Generic Medication

[acesharif]

Hello all, I'm an independent contractor based in somerset. I would just like to know if there's a way to keep up to date with medication which has recently become available as generic, i.e. drugs with patents that are about to expire or recently expired. Is there a list available somewhere to help keep abreast of such things?Thanks for all your help.

[bobbin]

Hello all, I'm an independent contractor based in somerset. I would just like to know if there's a way to keep up to date with medication which has recently become available as generic, i.e. drugs with patents that are about to expire or recently expired. Is there a list available somewhere to help keep abreast of such things?Thanks for all your help.

Short-line generics wholesalers often advertise new generics at the top of invoices. This depends on the wholesaler, of course.

[DavidS]

Is this another new useful topic we should be starting?

[acesharif]

Hi, Thanks for your help so far. I think for independent it's important to use the generic equivalents immediately especially as most prescriptions are written generically. Recent additions include bicalutamide, which has a big price difference between the branded and drug tariff price.

[acesharif]

Short-line generics wholesalers often advertise new generics at the top of invoices. This depends on the wholesaler, of course.

Thanks, I was thinking more of a comprehensive list so we know when to run down stocks of things like cozaar and trusopt as the generics were imminent. Does the NPA or PSNC supply such things?

[Pharmanaut]

Thanks, I was thinking more of a comprehensive list so we know when to run down stocks of things like cozaar and trusopt as the generics were imminent. Does the NPA or PSNC supply such things?

Next 'big one' is Atorvastatin, and probably not as big... rabeprazole.
Here is the link.
patent database online
There is a promising patent expiry database link, but you need user account and password.
Locums not allowed one.

Cegedimrx pharmacy manager had loads of Losartans listed when I loaded my update.

[Sir_Dispensalot]

it's not always simply a matter of a patent expiry with respect to a generic becoming available. If a generics company belives it's worth their while to produce it, then they will, and will harp on for quite some time in trade papers (eg C & D, unichem's mothly trade mag, phoenix's, etc). Do you have regular contact with a generics rep? We get regular visits from a very helpful teva rep who gives us plenty of advance warning about new products.
Have you thought about approaching the pct medicines management team & the lpc to see if they are privy to advance notice?
It also pays to remember (unless you're in a high volume walk-in trade pharmacy) to keep your stock levels as managably low as possible.
Also the drug tariff is rarely updated at the exact moment a generic hits market - you often get a month or more grace to get some of your old stock shifted.
Do you use one of the virtual brand networks eg numark? do they offer such a support service?
Who controls the stock restrictions on your computer system? Do you do it manually or does one of your system suppliers or wholesalers help control it? Can you pester your mainline wholesaler for support regarding new generic availability?

These are simple things that we do as a matter of course at our independent. And i'm not even the owner. Just apply your experience - ask yourself the question first - how can I find out the info i need, and how can I best apply it to my working practices?

[bobbin]

Thanks, I was thinking more of a comprehensive list so we know when to run down stocks of things like cozaar and trusopt as the generics were imminent. Does the NPA or PSNC supply such things?

No, they don't. It's really a very complex area. Patents often get extended due to legal action. There are often multiple patents on different aspects of the products which may expire at different times. I've never found a reliable list of 'off patents' anywhere. In fact, it would be virtually impossible to produce such a list because of the complexity of the area.

The latest off-patents are valaciclovir, topiramate, lercanidipine, dorzolamide and losartan.

Less recent, but important, patent expiries include pantoprazole, clopidogrel, bicalutamide and ropinirole.

Bobbin

[johnep]

When Zocor came off patent, had a memo from HO saying very important to company to dispense generic from first day. If not, they could lose £150k profit a day.
johnep

[Pharmanaut]

When Zocor came off patent, had a memo from HO saying very important to company to dispense generic from first day. If not, they could lose £150k profit a day.
johnep

While it remains on part VIII (or scotland part 7) category C that will be the case.
Once it switches to A or M then must use the generic.
Unless of course you tell the company who make it what you will pay otherwise you won't stock it.
Have to be a large retail high street chain for that to happen.