Posted by Hygieia's Bowl on October 6, 2008, at 5:58:50
In reply to Re: is this legal? » Phil, posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2008, at 19:52:25
To Add:
Celexa®'s active compound is: citalopram hydrobromide
Lexapro®'s active compound is: escitalopram oxalate
Citalopram has been available for quite some time. Escitalopram was to be available - thus generic - in 2009 however, glitches occurred and it will most likely not be available until 2012.
It is true that RX drug plans would prefer a pt. use citalopram as opposed to Lexapro® for cost reasons - in particular, if one hasn't trialed citalopram. The plans almost seem to look at the use of Lexapro® as a step program drug like with some other drugs with step programs.
My Rx plan required a form for nonformulary meds for the last two years. For 2009, Lexapro® has returned to their formulary list. Go figure?
Some folks do not find differences in the two meds and some find big differences. That's not anything new, IMO. There are the arguments that drug companies tweek their compounds when the patent is up on a med they owned. I'm of the belief that will probably continue to be a finding.
While the meds may be related, they are not the same compounds.
poster:Hygieia's Bowl
thread:855845
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081006/msgs/855991.html