I wanted to post an update on generic Watson/Actavis progesterone who owned the license to make generic Prometrium using the exact same formula. Teva, Akorn, and other generics are forced to change the "additives" while supposedly using the same amount of micronized progesterone. In all cases, it is supposed to be the same dose of micronized progesterone in a base of peanut oil in a gel cap.
Why these other generics do not work for many women including myself, when they supposedly provide the same active ingredient in the same dose (micronized progesterone) is beyond me, but this is in fact the case for many of us. So apparently it is the additives that make a dramatic difference in effectiveness for some of us. This makes no sense. I can't help but wonder if these other pharmaceutical companies are altering the dosage or perhaps they are using a cheaper, sub-standard active ingredient (micronized bio-identical progesterone).
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Actavis (who took over the generic Watson line and for a short time made the same formula as Prometrium) eliminated generic Progesterone from their line up last April, 2016.
So I searched for who else was making the pill identified as SV (or specifically SV2 in the case of 200 mg which is what I take 2-3 times per week for severe hot flashes associated with menopause). Using the pill identifier is the only way of knowing you are getting either Prometrium or its identical generic - both use the SV identifier. All other generics are forced to use their own pill identifiers.
My local Walmart helped me by looking in their data base for SV2 and discovered it is now made by Virtus Pharmaceuticals. They were able to order it for me. I ordered a 90 day supply to stock up since it took me two months to find the latest true Prometruim generic.
The gel caps look identical to the Watson/Actavis/Prometrium pills and contain the SV2 ID, however they are not working the same. I have to take them nightly instead of 2-3 times per week, and even then my hot flashes have returned, albeit mildly. I also discovered a foul smell in the capsule bottle. I opened a capsule and it seems fine, but the smell when I first open the bottle is overwhelmingly bad! Granted, I have never had a bottle filled with 90 capsules so the smell might be stronger than a 30 or 60 capsule bottle - but still, it is hard to describe how bad these smell!
There is no expiration on the bottle I received so I wonder if these are old pills, and thus why they are also not working.
I will take them back to the pharmacist to see what they think.
Has anyone noticed any foul smell from their Prometrium? And has anyone used the Virtus generic? The Virtus now only cost me about $25-30 per 30 caps using the GoodRx discount coupon at Walmart. Watson used to cost close to $50 per 30 caps because only Walgreens sold this brand. (Walmart also wells Teva and Akorn generic for $25-30. All their generic progesterone is the same cost.) I'd love it if the Virtus worked. Otherwise I'll have to switch to Prometrium which could be as high as $200 for the 200 mg SV2.