isosobide Mononitrate

[Papou1]

Hello , I've been on isosorbide mononitrate 20mg now for two years,it was changed to 20mg Twice a day after experiencing chest pains etc. Last month when I went to pick up my prescription a note was attached telling me that I now getting Isotard 50mg XL tablets once daily , fine,This month received a call from the hospital pharmacist asking how I was tolerating the new tabtablets, (good) . My Next prescription was changed to Elantan LA 50mg once daily. Can you tell me if there is any difference between the two brands that I should be aware of. This change of brands also happens with my other meds plus sometimes mixed brands in the same boxes. I find that I am having difficulty in keeping up with the changes.

[BridBoy]

They all have the same active ingredient, isosorbide mononitrate, they are just different brand names.....they are "generic drugs", the pharmacy buy these drugs as cheaply as they can, this will often be a different brand week to week.

Doctors write their prescription for generic drugs rather than a brand as the cost difference to the NHS is massive.

Hope this helps.

[Silvertail]

I'm with you with the everchanging generics. My bisoprolol for instance. Sometimes they are little heart-shaped tablets, next script fill they are larger round tablets. This happens with other meds as well. I put them in morning and night boxes a week at a time. No wonder I get mixed up and heaven forbid I should drop one! It should be mandatory to stick to the one shape and colour for the same drug.

[anke123]

The last time I picked mine up for the next 8 weeks I had 4 different brands, very confusing.