Yet another generic Zytiga question.

[Gearhead]

I know there have been many threads on this, but it affects many of us, and it came up very specifically for me yesterday. First explanation, then question:

I have a AARP United Healthcare Medicare Part D plan. I've been ordering and receiving Janssen Zytiga (2x500 mg/d) from BroivaRx since Feb 2019. Quickly burnt through initial and gap coverage, and so my catastrophic coverage monthly copay have been $565.

When ordering refill yesterday, Briova person said for the first time that they'll send me generic Abiraterone. Recalling some concerns about generic Zytiga on this site, I said I'd prefer Janssen Zytiga. Briova person said I'd have to change my doctor's prescription to specify only brand Janssen Zytiga. I did that, and now I'm not sure that was a wise move.

Briova person said generic Abiraterone cost would be about $200/mo less in the catastrophic coverage phase. She said their generic Abiraterone supplier is usually Patriot and sometimes Apotex. Obviously I want the best drugs with no quality or efficacy risk, but I don't want to waste money. If the Zytiga or generic choice continues next year, the initial and gap stage cost difference will likely be a few thousand dollars.

Has anyone else been through something like this? What was your choice? Any new general recommendations re generic Abiraterone vs. Zytiga?

[tom67inMA]

I'm on generic abiraterone (usually from Apotex) and no complaints. My PSA went from 0.02 to <0.01 since starting.

[JamesAtlanta]

I asked my MO about generic vs. branded when my insurance told me I had to use generic or they would not cover. He told me the generic is made in the same plant as the branded. So there is no difference. My PSA remains undetectable on the generic since I changed 4 months ago. So I would not worry about the move to generic.

Hope that helps. Great question!

James

[Magnus1964]

Have you considered changing your part D. I was on AARP United Healthcare for both Part F and D. UH Part D paid so little I changed to an other company. I am grandfathered in with Silver Scripts. They changed payments for new customers. check the formularies and get a new part D insurance.

Also check with Jannson to see if you qualify for assistance. Your Urologist should help you with this.

[6357axbz]

I’ve been taking generic Abiraterone Acetate for nearly 5 months now. Zero additional side effects over the ADT (Lupron) I also take and it appears it has driven my PSA lower than Lupron alone.

[Coco2535]

My husband has been taking generic Abiraterone made by Glenmark purchased directly from a supplier in New Delhi, India. The cost has been $160 a bottle, later raised to $240. I noticed that several generic drugs that we buy from our local pharmacy are made by Glenmark. I read that 60% of all generic medications are produced in India. My husband’s PSA went from 233 to 0.51. I’d say, “Don’t be afraid of using a reputable generic.”

[chascri]

On July 14 I started on generic abiraterone prescribed by my medical oncologist as a result of my PSA starting to rise on Xtandi. My oncologist did not express any concern about using the generic.

[Gearhead]

Thank you to all who responded to my concern about Zytiga vs. generic Abiraterone. You've made me comfortable switching to the generic. I'll save a lot. What a wonderful site this is!

[j-o-h-n]

It's like changing from Gearhead to Headgear....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 08/08/2019 6:59 PM DST