Generic Aubagio?

[DM0329]

Hi All,

My latest Aubagio rx was refilled, and it's with the GENERIC version. Has anyone tried (or had their insurance) refill their standard Aubagio with the new generic version? If so, have you noticed any difference? Any changes in your side effects, etc.?

FWIW, I was considering asking my neuro to downgrade me from the 14 mg to the 7 mg due to my strong sx (severe hair thinning loss/GI issues, etc., as I'm below 120 lbs.) and my MRIs have been stable since 2004.

But, if I notice any differences, I may not have to lower to the 7 mg dose since 14 mg dose is the most affectatious. Can anyone chime in? Thanks!

🙂🙏🤞

[Humbrd]

I just had my aubagio refilled. My doctor put the order in for the generic. I didn't want to do that so I sent a message through their portal saying I want the name brand still. I called CVS specialty pharmacy who I have to get my prescriptions through. I told them I didn't want the generic. She said she tried to put it through to the insurance and they reject it the name brand. Then I got it in the mail and it was the regular aubagio. So I called them and they said that it was filled correctly. My co pay changed from $60 to $7,000 since I decided to stay with the name brand instead of generic. I guess that's a punishment from the insurance company. I said I can't pay that copay. They said that's okay the copay card from MS one to one program covered it so I owe nothing. Ms one to one copay card is through aubagio. CVS said that some copay cards have a limit per year what they will pay but she said that the card that I have does not say it has a limit. We'll see how that works out. If they stop paying the copay then I guess I will have no choice but to switch to generic.

Have you looked into the copay card program through aubagio? I've also had an eye medicine where the copay was around 500. So I got the name of the maker off of the box and called them and they have a co-pay assistance program also and now I pay zero for that. I've shared that information with my aunt who had a high copay for one of her medicines and she called the maker and she was able to get her copay paid for. Most pharmaceutical companies have copay assistance programs no matter what the medicine is.

About the hair loss I went through that too and it lasted several months but then all my hair grew back. I'm also on the 14 mg. Try to be patient with that and stick with it and see what happens.

[Xvettech in reply to Humbrd]

that’s good to know about copay card. I hope I can remember it when the time comes 😂. Thank you!

[AquaZumbaFan in reply to Humbrd]

I just went through that exact same thing with the insurance company, etc. that was really stressful. My neuro said that usually within 8 months your hair completes a full cycle of growth . My hair is back to baseline now ( I started taking Aubagio 14 mg 2 years ago) has anyone noticed their finger nails not growing as they once did?

[Humbrd in reply to AquaZumbaFan]

Glad to hear your hair grew back to normal. I never had a problem with my fingernails that I remember. I started Aubagio the end of 2018.

[DM0329 in reply to Humbrd]

Thanks for your input! I suppose I will "wait" a bit more; it's only 13 months now. I cut my hair into a short chin-length bob (thankfully a trendy style currently) to fake the fullness. I'll wait; a once-a-day pill, until my later years, is so much simpler IMHO. 🙂🙏🤞

[ahrogers]

I usually get the generic for any medicine I am given with same results. My Estradiol patch seems to be a different manufacturer every time I get it, but no difference from what I can tell.

[Robsmom]

Wow. If MS One on One doesn't pay, there are other foundations they can refer you to. When I took Aubagio the Patient Advocate Foundation paid for my scripts, I never paid a dime.

[Humbrd in reply to Robsmom]

That's great! I will definitely keep that in mind.

[GeorgiaJunebug]

Hi, I’m just finding your post. How are things going for you with the generic medications? I was also changed over due to my insurance changing coverage.

Have you had any changes during the time you’ve been on the generic medication?