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Worried because I have to change to a generic med for RA

Posted , 6 users are following.

M1954
M1954

Hi!  I've been on a medication called Arava for 18 years for RA.  I have had great success with this drug.  My insurance company has decided not to cover it anymore and is making me take the generic lefluminoide.  Does anyone out there take  this drug for their RA?  I would love to hear from you.  They say it is the exact drug as Arava.  Thanks in advance.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH M1954

    Posted

    The active substance is exactly the same - a drug remains under the brand name only as long as it is still under patent protection. Once that has expired it can be made by other manufacturers and sold at a lower price. The original company usually continues to sell the brand as well. 

    For most people the generic and the brand work the same. For some people the generic works better. Occasionally the substances they use to make the tablets, what they call the fillers, are a bit different - but that is all.

    Most people in the UK will just get leflunomide written on their prescription - because that is how the system works there. So there will be loads of people who are in it for RA and other things too.

    • shabina09215
      shabina09215 EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen. This information is really useful. If my increased dose of Methotrexate does not work, I will have option of taking leflunomide. Although I am aware that we are all unique and react differently to meds, it would be useful to know how other people have experienced it.

    • patti69942
      patti69942 shabina09215

      Posted

      I am taking leflunomide right now and has worked well for the last 2 years. Lately though I have had some flare ups. I am taking it with a sulfur drug also. I came off methotrexate 2 years ago and went on this combination.
    • shabina09215
      shabina09215 patti69942

      Posted

      Thanks Patti,

      I was given steroid injection today due to flare up and saw specialist nurse. She feels that following blood tests and chest x-ray, if appropriate, that I should in months time be moving to biological meds as appears that increase of Methotrexate 25mg not helping. I am going to read up on biologicals because this has never tslkef about as option in past.

      Feeling better today despite pain and swelling so positive as it was my first day back at work. However, will need to balance work and advocate for myself if I am pushed to take on and do more than I can and should.

      Thank you all for support in getting through the worst. 😊😚🤗

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