Posted by dr. dave on August 29, 2002, at 5:34:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro update- Celexa availability?, posted by Kath on August 28, 2002, at 10:15:51
The important name to remember is citalopram - this is the proper name for 'Celexa', and anything generic will be called citalopram, plus possibly another trade name (like 'Celexa').
> This feels like a stupid question, but I just want to make sure. I have taken Celexa for 2 years & it works well for me. I sure hope it'll continue to be available. Will it have a different name once it "goes generic"?
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> Kath
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> > I am a Celexa rep, and will be marketing Lexapro once the FDA gives final approval (sometime in August is what we've been told). I have gone to extra training to know the differences between Celexa and Lexapro, and when the samples go to the Dr's, so will the studies (very impressive.)
> > As far as efficacy...yes it will be more effective than Celexa or any antidepressant available...it will also be more tolerable with "side-effects and discontinuation due to adverse events comparable to placebo." That last quote is being allowed by the FDA...awesome. And most importantly...Lexapro is replacing Celexa because the technology to separate the isomers is just now available...so Ritch, you are partially right, but re-patent? Wrong...Celexa will still be available for 3 years before going generic. Dont lump Forest in with some other unethical pharm companies who get FDA approval years in advance, and then don't offer the new drug til the old one goes generic. Forest is moving to Lexapro because studies show Lexapro is better, and all our efforts will be in promoting the better drug. Hard to believe a company is giving up over $5 billion over the next 3 years...I guess the message Forest is sending is that it that sure Lexapro is that good.
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poster:dr. dave
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020829/msgs/118127.html