The Brand name formulations for these drugs are very expensive at about $1,200-$1,800, depending on where purchased.
I just learned that there are generics for Alinia and Mepron:
Alinia: Nitazoxanide (generic)
Mepron: Atovaquone (generic)
In generic formulation it appears to be almost half that cost! That is a HUGE price difference!
I am hoping for you for comments on effectiveness of the generic versions vs. brand formulation.
Has anyone's LLMD commented on these generics???
Also, I can't tell if the generics are available only through international pharmacies or available in the US. Anyone know?
Thanks so much for your help and any comments!
[ 07. January 2009, 09:09 PM: Message edited by: jam338 ]
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
I tend to buy generics when they are available. They are supposed to have the same active ingredient as the name brands so they should be just as effective.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
The patent on Mepron doesn't expire till Feb. 2010. That is the generic name, but it's not available.
Posted by Annxyz (Member # 9097) on :
I am pretty sure Groovy2 has used the generic alinia . It was powerful, but did not cure his babs if I remember . you can PM him.
Posted by HaplyCarlessdave (Member # 413) on :
I suppose you might be able to get atovaquone from foreign sources, but you'd probably be advised to have a real good reference. There's a good chance you could get a substantial saving even on the same brand name. At least it used to be that way, but with the entire economy having been so trashed that might well not be true anymore (I saved a mountain- if I can dig up a link soon I'll try to post it.) I think one outfit from which I cut prices roughly in half, maybe not for atovaquone, but at least for some pretty pricey abx, was called "the Canadien Drugstore" but I'm not sure. DaveS
Posted by SForsgren (Member # 7686) on :
Generic Alinia is available. Rumor has it that it may not be as effective as the brand name, but if I were going to use it, I'd take that chance to save some money.
Posted by groovy2 (Member # 6304) on :
Hi jam
I have taken the generic Alinia--
Im not sure if it helps with babs but it sure Hammers Any stomach parasites you have--
Taking one week of alinia made my stomach work MUCH Better-- and has been Great ever since-
Ridding your stomach of bugs is a good start to getting your health back --
Defiantly worth taking--
I bought it in Mexico $15 --Jay--
Posted by jam338 (Member # 14002) on :
Thanks everyone for the help!
Scott how much credibility do you feel the rumor has?? The generic is shown as the same drug ingredient, right? I am confused. Thanks for any help in clarifying.
Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :
There is a very good article about generic vs. brand name abx on Road Back.
In a nutshell, generics are supposed to have the same ingredients that the brand names do, but there are frequently differences in fillers, how the drug is actually manufactured, and what the quality controls are (depends on where the generic is manufactured). I've had several different doctors remark that their favorite Rx was not the same after it became generic.
It's worth noting that brand-name Alinia doesn't seem to cure babs either for most people, but it does seem to be a useful adjunct in treating it. And it's very valuable as an antiparisitic.
For some people like my hubby, babs defeats many abx combos; not sure how it's evading the abx and the immune system. For other people (moi) babs seems to be eradicable within a year of treatment (mepron/zith for me).
I'd be inclined to give the generic a try, especially if it were being used along with other tx.