Dilantin vs. A Generic - Epilepsy Message Board

wdmoor · 07-28-2007, 07:52 AM

I've been taking Dilantin since 1975, and now the insurance company wants to switch me to a generic of Dilantin.

Has anyone else had this experience? Any bad side-effects? 10 years ago my neurologist refused to switch to the generic, but this is a new MD and he is okay with the change.

Are the generics okay in anyone's experience? Thanks.

Travis from MN · 07-28-2007, 04:53 PM

From personal experiences I would NOT recomend going from brand name Dilantin to Generic.

Brand name Dilantin is powder in a capsul. Generic is a PILL (solid) in a capsul.

Issues I had were irratic levels, increase in seizures, and stomach irritation.

The latter, stomach irritation can be explained by the capsul being disolved early and the pill getting into your system earlier than it would compared to brand name.

I'd strongly recomend Dr writing letter to Insurence or calling to bother them on your behalf. Cost is not an issue. Brand name is not that expensive compared to other medications. They are trying to save PENNIES here while causing you more problems, possible visits to the emergency room (it caused me atleast 3 ER visits).

--Travis

neurowreck · 07-28-2007, 05:50 PM

I"ve always been taught NO generic Dilantin- the quality just isn't consistent, so your levels won't be.

wdmoor · 07-28-2007, 08:28 PM

Thank you very much for the information. I'm going to raise some heck with my MD over this.

Art_930 · 07-31-2007, 10:43 AM

At the beginning of treatment I was given generic Dilantin in error - blood levels dropped to levels of 7 or below. As soon as my doctor found out, he was upset that he hadn't specified brand name only.

My understanding from another physician (a surgeon) is that generic drugs are allowed to have a wider range of parameters that the brand name is not allowed. For a lot of drugs, that variation doesn't matter but in the case of seizure control the amount is critical.