TEVA hydroxycholoroquine

[Coppernob]

I have always taken Zentiva brand 'Plaquenil'. Now my new local dispensary is saying it is in very short supply and that I can only have Teva brand. (I suspect 'economy with the truth' in that I bet there is a financial aspect to this.) Whatever. I haven't taken any Teva yet as I still have a stockpile of Zentiva, and I don't trust Teva brand. Am I right, or am I being paranoid? Thanks.

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Teva is a major supplier of generic medication. I don't understand what there is not to trust as Teva, a major pharmaceutical company, supplies the NHS & other major health services around the world.

Plaquenil is the brand name and hydroxychloroquine is the generic name. Only the makers of "Plaquenil" can use the name. This is why you will not see the name "Plaquenil."

It is cheaper to buy the generic than a brand name. Generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs that have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug. In other words, their pharmacological effects are exactly the same as those of their brand-name counterparts.

However, some patients say they feel that Plaquenil is better; other patients say they don't feel any different.

With good wishes,

Ros

[Coppernob in reply to lupus-support1]

Yes, I know Plaquenil is the brand name and that hydroxyl is the generic drug name. But all brands are most definitely NOT the same, no matter what 'they' try to tell us. I have the same problem with antifungal drugs. I cannot tolerate the generic itraconazole - terrible gut pain and headaches - but I CAN tolerate the branded Sporanox. The chemist and the CCG insist that they are identical, but they are most definitely not. I suspect the colours (E-numbers, if you like). The generic is dark green and dark blue, Sporanox is light blue and light pink. I seem to be reacting to the colouring agents, which is certainly not unheard of.

Different brands may have the same active ingredients, but there are other factors to consider, such as colour, or fillers.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Coppernob]

Plaquenil is the brand of choice I know with my daughter's specialist, it is all about the fillers. So, you just need to give your phramacist this: Ask them to phone Sanofi and they will be happy to help sort it out. They can be called on 01483 505515 and the product code 120173. Twice I have had the hospital intervene when i was told we had to have another type. MaryF

[daisyd]

Teva is not the same, get the GP to write on your prescription must be Zentiva placqunil.

[AnnS]

I've just been to collect my prescription and the pharmacist told me there's currently a manufacturing problem (... another one) with the Zentiva brand and they don't know when they will be able to get it. Fortunately, I got an additional supply on a private prescription, to keep in stock just in case this happened again, but I hope it doesn't go on for long because I don't tolerate the other brands.