Opinion please

[pusillanimous]

I see that the generic for Xarelto is now available -- has anyone changed to it as it is quite a bit cheaper than the original, is it safe or has anyone had an adverse reaction to it because of the change?

[Ppiman]

I think that I would feel confident that it will be safe. The QC checks are rigid on generics, and I believe that they are sometimes made by overseas companies owned by the originator.

I have just switched from generic to a branded version of a drug called alfuzosin SA, that I take for urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. I felt that it wasn't working well as well as it should, but switching to the expensive branded version has made no difference.

Steve

[frazeej]

This is directed to us folks in the U.S. The original patent for Xarelto was to expire in 2021, but has been extended to 2039, which means generic Xarelto cannot be sold in the U.S.

Theoretically generic Xarelto is available through mail order from a number of Canadian pharmaceutical providers, which you can see online. A number of these can be quite dodgy, some go out of business quickly, a few actually work.

In the past I have ordered generic Prozac online successfully, but at time for a refill, the place was history! Before that I successfully ordered antibiotics-I apologize for not remembering the exact name of the place. Another time my order was allegedly processed, but then nothing happened-no debits to my account, no delivery of antibiotics, the company just went "poof"!

As an important precaution before attempting this: Open a separate and independent bank account, with no links to your other accounts, and keep only the funds in it necessary for the transaction. NO CREDIT CARDS OR PAY PAL!!

[pusillanimous in reply to frazeej]

I'm in South Africa and my Pharmacist told me the generic is now available, and I checked my Medical Aid Society's drug formulary and I see they have it listed at two thirds of the price of the original, so I wondered if it was worth changing as it is an item that they only pay a small amount towards. The saving is not worth it, if the generic is not up to scratch.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to frazeej]

We in the US all know why they "extended" the patent for Xarelto. It's expensive, and they want to keep it that way. I'd be afraid to try mail order from out-of-country pharmaceuticals, so I break the bank paying for my anticoagulant.

[theohappy]

Well the non-generic Xarelto did not agree with me so doubt if generic, if it were available in US, would be any different. Eliquis slated to be generic in 2024. We'll see.

[Elfiejean]

Not in the US. I just refilled for $1800.00 for 90 days. If it was available to me the Insurance would have used. With my drug costs I have fallen in the "doughnut hole" and it's only May. I used to go until almost August. All med prices have increased here. I could go to Canada easily but Insurance would not pay anything and I would need to see a Canadian practitioner. I would have no problem with a generic.

[Hidden]

I was not aware that there is a generic for Xarelto. I am on a few meds and get the generic since brand name drug refers to the name giving by the producing company, generic drug refers to a drug produced after the active ingredient of the brand name drug. Generic drugs will, however, be sold under different brand names, but will contain the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug. I have never had any issue with a generic and WILL look into the Xarelto generic. That said, I HAVE had some issues with Xarelto which were some of the stated potential side-effects; one is embarrassing, but we will just say "objectionable spotting" in a post-menopausal female. I just noticed another post that says the US patent for Xarelto has been extended from 2021 to 2039 so the generic can not be sold in the US. That said, I have been ordering through Canada Pharmacy and price for three months is less than 50% of ONE month here in the US and it is NOT the generic.

[pusillanimous in reply to Hidden]

Yes it is odd. The generic available here is called Ixarola, and if you Google it it says it is made by Bayer, my box of Xarelto also says it is mad by Bayer !!!!!