and the pills were a different shape and color. I was so dizzy after taking them that I had trouble walking so had to go back to brand name at a higher copay. Good luck. I know this whole generic thing is a cluster.

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I didn't even think about genereic lamictal manufacturer issues until I spoke with my pharmacist the other day and she mentioned the annual changes. I have been taking lamotrigine by Zyvus and began bruising more easily than ever. How easy? I bruise scratching a mosquito bite or squeezing a pimple. I was in a hot tub a few hours ago and scratched due to the itch of blood circulation and, now I have blood blisters and bruises in the form of 5 finger scratch marks. My husband grabbed my ankle to give me a foot massage and I bruised from that. The bruises are large and take an eternity to heal. I look like I've been beaten and thrown down a flight of stairs... Thanks Zyvus.

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Have taken Teva generic lamotrigine for many years - have always gotten it at Walgreens. Surprise - today went to pick it up, and Walgreens will no longer be able to get the Teva brand. They are now carrying Cipla. Anyone have any experience with the Cipla lamotrigine?

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Re: Cassie (# 18)

Ask if they will special order it. I did that at rite aid a few years ago, and now at Kaiser Permanente.

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Walgreens cannot special order it - they say just not available - I'm wondering if it has to do with Teva pharmaceuticals laying off 14,000 employees. I ended up finding Taro brand at one of my Walgreens - even if I do okay on it, not sure they can get Taro next month. All of the local pharmacies I called either have Cipla or Zydus. Hope not going to have to switch brands every month!

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Re: Snell (# 4)

I absolutely agree. Teva is the best generic for lamictal. Cipla made me very sick

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I've used Teva for five years and never had any side effects. My pharmacy ran out and gave me Zydus, which left me with a metallic taste in my mouth all day. After a week of this, I was able to secure Teva again and switched back. No more metallic taste. Odd.

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with all the problems with the teva company will they continue to make lamotrigine?

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Re: Cassie (# 21)

I called Teva and they told me a shipment is scheduled for Feb 10. I hope it comes out soon. I can’t find any Taro, only Cipla and that makes me sick.

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Re: Connie (# 26)

I have also been calling Teva almost weekly for about 6 weeks - they initially told me end of December, and every time I call they keep bumping the date a bit later...so, I'm not holding my breath. In calling around, it seems all anyone carries is Cipla and Zydus. :(

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Re: Connie (# 26)

Just an update - I just spoke with Teva again - they are still showing Feb 9th as when it will be shipping - hopefully this time it will actually be available on their estimated date. He said that once it ships, it will typically be available within a couple of days to pharmacies. Fingers crossed!

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Re: Cassie (# 27)

I called my insurance company and told them the other generics made me sick. They are considering doing a tier exception for brand name lamictal. It’s a hassle but worth it. They already faxed documents to my dr this week, hopefully I can get answer soon.

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Re: Cassie (# 29)

I’m going to call the FDA again. I called them when Cipla made me sick. They are suppose t have generic drugs that are compatible to brand. This is bs

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