Is there a generic of Metanx?
Is there a generic for Metanx?
Question posted by bigart on 25 Sep 2009
Last updated on 28 March 2017
5 Answers
no
"Neurpath-B" is currently purported to be the generic equivalent now commonly substituted for "Metanx." Prior to the marketing of Neurpath-B, the generic equivalent substituted for Metanx was known as "Folast." BOTH of these purported substitutes are/were manufactured by Brookstone Pharmaceuticals, now under ownership of Acella Pharmaceuticals.
Refer to http://www.metanx.com - and click on "Attention Metanx Patients: Important information about your Metanx prescription" located at the top of the page. There you will find letters from the CEO of Pamlab (who manufactures Metanx) regarding serious concerns with the integrity, stability, and safety of the active ingredient XOLAFIN-B (L-methylfolate calcium) found in Acella Pharmaceuticals products (Folast AND Neurpath-B).
Pamlab is the competing company in this case (who brought the lawsuit against Folast getting it off the market), but the facts and figures do appear to speak clearly to the problem with these purported "generics."
As a Type II diabetic, with neuropathy problems, my husband has been prescribed Metanx for his condition. Starting a couple of years ago, his prescription initiated with Metanx in brand name form because that was the ONLY form available at that time. He experienced improvements during the time he used Metanx and had no problems with the brand name form. Several months ago, when it came time to reorder his prescription, our pharmacy automatically substituted "Folast" which we were certainly willing to try as a cost-cutting measure. However, my husband has NOT found Folast to be as effective for his condition as the Metanx was, and he developed a severe skin rash (allergic reaction) that surfaced concurrently with his last refill of Folast. We cannot know for sure if there was any direct correlation between Folast and the allergic reaction, but there have been enough valid questions raised about the integrity of BOTH Folast and Neurpath-B, that my husband and his doctor have concluded it is NOT in his best interest to take either of those products as substitutes for Metanx. The doctor is now noting my husband's Metanx prescriptions as "Name Brand ONLY; dispense AS WRITTEN."
I was prescribed Metanx and after taking it a while I noticed that it did indeed
relieve the symptoms I had previously experienced. Then my pharmacy switched me to Folast saying it was a generic for Metanx. I accepted their
advice but when I noticed my symptoms returning I called my doctor. He said
"No, they are not the same" and that I should call my pharmacy and have them refill with Metanx. So be aware, there is a difference. Check with your doctor if you have questions about generics.
I went to Wal-Mart Pharnacy yesterday to get my Metnx, the price went up more than 50% from last month. it was 73.00 Dollars 60 pills now is 105.00 Dollars !!! My doctor assured me that there is no equivilant to Metnx.
When my Doctor prescribed this for me he called Brand Direct Health Pharmacy for me This is where the Metanx is made, I get a 90 day supply
for 72.00 ,so get your Doctor to call them for you & save some money.
A 90 day supply is now $184.00. I have to a least try the generic first.
I went to the pharmacy today to get my Metanx filled and the pharamcist told me that there is a generic available. I was paying $42, but the generic is $18.
The Generic name of Metanx is L-Methylfolate with Vitamins B6 and B12 (meth-ill-FOElate/VYE-tah-min)..But it is very tough to get the generic one...
I went to the pharmacy today to get my Metanx filled and the pharamcist told me that there is a generic available. I was paying $42, but the generic is $18.
Actually the generic that some pharmacies are giving out known as Folast is not the equivalent of Metanx. Please check with your doctor before accepting this so-called generic version.
Related topics
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.