posted
Does anyone have experience with brand vs. generic versions of Actigall (for IV Rocephin patients)?
We've heard that the generic version may not be as helpful, though can't imagine why that would be when the active ingredients are identical. There is a BIG cost difference. Brand is 4 x the generic cost on our insurance.
Thanks for any comparative info. Sherry
Posts: 19 | From St Augustine, FL | Registered: Mar 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good evening Sherry,
I took Actigal so long ago, that I am not even sure which I took ,or if it was available as generic...
But, I would think that if the ingredients are exactly the same...and your doc and pharmicist think the generic is fine, I would go that route.
Anyone else??
Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Thanks, Melanie. The fact that no one else has responded makes me feel this is a non-issue. Wonder why our doc warned off the generic? We will ask him--but this info came through another one of his patients, so haven't asked him for details yet.
Did the Actigall help you avoid gall bladder problems? How long did you take it--how long on Rocephin?
Thanks, Sherry
Posts: 19 | From St Augustine, FL | Registered: Mar 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning Sherry,
I was on IV Rocephin for 4 1/2 months, and took Actigall the entire time...still have my GB.
I do know of others that still lost their GB even when on Actigall, so this is not a 100% certainty by any means, but it does help many.
I also know of some who were not on Rocephin, but encountered GB issues that taking Actigall helped to clear.
Just goes to prove that we all do not respond the same to all meds. Good luck to you!
My best, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Did the Rocephin help? Did you move on to anything else after that?
Thanks for your help, Lemlanie-- Sherry
Posts: 19 | From St Augustine, FL | Registered: Mar 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Lemlanie, huh?
OK, I answer to just about anything these days
Yes, I do believe that the Rocephin helped, but it took a good 7 weeks before I even began to turn the corner. It was at that time, after doing my homework that I knew enough to know that Rocephin alone wasn't going to cut it...and my Lyme friendly doc, didn't.
Sooo, I went doc shopping and found one of the best of the best LLMDs to continue my treatment with.
This LLMD had me continue on Rocephin for another month, and added in IV Cleocin, along with other orals to get at all forms of the infection. He also addressed issues like Candida, etc with me that the old doc didn't.
I then switched the Rocephin out for IV Zith with the IV Cleocin, along with the other orals. I also did IV Levaquin later on in treatment, so I was about 15 months total on IV therapy along with other orals.
I made amazing progress on these meds eventually. But due to many reasons, I had to stop treatment too soon.
This last year I relapsed badly...so I am once again in treatment but with another LLMD closer to my new location. I am on only orals now. I have been in treatment now for over 3 and a half years...but can trace symptoms back 23 years.
It is a slow process especially when you have been infected for a long time and the proper diagnosis came late, as it did with me.
But, I continue to hold out faith that I will recover back to a good place once more. See, I have been to that good place before, so I know it can happen again!
Cured, may be, maybe not, but good or much better? YES! And I will take that!
Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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