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Switched to Generic Rowasa - started mini flare

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Posted 11/7/2007 9:53 AM (GMT -8)
 

I don't know why I do this, but all was well since May.  I started a mini flare and within two days of using the real Rowasa, the bleeding was gone and the BM's were formed - I continued on my maintenance plan only using Rowasa once a week then to one every other week.  Last month I ended up getting the generic Rowasa and I'm in a mini-flare again.  It started on Friday and by Monday it appeared to be gone, but by mid afternoon, the bleeding came back.  I'm still doing nightly and it just isn't working like it does when I use Rowasa. 

Every time I use the generic, this happens.  Why have I not learned my lesson!!!!????  Why do I think this time will be better or different?  I called the Pharm this morning to refill with the Brand Name, but they ahve to order it and it won't be here until tomorrow.  ARGH!!!

I also hate the generic b/c the plastic isn't as soft as the Rowasa bottle and I can't get all the stuff out - I guess that could be the issue. 

No more, never again, will I switch over to the generic kind.  And honestly, it only saved me $20 by going generic.  It is so not worth it. 

Does anyone else notice the difference between the Brand Name and the Generic on this particular drug?  Normally I have no issues with generic drugs, but this one just doesn't seem to be the same.

Posted 11/7/2007 10:22 AM (GMT -8)
I asked my pharmacy about this once and was told that there wasn't a generic form of Rowasa! What is the name of it? I would like to investigate it further. Thank you!
Posted 11/7/2007 11:01 AM (GMT -8)
The generic Rowasa I got from pharmacy is just called "Mesalamine". It sounds like the same thing Trixie is writing about because the bottles are indeed a heavier type of plastic (med is imported from Israel) & therefore harder to squeeze than the collapsible Rowasa bottles. I haven't noticed any difference in the contents myself, but I believe **Jen** wrote in another thread a while back that she was giving up on the generics & going back to Rowasa itself despite the co-pay her insurance required. My gastro also told me that many patients have complained about the hard-to-squeeze generic bottles. The economics of the generic version baffles me-- how can it be cheaper to ship this stuff from halfway across the globe when the original is made here in the state of Georgia? Good luck combatting your mini-flare, Trixie-- don't let the bottle nonsense wear you out! / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily; seem to be back in remission)

Posted 11/7/2007 11:35 AM (GMT -8)
So glad that I am not alone! Expecting, the generic is called Mesalamine, but honestly, it's not worth the hassle of a small discount than the real stuff. Thanks Old Hat, once I get Rowasa tomorrow, I know I'll be much better! Thanks for answering and putting my mind at ease.

I didn't know the generic was coming from Isarel, and no, I don't understand how it could be cheaper than using the stuff made her in the US. Makes no sense!! I used to work for a manufacturer and had to purchase bottles so I'm a little familiar with the plastic density. The Rowasa bottle is an LDPE, which is a very soft plastic. I assumed the generic was not, but it is also LDPE so I'm confused why it is a harder plastic than the Rowasa bottle. The tip on the generic is also longer and b/c it is tough to collapse the bottle and get it all out, my fingers slipped the other night and the darn tip was jabbed into my recturm. I wonder if I did some damage and why I'm seeing blood again.  I will see what happens over the course of the next few days after I go back to Rowasa.

Remind me next time NOT TO GET THE GENERIC!!!!!
Posted 11/7/2007 4:52 PM (GMT -8)
You're very welcome for info, Trixy. I was glad to read that you did get to remission during the summer. Let us know how you're doing when time permits. / Old Hat
Posted 11/7/2007 5:18 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks Old Hat! I was doing great until this Friday. So what is that 5 months in remission then I made the mistake of switching to the generic. I started a mini flare, but it is getting worse and I'm using the enemas nightly. Seriously, I was feeling really really GREAT! Eating healthy, taking all my vitamins and supplements, exercising and actually losing weight. I never felt better!

I don't know what I did differently to cause this mini-flare. Of course, if we knew maybe things would be easier to control. Food is my biggest culprit and the only thing that I've been eating a lot of lately is bell peppers and tomatoes (cooked of course) and they are part of the night shade veggies. And, I've had a turkey once a week for the last few weeks. Thanks for asking how i've been doing!

How have you been doing. I feel badly that I've neglected you all during my remission. I suppose when you are feeling good, you feel a bit guilty sharing it with everyone who is suffering. KWIM?

I hope all is well!
Posted 11/10/2007 1:47 AM (GMT -8)
Thank you all for posting about Rowasa, I just started it for my first real Flare up since going into remission and all I can say is you saved me so much pain and suffering telling me not to go generic. Thank you all I hope Rowasa clears me up and puts me into one piece again. Thank you all for letting people know the dangers of generic drugs.
Posted 11/11/2007 9:31 AM (GMT -8)
Klep - I am so glad that we could help. I just wanted to update and let you all know that I got my Rowasa script on Friday and last night was day two of using it. I still have loose BMs, but the blood is minimal (barely any today) compared to Friday before I started using the real stuff! I had blood non-stop since Monday when the symptoms came back while using the Generic stuff.

I LOVE ROWASA!!!!!! I will most likely do nightly for the remainder of the month and then taper off like I normally do for maintenance.
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