I have tried the generic version of Ativan, and it does not work like the brand. My doctor agrees, and my insurance will pay for it, but as of January 2014, I cannot find a pharmacy that can get it from their regular supplier(s).
Is "Ativan" still being produced as a brand? 5 pharmacies have said their suppliers do not have it?
Question posted by PogoandAl14 on 28 Jan 2014
Last updated on 19 September 2018 by nelsonskn
Added 28 Jan 2014:
I have called one large chain pharmacy, a smaller franchise pharmacy, and 3 local independent pharmacies, and they all say they cannot get the brand from their suppliers. My own physician suggested calling the company that makes Ativan tablets, but the company he told me to call does not make it, neither does the company they forwarded me to.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
nelsonskn
19 Sep 2018
I have also had severe negative responses to the generic Ativan variations. 2015-2018 I have found the brand name available in Nebraska at some Walgreen stores As a special order. They are willing to mail out prescriptions from their store. You may need to work with them as to the dosage because some can only get a particular dosage of Ativan so they said no they couldn’t get it. I found some who were willing to cut the pills to match my dosage needs. I also needed to have my doctor submit documentation to the pharmacy that she was requesting the brand name as a medical necessity. The cost was outrageous. It’s been in production for so long that I don’t know why they need to charge over $2000 a month. Currently, my insurance is now denying coverage for it. But in my case it is worth the fight. I hope someone can get something done about that. Good luck to you.
kaismama
28 Jan 2014
It is still made. Are you calling the pharmacies and asking? They don't give you much info on controlled drugs over the phone. Whether or not the distributors carry it is not something anyone can influence.
kaismama
29 Jan 2014
I'm getting a manufacturer of valeant pharmaceuticals. They have a web page. It is phenomenonly expensive.
PogoandAl14
29 Jan 2014
Thank you for your second answer! I will try to get information from that company. I know it is ridiculously expensive, but my insurance has agreed to let me just pay a copay for this year, as the generics do not work for me. Perhaps the expense has stopped distributors from carrying it, but I would like to check with the company before turning to a different medication.
Jayeers77
29 Dec 2014
It is absolutely still made. In fact I just got home from picking up a prescription for 30 2mg brand Ativan. I got it from Kaiser, and paid a small co-pay, but that's only because my indicated that the brand was a medical necessity due to the side effects of the generic lorazapam. Otherwise, the price would have been unfathomable. This was actually my first time getting the brand name, and I'm very surprised at how small they are. These 2mg pills are smaller than the 0.5 Watson generic kind. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but I'm assuming it is as it probably means there is less inactive ingredients, which don't do any good anyhow. On, and finally, I should tell you That Kaiser will full a prescription from an outside doctor, you'll just have to pay full price.
Related topics
ativan, pharmacy, generic, doctor, insurance, brand
Further information
- Ativan uses and safety info
- Ativan prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ativan (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.