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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Imitrex question
        
(Message started by: gpolma on Sep 1^st, 2004, 7:24pm)

Title: Imitrex question
Post by gpolma on Sep 1^st, 2004, 7:24pm

My CH cycle recurs every two years for several weeks at 1 - 2 CH per day, taking a prednisone taper to shorten the cycle. Imitrex eliminates the CH within minutes. Even with insurance, my copay is $35 per shot, so I ask myself before injecting, "just how bad is this particular CH?" Now, the question - when does Imitrex patent protection expire, and can anyone knowledgeable speculate how far the price will drop? It seems you can get it by mail from Canada now for $40 - $50 per shot (not that I'd ever disobey the FDA and do so).

Title: Re: Imitrex question
Post by Giovanni on Sep 1^st, 2004, 7:35pm

They'll figure out a way to extend it. No way will they lose this kind of profits.

John

>:(

Title: Re: Imitrex question
Post by IndianaJohn on Sep 1^st, 2004, 7:53pm

Patent extensions are very common. GSK will only have to pay a fee to have it renewed. :-/

Title: Re: Imitrex question
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Sep 1^st, 2004, 9:07pm

Hi,

I found a great piece of luck last cycle just by talking to the nurse at my GP's office. I mentioned that I had a 50% co-pay and how awfully expensive it was .... suddenly I had a bag of 9 doses (which I split into 18). All doc offices get freebies, and their nurses can be truly helpful if you look pathetic enough!

Just a thought ....

Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Imitrex question
Post by jmorgan52 on Sep 6^th, 2004, 10:14am

Try the imitrex tip (see the buttons on the left) to get more than one does from a single shot to save money.

Title: Re: Imitrex question
Post by Ueli on Sep 6^th, 2004, 11:55am

In Germany there are now several companies that market generic Sumatriptan tablets:
Beragena, Emra-Med Arzneimittel GmbH, Mevita Handels GmbH, Westen Pharma, Eurim Pharm Arzneimittel GmbH, and of course GlaxoSmithKline GmbH & Co. KG.

There is as yet no information about when injection and nasal spray will be available.

Note, an easy and often used trick to get a few more years protection from competitors is:
Add some new features to the product or its manufacturing process and file new patent. Even if the patent office doesn't recognize this a patentable novelty, it takes a few years for the rejection. During this time competitor are effectively out of business, for fear of infringement claims. Also, the protection period (14 or 16 years I think) starts only at the time when the patent is granted, and that is easily delayed by legal tricks.

IndianaJohn, the yearly extension is only for not so lucrative patents, but it's not a way to go over the maximum time.

PFNADs, Ueli [smiley=smokin.gif]

Title: Re: Imitrex question
Post by don on Sep 6^th, 2004, 5:49pm

Quote:

Add some new features to the product or its manufacturing process and file new patent.

So now they will market the imitrex as treatment for Cluster Headache (like its a breakthrough), renew the patent and the price will remain the same.

Now that would be a cruel twist of fate.