Is Generic Ampyra working for you?

[rfbossbabe]

I've been taking Ampyra for years. About 6+ months ago I noticed my walking was significantly worse. That's about the same time I started receiving the generic form of Ampyra. I don't believe it's working! Has anyone else taking the generic form found that your walking/gait has become worse?

[rjoneslaw]

that's a good question I would like to see others answer

[Hidden]

Been on Ampyra 6yrs. It helps me about 3to 4hrs. Got generic also, hard to tell difference. Not much change for me.

[Hidden]

You need to tell your doctor. He may be able to get you back to the brand name.

[StacyHayward]

I switched. The biggest difference was the generic wore off much faster. So my neuro has me switch to taking the second dose earlier in the day. That solved the problem almost entirely.

I have noticed I’m struggling more this last week, but I have a major cold going on so that could be affecting it

[southernsullivan]

Just curious, do you know who the manufacturer is of the generic form of Ampyra you're taking? One of the generic manufacturers of Ampyra is Aurobindo, and they've been under a lot of scrutiny lately for problems in their manufacturing facilities.

The generic form should be the same as the brand, but I've heard a lot other MS patients say they've noticed a difference with the generic. For me, I've noticed a big decline in my walking this year, but it probably is due to my rapid MS progression.

[rfbossbabe in reply to southernsullivan]

I'll have to look at the bottle for the manufacturer. That's good to know. Thank you!

[Nana5B in reply to southernsullivan]

Definitely check the manufacturer of your generic. I switched and experienced the same problems. I called the pharmacy and told them that I only wanted the brand and explained the problems I was having. They switched me. Then, when my RX expired, I asked my neuro to write it for ‘Ampyra’ only. With Ampyra, I am able to get copay assistance; with the generic, I was not getting copay assistance. Thus, Ampyra is cheaper for me to take! AND, it works!!

[Goldilockssearching]

I need to switch to generic in a few days. I am reluctant because it just started working and I am finally feeling more like myself again but I really have no choice. I have taken the 2 month free trial & I qualify for the co pay assistance but the specialty pharmacy my insurance requires is not contracted with the Ampyra manufacturer. So, that would leave a copay after any assistance of $1750.00/month!! The generic is $60/month.

The pharmacy did say if the generic doesn’t work, they use 2 different manufacturers and they’d switch me to the other to try.

Like we don’t have enough uncertainty to deal with already??

Right there with you!

[southernsullivan in reply to Goldilockssearching]

I had the same problem that you did...after my 60 day free trial ran out, my doctor wrote the prescription as 'brand medically necessary.' But my copay was going to be $800+ per month, so I had to switch to the generic.

Supposedly the first generic mfr of Ampyra was Mylan, and patients didn't have issues with the generic, but then pharmacies ran into supply issues with getting the drug, so Aurobindo has become the supplier- for my specialty pharmacy, at least.

I believe in using generics whenever possible and saving money, but it does seem odd that others are noticing differences!

[Goldilockssearching in reply to southernsullivan]

Mine says “Ascend Laboratories” Hoping that per my conversation with the pharmacist of my concerns that this one has their best record of working for others.

The generic is the same “drug”. Where the difference lies is in the fillers they use. For some people, they can cause a reaction that makes the drug less effective for some reason 🤞

[southernsullivan in reply to Goldilockssearching]

Agree about the fillers...I guess maybe why it's important not to bounce from one manufacturer to the next if it is working for you.

[Graip76 in reply to Goldilockssearching]

Mine also says Ascend and it works for me. It only costs me 4.82, insurance pays about 1480. It does ware off early and my doctor told me I could take my second dose up to 2 hours earlier.

[mayestas]

I've been on a generic form for about a year now I have not noticed any difference. Generic and Empire should be the same the only difference is that ampyra has lost its patent and thus other companies are able to make the medication. Hope this helps

[Johngm]

I tried Aminopyridine for 6 weeks and my walking actually got worse. I tried Ampyra twice over a four year period thinking the formula my have improved. If I didn't know better I might have thought I was in a study and got a placebo. It did nothing good or bad.

[TexasLawman]

I don't care what studies have shown about generics. I have never had any good luck with them. Fortunately, my insurance doesn't force me to take them. I can get brand names for any medication I take. God! I hate taking pills.

Sorry you are having this issue. I am considering taking Ampyra. Is it worth it?

[rfbossbabe in reply to TexasLawman]

Yes, It's worth it. I mean, I still have to use a rollator because I don't have balance and other leg issues, but it keeps me moving. I can really tell when I haven't taken it.

[gmc74]

I was on Ampyra for 6-9 months, things were great. I stopped wearing my AFO, and I felt 'normal' again. I moved to the generic about 4 months back, and my walking is noticeably worse. I am taking the generic from Aurobindo, I need to see if I can get a different one.

[rfbossbabe in reply to gmc74]

I was able to get back on regular Ampyra just last week and so far I'm a little better! This stupid disease is so unpredictable. I HATE IT!

[Goldilockssearching in reply to rfbossbabe]

Wow! Maybe I should try to push the issue. I feel like the generic is working better than nothing but definitely feeling a set back since switch from brand name. Just started month 2 so maybe that will give me leverage?

Any tips to getting approval?

[rfbossbabe in reply to Goldilockssearching]

Try getting back on the name brand Ampyra! Even though I still walk like a newborn calf with my rollator, other people have said they've noticed I'm walking better!

[Tazmanian]

My walking is about the same

[rjoneslaw]

I talked to neuro and she said the its the same drug they just switched the names around

[rfbossbabe in reply to rjoneslaw]

I'm sure for some meds that's true, but by the way my walking has greatly improved since getting back on the name brand Ampyra, I can't help but think the generic formula I was taking wasn't right.

[rjoneslaw in reply to rfbossbabe]

i understand completely