Funnily, that is exactly the same, recent, change my GP pharmacy have made! I am not aware of needing to stick to same brand for Hydroxychloroquine. However, if you have an intolerance to certain “ additives “ then you should check the ingredients ( like, say, fructose, etc). However, there are some medications where you should not change brands ( like for example Epilepsy medication)!
I'm sure this is 'Fine' but....I am on Tacrolimus, as 'Advagraf' Prolonged-release hard capsules, which Is A Different 'Form', of this Drug- that is NOT Directly Compatible. So whist MOST Drugs are Directly 'Swappable', just Double Check, with the Pharmacy. With all MY 'Other' Drugs there isn't a problem, at all.
Have a Happy Bank Holiday
AndrewT
I’ve had both these hydroxy tablets before and not had any problems. My pharmacist said they’re the same too. Has happened with mtx too. If you are going to worry then I’d speak to the rheumy nurse just to reassure you but you would hope that your pharmacist is giving you correct information 😊
I heard somewhere recently that generic drugs are okay, think of a very simple household item you buy that requires to be put together. Most people could do it following the instructions. Its the same with your generic medicine, a generic drug company puts the chemicals together to get the same drug.
(But due to the complexity, biologics and biosimilars are different. It would be like trying to put together a new 747 jet from an instruction manual, with no previous experience of how everything fits together).
Hi, I can only have Zentiva brand hydroxy, I have been on them for years with no issues. They did change them once, I didn't notice but I ended up with a bad stomach for weeks, couldn't work out why until I noticed, the change. I went back and spoke to my pharmacy and they told me that the active ingredient is the same but the fillers are different and can cause lots of people issues. They just changed them back to the original brand and I'm fine again. Maybe try them and see how you go but generics can cause some folk issues, it did me!!
Perhaps search Zentiva on here, there has been several posts on here ref this.
I guess I’m just a worrier by nature and am very funny about meds...
They did have a bitter taste to them whereas the original ones I had I could leave in my mouth a few seconds with no taste, but I suppose even paracetamol tabs vary in appearance etc.
Lots of things to worry about at the moment here, tooth problems, money worries and my dad is rather unwell to name but a few, so I will try not to over worry about this 😁
Yes I find the white ones very bitter. I couldn’t take them they made me feel really sick. It now says on the prescription that I can only take the yellow ones. I’m sure lots of people have no trouble with them let’s hope your one of them 🤞
Same here, with the exactly same medication! I personally don't like it when they do this, probably a cheaper option.
Some time back, my neighbour's mum's meds were swapped with a cheaper version and it upset her. The doctor had to insist she had the original make there after. She is now fine, probably due to quality of ingredients.
I always had the zentiva brand but have moved so this chemist here keeps trying to give quinoric brand instead for the hydroxychloroquine. If you open packet exactly the same but I have now had it put on my records I dont want this one as fillers in it upset my stomach.
Hi there I completely understand that you feel anxious and unsettled about the change. I have the same reaction when I’m prescribed a different brand of Methotrexate. The first time this happened I assumed i all would be ok....but developed a very upset stomach.I eventually tracked it down to the change in meds and managed to be swapped back to the ones that suit me and I’d been on for 4years.Even tho it’s recorded on my prescription that I need a particular brand the pharmacist doesn’t seem to register this so invariably I’m not given the one I should be and have to wait to get the right ones because they don’t normally have them in stock.I suspect it’s to do with cost !
It’s important that you feel confident in the meds you are taking so perhaps talk to your doctor and or Rheumy nurse and if you do decide to insist the pharmacist gives you what suits you stick to your guns !
Many find the generic hydroxy a problem, they can cause gastric problems. I'm also on the lupus UK group here and this issue comes up A LOT. Many can only take the zentiva brand. I take the BlackRock ones (yellow colour) and they're fine, but if ever I'm given the white generic ones I get gastro problems, and they taste vile! My pharmacy makes sure I always have the BlackRock ones.
Apparently the companies making generic don't have to go through all the vigerous trials etc the same as the original manufacturer, also, the percentages can vary slightly of the "ingredients".
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