Betaseron

[TheBeans]

Does anyone know if Betaseron will ever go generic or not? I've been on it for the past 7 years and our insurance is pressuring us to change over to one of the newer treatments due to the escalating cost. I don't want to change what works well for me, but if Betaseron isn't going generic anytime soon, I will have to make some decisions. Anyone know?

[Mynamegoeshere1]

I know there is one that is the exact makeup of Betaseron. Not sure of the price difference. Maybe worth looking into.

[Toomnyhats]

My understanding is Extavia is the same as Beta, might want to research it.

However, I don't understand your insurance company's reasoning. When I researched all of these a few yrs ago Beta was one of the cheaper DMDs, about 32K. G is running at least 10K more (prices with no insurance). Who knows how much BG-12 will be once it is approved (50K or more?)!

Logically speaking the newer the drug the more expensive so I really don't understand the reasoning ...

[FL_Jhawk]

Insurance companies make deals with drug suppliers for major discounts, so maybe Bayer is not negotiating as well as other suppliers.

[Bob698]

Beta and Extavia are made from cloned material which is why they can't go "generic".
It sounds like someone is getting some basic info confused with standard meds.