Hang in there!

[Day41]

I have been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis for 29 years. I have been using Gilenya for 11 yrs and I have been in remission for almost 3 yrs. I just got a letter from the pharmacy that Gilenya is going generic and I am very scared of the change. I have enjoyed being fairly stable with no flares but who can determine what the pharmacist will skimp on with the new formulation? My neuro has suggested another oral drug if the generic doesn't work. Will I slide down into the pit again, I have been blind, semi-paralyzed, unable to swallow, unable to speak, unable to pee, in pain, unable to walk, and more. Oh my God, help me like you have helped me before! Somebody, help me cope!!!!!

[AquaZumbaFan]

Change is frightening.. I was just told by my Specialty Pharmacy that Aubagio now has a generic and I was going to be required to switch pharmacies as well as use that generic. So far I have had good luck when it comes to using generics. We’ll see what happens with the Aubagio. I will be getting the new med next month 🙏🏼

[ahrogers]

Most generics work just as well as the brand name. Try not to stress over this (I know easier said than done) and give it a try. Whichever drug manufacturer makes the generic should be using the same ingredients as the original drug manufacturer.

[sashaming1]

A periodic MRI to track the effectivness of the generic drug would be a good start for your evaluation.

[Tazmanian]

Your neurologist should have you take an MRI then decide what your next step should be I have never had any problems with generics

[cljones]

I can understand your concerns. I have found that most generic medicine works just as well as the name brand. If it doesn't can't the doctor tell the insurance company that only the name Brand will work for you and override them? I'm not sure how your insurance works but it doesn't hurt to ask. I think they would rather you stable than them have to pay for something that will cost them more in the long run.

[SandraKOE]

By law, all generic medicines HAVE to have all the same active ingredients. The brand drug company has the patent & did the research for that drug. They are protected for so many years from a generic being released so they can make their money back. The only difference is inert ingredients (colors & fillers).