Why are generics available for some drugs in foreign countries but not here?

[Droopy]

The drug that I take and most need is called Geodon, the name brand for ziprasidone. I take 80mg twice per day- 60 capsules per month. I've had to pay for the drug before without the benefit of health insurance and it cost me about $350 a month. I found the generic for the drug on a Canadian pharmacy's web site. I can get one hundred 80 mg capsules of ziprasidone for $200 through them.

http://www.northwestpharmacy.com/ProductSearch.aspx?s=geodon&type=g

Why is the generic drug not available in the United States?

[elleng]

1. Not my speciality, but related to patents, I believe.

VERY sorry.

[amyrose2712]

2. I also believe it is a patent issue, by design...

so they can charge ridiculous amounts for meds. Then, once the time comes when the patent expires(I am not sure if this is technically what happens, but generics are allowed after this time)Big Pharma then changes a molecule, usually in an inactive ingredient, creating a new drug, yet for the most part the same med as before but creating a new patent. When a patent is new, no generic is allow and these drug dealers make a fortune on our suffering. I just read an article about this practice, but I can't find it. I know that changing meds isnt always an option, esp. mental health meds. But maybe you can work with you doc to try and get something that does have a generic. I know that my bf's Depakote ER just came out with a generic. I know this sounds kinda rambley so I hope you get the jist of it. I don't know what my sister would do without her SSI and medicare. Her Seroquel 800mg cost about 1300 per month. I hate the system here and I am not smelling any change.

[Droopy]

3. I'm not interested in changing meds at the present time

My insurance picks up most of the cost right now, and the drug that I take is working exceptionally well. When you are talking anti-psychotics and you have one that works good it's best not to change it if you don't have to. I'd be very frightened if I had to, that's for sure.

I didn't mean to give the impression that I'm having a hard time with medication right now. It's just that the cost of the medication I take makes it very difficult to do anything with my life besides work for my current employer. We're talking switching careers, being self-employed, and stuff like that. None of that will ever be a realitsic option for me until drug and health care prices come down.

I do appreciate the explanation, though. My psychiatrist said that there will not be a generic available for Geodon any time soon.

[amyrose2712]

4. Totally understand...

I didn't mean to imply that is what you SHOULD do. Just a suggestion. I actually am a little wary of even changing from a brand to a generic. I know that the active ingredient is the same, however, my boyfriend's life and sanity depend on that med. Don't know if saving $20 is worth taking the chance of disrupting something that is working wonderfully. Good luck.