For those of you who also suffer agonizing migraines,

[cboy4]

and spend so much money on medication, some great news if you haven't heard.

I use Imitrex injection, and have had to pay my insurance co-pay of $48 per box of two shots of the Glaxo non-generic. ($100 per shot without insurance....I cannot imagine).

When I went to the pharmacy tonight, I was surprised to have my pharmacist tell me that FINALLY, there is a generic version of Sumatriptan Succinate. :bounce:

This had been tied up in patent litigation for such a long time.

Now mind you, the Sandoz generic version came to $31 per box, so it's still very expensive. But I should still save about $100 per month on this miracle drug .. one that has kept me from pretty much puting a bullet in my head.

I'm not sure people who don't get migraines understand how much it costs to treat them. I could purchase a new BMW 3-series and the monthly payments would equate to what I spend on migraine medication, (triptans, narcotic analgesics and preventative Topomax & Elavil)

So, I just wanted to pass this on to any of you who haven't heard.

I just found the press release from Sandoz:

[ananda]

1. That is good news!

I'm so pleased for you and all the other
migraine sufferers who can benefit from
lower prices for a drug that works.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. Hey cboy

Is that the same as Maxalt? That's what i use. I don't get that many migraines, and Maxalt works, but do you know if Sumatriptan Succinate is the active in Maxalt?

I'm not at home, so i can't look at the box.
The Professor

[cboy4]

4. Actually, Maxalt is rizatriptan benzoate, but it's a triptan

just like Imitrex, Amerge, Zomig and the others.

There are just slight molecular differences in all.

I tried Maxalt and found it didn't work as well for me as the shots, which get into my system so quickly.

[ProfessorGAC]

9. Ah, I See

When i get them (again, rarely), i get an early warning. So, as long as i catch it quickly, it gets into my system fast enough.

Thanks. We'll yell at each other in the Sports forum later!
GAC

[cboy4]

10. Yea, the problem is I get them when I sleep and by the time

they wake me up, it's too late to head them off.

So...

See ya later :)

[ProfessorGAC]

12. That's Happened To Me

Only once, and it really stinks. I feel your pain. Literally!
GAC

[Horse with no Name]

3. I took Imitrex when it first came out

and it made me feel like I was being choked to death. However, it did work for the headache.
Then, I saw a neurologist who specialized in headaches. With a high dose beta blocker and a low dose antidepressant for two years--I have been headache free for almost 10 years (longest one I had was two weeks--solid--was so severe it did vascular damage).

[cboy4]

6. That's awesome you're seeing such great results.

I'm very happy for you.

Yea, well that's Imitrex at work, tightening your swollen blood vessels.

I always have to explain to people the kinda ying-yang aspect of Imitrex. It makes you feel like shit when it goes into your system, but it takes away the pain and leaves you with a crappy headache hangover, which in comparison to the migraine feels spectacular.

It's hard to explain to people who don't get migraines.

And two weeks! My God. I think 3 days is my longest, and I wanted to die.

[spinbaby]

7. Everyone's a bit different

I'm taking the generic version of Norvasc. In the eight years or so I've been taking it I've had only one migraine. Before it went generic, it was a pretty expensive habit.

[nuxvomica]

5. There's also a new therapy that may be available next year

It's an MRI type device that appears to zap migraines and my be approved for use next year.

Neuralieve's TMS Treatment System includes a portable device that enables home-use administered by patients. Once the product is cleared by the FDA, physicians can prescribe the therapy for patients to treat themselves and can utilize the system to help patients manage their disease.

Each Neuralieve TMS Treatment delivers a focused magnetic pulse which lasts a millisecond (1/1000 of a second). In comparison, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) produces a large static field to which the patient may be exposed for as long as 20 minutes.

http://www.neuralieve.com/Neuralieve%20Product.htm

It'll probably be expensive but it sounds like your treatment is already pretty costly. I used Imitrex myself many years ago but it eventually stopped working.

[cboy4]

8. Hmmm. My nuerologist hasn't told me about this therapy.

Interesting.

Thanks for posting.

[madokie]

11. lucklily for me I only have the aura and very seldom the pain of migranes

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-with-aura/DS00908

The few times I've had the pain its put me in bed for days and it's not good. I feel for you cause I know just what you're going through.

[gollygee]

13. OMG there's a generic version!!??!!

Is it just for the injectable? I usually use Imitrex pills, but my insurance has changed the copay and I'm not sure I'll still be able to afford it.

[cboy4]

14. Yea, this covers only the injectable .. but it was my understanding

the pills were already released generically.

Since I don't use the pills I'm not sure.

Check with your pharmacy.

And yea, I know how expensive it is. It's criminal. x(

[gollygee]

15. I haven't been able to take it for a while

because I'm pregnant. But when I can take it again I will have to look into it! Thanks!

[cboy4]

16. Great. Good luck with the baby! n/t