What Is The Best Generic Version Of Wellbutrin Xl - Watson Or Anchen? (Page 57)

My doctor will not prescribe generic Wellbutrin XL but my insurance will no longer pay for brand name drugs. I will have to pay about $7000 per yer for what I am taking now (3 of the 150mg Wellbutrin XL brand name per day). I am reading that the problem with the generics is the time release mechanism and not the drug itself and that some are better than others. Anybody have experience with the generics made by Watson and /or Anchen?

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As far as I understand it, the difference between the SR and the XL is that the time-release coating on the XL is supposed to release the drug over a 24-hour period, while the SR is supposed to release it over a 12-hour period. If the problem with the generics is that they are NAMED with "XL", but they WORK over a 12-hour period, then we (at least some of us) ought to be able to work with that. Especially those who are on the 300 or 450.

If you are on a generic XL, with a 300mg dose, ask your doctor to write it so that you take two 150 XLs per day. Then experiment with the timing... Maybe take one at 7am and the other one at 7pm? That way you could be getting a more "brand-name dosing at generic cost." Or experiment even further and take the evening dose in the afternoon, so that the drug is constant during the day and dipping when you are asleep, so that it doesn't mess with your sleep so badly. If you are on 450mg/day, try taking three 150's.

Of course you need to ask your doctor, but if you are taking a drug that's on a time release mechanism, taking smaller doses spread out over the day should only be better. And with this drug the 150mg generics do seem to work closer to brand anyway, so you could end up with three 150mg generic pills giving you an even smoother dose than one 450mg brand. For about $1400/month less money!

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Valeant decided to use fraud and price gouging to help get them out of their $30 billion debt.

They've operated like a hedge fund and followed specific business models to monopolize drugs for rare, life-threatening conditions...

"Valeant has targeted decades-old, off-patent drugs, monopolized both their production and distribution, and held dying patients and their health care providers hostage as they hiked prices, often overnight, by tenfold or greater.

First, all the drugs had to have only one manufacturer in the US, so that monopoly production could be guaranteed. Second, all the drugs had to be the best available treatment for their condition, so that physicians would be compelled to prescribe them even in the face of massive price-hikes. Third, the drugs had to serve only small, isolated patient populations incapable of organizing effective opposition to the price-gouging.

The companies then manipulated the markets by controlling access to the drugs to prevent competitors from obtaining samples from which they could develop generic drugs, or cornering high-value patients with highly restrictive “patient assistance programs” that would leave competitors only the least attractive patients, the poor and uninsured. The companies confidently hiked the prices of these drugs, raking in net profits in excess of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in a single year. None of the four companies (including Valeant) invested a penny into the further research and development of the drugs they acquired."

Source: "US Senate report details price-gouging by pharmaceutical companies", wows.org. Web. 6 January 2017

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The generic bupropion XL is more like the Wellbutrin IR. It dumps all of the active ingredient within 3-6 hours (completely useless).

On a side note - It appears the IR isn't used as much because of the increased risk for seizures and addiction?

The Wellbutrin SR from Canada may be worth trying for a full 12 hour release.

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Cvs just changed my generic xl 300 from Par manufacturing (which I did well on for a year) to Cipla which made me nauseous w/headache. After 4 days, I figured it out. Cutting them in half has helped some. Can't find anyone who still carries Par & my insurance will charge $4000 for Wellbutrin! Outrageous...generic meds need to be more consistent!!

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I just switched to generic bupropion 300mg xl made by Par, I got it from CVS. I was taking 2 150mg bupropion a day prior, made by Sandoz, which I was starting to like. Now I'm getting adjusted to Par, no bad side effects, just hope it helps with my depression. Some brands seem to do nothing. I agree, pharmacies should keep people steady on one brand, it's like u never know what ur gonna get next. N they're all different, that's for sure!

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If you have private insurance (like BCBS, United, Kaiser, etc.) stop freaking out and read the posts carefully. Two days ago a person posted about a NEW coupon from Valenat. I called and it is legit. 877-431-3578. Save yourself the aggravation.

They have a new card starting this past week. If you have normal commercial insurance like me (BSBCIL) and they will not cover any portion of the brand name. It will only cost you $100 per month! I know the coupon on the website only covers up to $200. This is new. The woman I spoke to said they will eventually be updating the website coupon but for now you can only get this by calling and through the mail. You can then use the coupon at any local pharmacy (walgreens, cvs, etc.)

Yes, this is worse than the $50/month we were getting with Direct Success, but this is our only option now unless you want to risk generics.

If you can afford $100 a month you will be fine.

Disclaimer: If you have medicare this will not work. It is only for private insurance, just like direct success was.

I agree with everyone that this is BS and it's wrong to keep us from affording our medication. At least Valeant made some effort to correct this disaster they created. Just call the number. I promise you it works, unlike the website coupon that is ridiculous.

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You know...my doctor said that the Direct Success program (no longer available anyway) as well as this new card NOT being available to Medicare people is age discrimination. Of course Medicare will not cover brand name, but those on Medicare aren't eligible for this "new card" and paying the $100. Multiple calls to Valeant and no one could answer the "Why" of this.

I have found the right solution for myself - generic plus small dose of generic sr Adderall, but someone should be able to answer that. There are a LOT of Medicare people out there that can't take any generics.It IS age discrimination.

Off my soapbox.

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I agree with you. Change begins with a question and taking action. Keep pushing it until you have the answer.. go to state level congressman via letter .. just keep asking and document all contacts/phone# discussions you have.

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UPDATE: I have UMR insurance with OPTUMRX as prescription coverage. Wellbrutrin XL is 3rd tier at 150, 200 for 150mg, 300mg so $350/month copay for me..with the new card yes it is $150 yes it is more than the $100 at Direct Pharmacy but far more managable than $350. Like many I have a long history of depression, documented well & documented trying the generics too. I am working through the prior authorization process now, I see my Psych next week & I'll give an update on what comes of the prior authorization. For those on Medicaid I truly wish there were an option for you as well. don't give up for change only happens when action is taken vs blind acceptance so if writing to your congressman and/or valeant and whomever else is appropriate then do it. yes it takes time, it sucks yet your voice must be heard or else "as is" becomes the statuesque.

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FYI - I signed up on the internet, called it in then took a picture of the card to show my pharmacist. I was told this would work.

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@Pepperthecat, someone on Medicaid may be able to use the card/coupon. For their sake, I hope they can. It is people on MEDICARE - age 65+ - that can NOT have the option. That's why my doctor says it is age discrimination.

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I have to be on the Name Brand Welbutrin XL. Allergic to Generic. My new price for the drug is 1553.32 for only 1 month supply! Who can afford that? After my deductible of $1,000, I will pay 10% of the name brand every month! Yikes, I already work 2 jobs but none of the Generics do anything for me. Oh, I have been on this anit-depressant for 28 years! Jeez, now the drug maker has sold all it's rights to Name Brand. Frustrated. Went and printed off a coupon that my pharmacy will hopefully take to take the first price edge off my prescription. The price changes all the time also.

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Scout, I just checked with GSM and they did indeed discontinue the Wellbutrin IR. Lots of things still list it though. My formulary had it on there for another 6 months after I had verified it.
Maybe I will try the IR generics. Otherwise I need to petition the state healthcare advocate for name-brand.
This whole fiasco is beyond words. I work full-time, have two school age kids and a chronic illness...I do not have the time or energy to chase around specific generics. Something needs to be done about the generic industry...Not to mention the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.

What IR generics have you been on?

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I had weird side effects on the Cipla version too so I'm going back to the Par. CVS special ordered it for me (Takes an extra day). Ugh I can't believe the original medication is $1000 a month. The Par generic is costing me $30-something a month from CVS/Target without insurance coverage.

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I have to be on the Name Brand Wellbutrin XL 150mg. I have been on this anti-depressant for 11 years. I was at the Direct Success Program because my private insurance does not pay for brand name drug. My new price for the drug is $1,420.00 at Wallgreens in Puerto Rico for only 1 month supply! This is too high for me to pay!!! In 2011 I tried generics from Anchen Pharmaceutical who now is PAR and from Mylan Pharmaceutical but they didn’t work for me. Thank God for this chat. I knew that Valeant HAS A NEW COUPON THAT ONLY COST YOU $100 per month. I did call them and they will send it to my address.

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Same here for both generics. I take 450 so 2 bottles per month 2 copay so my Dr has submitted a prior authorization request. My copay rt now is 350 far from 1000 like many . With that coupon I'd be paying 150 . Yes thank goodness for the coupon. Still need Medicaid patient support ..hope that comes soon.

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Well cash price for this medication is unbelievable. 2 bottles of wellbrutrin and 2 bottles of vyvanse for my household ..cost over $9,000. Thank you valentine for the 200 coupon, it will help when I use insurance for copay. Time will tell what the government is going to do about cash costs ..crazy just crazy costs.

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Did this actually work? The coupons indicate a reasonable cost -- but based on a cash price of about $103.00, when the actual cash price for brand Wellbutrin XL is $1400+. I'm wondering if this coupon system is up-to-date.

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Same with the Cipla, I was depressed for no reason for the first time in months, crying, aggravated, angry.

Requested for my pharmacy to switch me back to Anchen.

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I called Valeant and requested the discount card and received it in about 1 week. I had my doctor send a script for WellbutrinXL150 mg stipulating brand necessary to my CVS pharmacy. The next day I went with discount card in hand to pick up my script. They had not filled it because my insurance would not pay, which I already knew. I gave them the discount card. They did whatever they had to do with it while I waited. They said they had to order the Wellbutrin XL and it would be available the next day. A 3 month supply cost $300 and was I aware of the cost? I said yes, please order it. I just picked it up. It was $300. IT works!

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