Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Randy87
I just received my most recent reill on my Wellbutrin XL, via mail order, to find out it has gone generic. The new generic pill is huge and nothing like the brand, specifically, the matrix coating on the outside. Curious as to exactly how this new pill was going to break down, I put one in a bowl of water and 24 hours later it was a huge glob of thick goop with white powder in the middle.
It was really disgusting to look at and to touch. When I poured it down the sink it was so thick it wouldn't even go down the drain. While generic drugs have to meet specifications and criteria that meet equivilant strength, quality, purity and potency, there can be factors that can alter administration and distribution etc. which can affect it working exactly as the brand.
I have never had a problem using generics, but I do know several people who have tried them and had to go back to the brand, even at the higher cost, to get the same good result. I am significantly concerned by this new generic for Wellbutrin, Bupropion HCL XL, even though it is made by IMPAX, the leading generic pharmacutical company, because it is obviously using a differen method for the extended release then the Wellbutrin's hydrophilic matrix system that is the most commonly used extended release system. This generic does not have a polymer matrix that the brand does.
At this point, I am not willing to take a chance that this will work exactly as well and just the thought of that awful glob of gook running through my body, makes me queezy. I am willing to pay the extra 5.00 a month to keep using the brand, at least until I can learn more about the deliver system of this generic which is clearly different from the brand.
Has anyone else had their Wellbutrin XL filled with the generic yet? I am stuck with an 80.00, 90 day supply of the generic because I was not informed it went generic when I called in the refill, but I am calling my doctor today to have the Brand Wellbutrin XL called. I will be interested in hearing how other do on the generic.
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Randy, like you, my most recent refill of Wellbutrin XL is generic. (I did not expect to receive the generic after always receiving the name brand for the past 2 years.) I was also surprised by the appearance of the much-bigger pill from the name brand. I was feeling a bit skeptical due to the big difference in appearance between the name brand and generic versions.
I have been taking the generic for a week now and have not, so far, noticed any difference in how I feel. (I also have the chronic dry mouth with the generic that I had with the name brand as well.)
I quess I will stick with the generic for now instead of asking my Dr. to write "name brand medically necessary."