My husband began taking Lyrica in a drug study for epilepsy in about 2000. It helped his seizure control so much and he has taken ever since. After retiring he was able to receive patient assistance from Pfizer to cover the cost since Medicare didn't. Pfizer is stopping patient assistance this year. We cannot afford to pay the brand name cost, as it would be $10,000 +. Has anyone taking Lyrica for seizure control changed to the generic (pregabalin)? Did the generic work as well keeping good seizure control? At age 75 we worry about falls and just the possibility of having to live with loss of good seizure control. He will run out of the brand name Lyrica in about 1 month or so.
Thank you.
Lyrica brand name vs It's generic?
Question posted by Mhazel22 on 27 March 2024
Last updated on 3 June 2024 by Faversham3906
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Answers
Faversham3906
3 June 2024
I just filled a prescription for generic lyrica (gabapentin) at CVS for $4. You need to do a bit of homework. $10000 can’t possibly correct.
masso
27 March 2024
I have taken Lyrica but off label for a different condition and yes it is a great medication.
FDA position´s on generics vs. brand name medications is the following:
"FDA-approved generic medicines work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefit and risks as their brand-name counterparts. A generic medicine is required to be the same as a brand-name medicine in dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality, as well as in the way it is taken."
What would change from manufacturer to manufacturer are the inactive ingredients such a fillers, coatings, preservatives, etc... but the active ingredient, Pregabalin will remain the same for every manufacturer, so your husband will be fine, according to the FDA.
Related topics
lyrica, seizures, epilepsy, generic, brand
Further information
- Lyrica uses and safety info
- Lyrica prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lyrica (detailed)
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