Generic Truvada

[+ Snbrd]

Per my insurer's instruction my pharmacy informs me that I will now be receiving generic Truvada. I have no qualms about the switch and realize I'm fortunate to have the coverage. Also, I have experienced no problems with generics before. To be FDA approved it must be just as effective.

 

I am curious however, if any forum members have used the generic (Emtricitine/tenovir dispoproxil fumarate) and if so, have you noticed any difference?

Having suffered zero side effects over the years I'm hoping for the same.

[SirBillybob]

I assume the manufacturer is TEVA if you are USA-based. Canada and other parts of the world have had the generic option for over 3 years.

 

I don’I think I have ever taken Gilead’s Truvada because I commenced subsequent to Fall 2017, but I have had generic emtricitabine/tenofovir prescribed in Canada and filled using at least three (maybe four) manufacturers, I believe one time it was TEVA’s. In fact, there have been company switches made by the pharmacist for a ‘repeat refill’ within one distinct prescription iteration.

 

There should be no difference and I have not noticed any. I expect that side effects have more individual person or contextual factor variation than manufacturer variation. I use it ‘on demand’ in South America where I have always tended to have GI upset such as travellers diarrhea anyway. A few times in Europe without diarrhea.

Edited November 15, 2020 by SirBIllybob

[marylander1940]

This is what I get for generic PrEP!

 

Tavin EM alldaychemist

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

To anyone this is relevant to:

 

Why wouldn't you find a way to jump to Descovy for PrEP? I'm curious.

[Guest Justin7402]

To anyone this is relevant to:

 

Why wouldn't you find a way to jump to Descovy for PrEP? I'm curious.

 

My insurance won't cover descovy, so I'm still on truvada

[SirBillybob]

Descovy is not generally subsidized by provincial or territory health care plans in Canada, for either treatment or prevention. Some jurisdictions will cover the cost based on ‘exceptional need’. I assume that may be related to pre-existing hep/neph or bone health issues.

 

My TDF/FTC PrEP is relatively infrequent and exclusively on-demand. Otherwise, I might be inclined to investigate further.

[+ Snbrd]

To anyone this is relevant to:

 

Why wouldn't you find a way to jump to Descovy for PrEP? I'm curious.

Good question for which I do not have a well thought out answer. I never asked my MD about Descovy and he didn't being it up. It may be a coverage issue. Since I'm about to receive a 90 day supply of generic PrEP at very little cost I do consider myself fortunate.

[+ robear]

With the availability in the US of generic Truvada, I'm almost certain my insurance will require that over branded Descovy (which is currently covered). Watching for the 2021 formulary to check that. On a PrEP holiday due to COVID, won't go back on until the storm passes, so probably won't need to deal with that until the spring at the earliest.

[justanotherguy]

Looking at my insurance coverage for next year, Truvada is fully covered (no co-pay), while Descovy is not and would require an additional payment.

[+ nycman]

Why wouldn't you find a way to jump to Descovy for PrEP? I'm curious.

Truvada is cheaper, has almost a decade of use in PreP, has a statistical increase in bone loss in patients taking it. In one study all the fractures occurred in men without bone loss, so it doesn’t seem to be clinically relevant.

 

Descovy is more expensive, very little long term research, causes more weight gain and increases cholesterol, both of which are generally considered bad for your heart.

 

So hips, heart, wallet,.....pick your poison.

 

I’d pick Truvada and avoid the shinny new apple.

[+ sniper]

I figure I'll wait until there's more than one generic later next year and then just get some to do PreP on-demand. At my current rate of intercourse,one 30-pill bottle should last me the rest of my days....

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

All interesting talking/data points.

 

And that's why I asked... When it comes to your health, you should question everything.

 

https://www.singlecare.com/blog/descovy-vs-truvada/

[+ Snbrd]

It does appear that the lower co-pays and seemingly small difference between the two drugs makes generic Truvada (TEVA in my case) a safe and practical choice. Any saved money can be spent on additional hiring

 

I hope we are soon able to share tips here about how to access the COVID vaccine. My research project for the betterment of humanity can resume once vaccinated. I plan to visit Puerto Vallarta, load up on generic viagra and cialis, compare the results and share my findings with this forum. My selfless effort may put me in the running for a Nobel prize.

Edited November 18, 2020 by Snbrd

[MikeBiDude]

I just got back from the pharmacy, they suddenly wanted $600+ co-pay for my Truvda. Now, I received a letter a few weeks ago from Gilead that I read but misunderstood (read, I ignored). I called the Gilead/Truvada co-pay Hotline today, my card had expire, and in California they can no longer cover the copay for Truvada as “treatment” for HIV, but will still allow and Gilead will cover the copay for Truvada as PreP. Interesting? They reactivated my card as I am taking it as PreP and pharmacist is filling the order ??

[MikeBiDude]

I’m concerned when I go on Medicare after the first of the year...because so far the generic (Emtricitine/tenovir dispoproxil fumarate) pops up in Part D insurance calculators as more expensive to me than Truvada would be? Maybe it’s just too new, not in the “system” yet? Estimates almost 4-5 times more annual out of pocket than name brand Truvada, doesn’t make sense.

 

And looking at the Gilead copay assistance site, they won’t cover copay when I go to Medicare?

[down_to_business]

 

And looking at the Gilead copay assistance site, they won’t cover copay when I go to Medicare?

 

You are correct, every one of those prescription programs I have seen,have exclusions for medicare , the VA, and medicaid etc.

[sincitymix]

Most insurances will charge you a "penalty" though they wont call it that. it will be disguised with wording to make it sound like its doing you a favor.. like patient advantage or some other corporate speak..essentially they will charge you the difference between the brand name med and the generic plus your copay. ie; brand total cost is 800 generic total cost is 100.. youll be responsible for 800-100=700 + copay.

 

Pretty sure 99% that if a generic is available it WILL be the preferred medicine on the formulary and you WILL be charges a non formulary cost unless your insurance is generous to allow prior authorizations or patient level authorizations to make it formulary for you.

 

In regards to generics, the FDA mandates that the generic does the same thing clinically as the brand, and must contain the same active ingredient (though a variance of 20% difference is allowable), the only thing that is allowed to be different is the inactive ingredients (dye/color, filler, etc)

[sincitymix]

I’m concerned when I go on Medicare after the first of the year...because so far the generic (Emtricitine/tenovir dispoproxil fumarate) pops up in Part D insurance calculators as more expensive to me than Truvada would be? Maybe it’s just too new, not in the “system” yet? Estimates almost 4-5 times more annual out of pocket than name brand Truvada, doesn’t make sense.

 

And looking at the Gilead copay assistance site, they won’t cover copay when I go to Medicare?

If you are not on a private insurance the manufacturers cant offer it to programs run by state and federal agencies. (so VA, Tricare, Medicare, Medicaid etc ) are out.

[marylander1940]

I’m concerned when I go on Medicare after the first of the year...because so far the generic (Emtricitine/tenovir dispoproxil fumarate) pops up in Part D insurance calculators as more expensive to me than Truvada would be? Maybe it’s just too new, not in the “system” yet? Estimates almost 4-5 times more annual out of pocket than name brand Truvada, doesn’t make sense.

 

And looking at the Gilead copay assistance site, they won’t cover copay when I go to Medicare?

 

Some companies limit PrEP after a certain age. I guess they're don't know about our hobby or how active you're.

 

Tenvir EM 300/200mg Tablet | Buy Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine Online | AlldayChemist

[sincitymix]

I’m concerned when I go on Medicare after the first of the year...because so far the generic (Emtricitine/tenovir dispoproxil fumarate) pops up in Part D insurance calculators as more expensive to me than Truvada would be? Maybe it’s just too new, not in the “system” yet? Estimates almost 4-5 times more annual out of pocket than name brand Truvada, doesn’t make sense.

 

And looking at the Gilead copay assistance site, they won’t cover copay when I go to Medicare?

 

make sure its offering you the true generic.. it is possible its searching by the chemical name which may link to the brand.

[MikeBiDude]

If you are not on a private insurance the manufacturers cant offer it to programs run by state and federal agencies. (so VA, Tricare, Medicare, Medicaid etc ) are out.

Yes that what I sadly figured out, right now my Truvada is basically free after my insurance and Gilead co-pay program.

 

Pretty sure 99% that if a generic is available it WILL be the preferred medicine on the formulary and you WILL be charges a non formulary cost

This is my guess as well...would follow suit of other emerging generics.

[+ sniper]

Late in 2021 the period of exclusivity will end, at which point it is expected there will be multiple competitors, which SHOULD lead to a much sharper drop in price.

[sincitymix]

Late in 2021 the period of exclusivity will end, at which point it is expected there will be multiple competitors, which SHOULD lead to a much sharper drop in price.

 

Unless the manufacturer pulls a fast one and adds or changes something to it to extend the patent exclusivity. ohh look now in new fast dissolving capsule form! we added Tylenol to it! etc

[+ sniper]

Unless the manufacturer pulls a fast one and adds or changes something to it to extend the patent exclusivity. ohh look now in new fast dissolving capsule form! we added Tylenol to it! etc

I don't think that would stop the old formulation from going generic. I'm havign a hard time figuring out what they could do that would be a substantial enough improvement that people wouldn't just use the pill. There is some investigation about an injectable other drug for PreP IIRC, but personally I'd find the pill good enough given the low frequency with which I have sex.

[sincitymix]

I don't think that would stop the old formulation from going generic. I'm havign a hard time figuring out what they could do that would be a substantial enough improvement that people wouldn't just use the pill. There is some investigation about an injectable other drug for PreP IIRC, but personally I'd find the pill good enough given the low frequency with which I have sex.

 

it actually would stop it. I previously worked in the PBM industry for 13 years. They have done it before with a few medications, all they did was add acetomenaphine and look wow its in a capsule form! and exclusivity re extended. Its a very shady practice, but it works.