Re: Generic Enzymes to

[Guest guest]

,

My GI feels the same way, that brands do work better than generics.

For the first two years I used Ultrase-MT 20's, which were extrememly

expensive, but very effective, and since my insurance covered them all

except for a $20 copay, that's what I used.

After my pancreas burned out 2-1/2 years ago, my GI switched me to

Viokase-16's, along with the Protonix that has to be taken beforehand.

He said that there had been research that showed that the Viokase

enzymes helped more with the pain, as well as digestion, and he felt

they might be more suitable for me. They've worked very well, and

it's been since I started the Viokase enzymes that I've finally been

able to regain my weight. I'm not considering any changes, myself.

I have heard from other members here that some of the generic

versions, such as Solgar's Pancreas Enzymes, which are sold in health

food stores, have been very effective as a substitute for prescription

brands, and at considerably lower cost. Although I'm not planning on

changing myself, if there are other generic versions available for

other people like Shelia was talking about, I wanted to get the

information about them for the benefit of other people. Some of our

members don't have insurance, or don't have the type that covers

prescriptions, and can't afford the brand name types. It's always

helpful to have other options to discuss and mention for those other

people who are in this type of situation.

That's why I asked.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

wrote:

> I haven't tried generic enzymes to compare against name brand but I

remember my gastroenterologist, when prescribing Creon for me last

year, saying that he was specifying name brand only because he thought

they worked better than generic.

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi,

That is good information to have, even for those of us with insurance. I didn't

know you could get pancreatic enzymes w/o a prescription. My co-pay is $35 for

the Creon, which adds up after a while. I may look into the Solgar brand if

others are having success with them and they're cheaper than the prescription,

especially since right now I'm not taking them too much.

Thanks,

Falsone

polis, MD

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

I did reply earlier but maybe you didn't see the post as I think it

went further back, I just don't want you to think I didn't reply.

The generic enzymes that I take are Lipram-cr20. This is an enteric

coated enzyme made by Gobal. My insurance lets me get this at 5 a month

or 5 for 3 months if I do the precsriptions by mail.

I hope this helps someone else as this has been a huge help to me and i

could tell a dramatic difference when I started being compliant with

the enzymes in my pain levels.

Hope you all are having a good day,

Shelia