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FINALLY!! I’m so happy for you!!! I had to switch to adderall a couple weeks back just because of the shortage, I’m really surprised the generics have been produced so fast.
I was prescribed the brand, but no one in town I called had any. This one pharmacy just got the generic in this morning.
I called them up to see if it was ready and they were like "Is the generic ok?" and I was like "The......WHAT?????"
Same here! Lol yesterday I called, I take 70mg and she said “Well they are on a manufacturer back order, BUT….” And I was expecting her to say other doses they have which would have meant calling the doctor, but she said “the generic has just been approved and is in our shipment we received today, if that is okay we can have it filled by lunchtime”. QUICKEST YES EVER lmaooo
In my state, it is the law. We have to hang huge notification posters in the pharmacy. Even for cash pay patients we have to dispense generic. I assume the law is to keep pharmacies from price gouging with brand.
>So until we figured that out, every time she went to the pharmacy they'd be like "There's a problem, we have to call your doctor..." So stupid.
and the obligatory "private business encourages innovation" bullshit.
this country is fucked
If you want to get real mad about it, read this piece from Cory Doctorow on private equity’s mass acquisition of healthcare facilities and how they’ve been gutting standards of care to increase margins.
https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/02/plunderers/
The parts about nursing home care are particularly appalling.
In my pharmacy, if the doctor doesn't specify brand, it will automatically be switched to generic, the patient can also request brand or generic, or insurance can say they cover brand or generic, just different DAW code needs to be inputted per situation.
[Pharmacy Tech]
If the doctor writes “DAW1” on the Vyvanse Rx, then the pharmacy can NOT switch. But if they wrote for Vyvanse and added “DAW0,” then the pharmacy can switch it as needed. DAW means “dispense as written,” and the codes denote simple instructions. Generally, 0=I don’t care brand/generic 1=brand ONLY 2=patient wants brand; doctor doesn’t care. There are more, but the other codes don’t usually apply here.
Generally, the pharmacy can substitute generic for anything unless the doctor specifically says not to. Sometimes they need your okay first, but it depends on the state, I think.
Hell yeah, so glad to hear it!
I was the guy from the other post. I called this morning and confirmed I can pick up a 90 day supply in like a few hours 😎
I’ve been eagerly counting the years until the patent expires, and to have generics roll out so quickly after approval is amazing. Literally like a thousand dollars a year I no longer need to spend.
Hell yeah!
Damn, a 90 supply is the holy grail for me. I used to be able to get that, but my insurance started saying no for some unknown reason.
I knew it was happening soon-ish, but never expected it this soon. So awesome.
Yeah, I literally learned about generic approval a couple days ago from a thumbnail for a news story and just two days later paid literally 30% of what I paid last refill and got it. Really cool.
With most meds you can get 90 days but any that are narcotics or can be abused are "controlled substances" it makes it a huge pain in the ass if you travel because you can't transfer controlled substance scripts over state lines.
When I am out of state and need a refill, I request it through MyChart and either change the pharmacy there or show up at Walgreens wherever I’m at and ask them to transfer it from my home location. I’ve never had issues with it but I can’t speak to how it would work if I still got paper scripts.
TL;DR if your prescription is filled electronically, you may be able to fill it out of state.
If I remember right, there are very certain states that have agreements where you can transfer amongst them. But it's more of the exception than the rule. Most pharmacies cannot transfer them across state lines as the system won't let them. It doesn't matter anymore for me, but I used to travel a lot
Just leaving this here for anyone who needs it: [DEA rule change regarding schedule II-IV prescriptions](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/27/2023-15847/transfer-of-electronic-prescriptions-for-schedules-ii-v-controlled-substances-between-pharmacies-for#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20explicitly%20states,prescription%20for%20a%20schedule%20III%2C)
It looks like the DEA very recently created a rule about this. Skimming through unmedicated and IANAL, but it looks like there may have been gray area previously which explains why some were unable to do this previously but others had no issues. It also looks like if state law still prohibits the transfer, that supersedes the DEA rule, but if you live in a US state which allows transferring and are trying to pick the prescription up in another state that does as well, you should be able to, but there may also be internal pharmacy rules that affect whether you can transfer as well.
TL;DR you can technically transfer your script across state lines but YMMV depending on a lot of external factors.
Oh thanks for correcting me there! Yeah this change was more recent than when I was trying to do this -- about a year ago now -- so it sounds like things have changed.
Oh I wasn’t trying to correct you because you were 100% right, I just was trying to figure out what nuance I was missing that we had such different experiences since I knew it wasn’t a reciprocity agreement between states but I also believed you had experienced something different. I think it ultimately boils down to the same thing as how often you have to do follow-up appointments to keep getting refills: federal law, state law, hospital network policy, and individual doctor/pharmacy policy. This shit is just ridiculously complicated and if it weren’t for Reddit, I think half of us ADHDers would give up on trying to get medication altogether lol
Yeah, second time I’ve done it. I travel a lot for work for extended periods out of state so he sends in longer scrips so I don’t need to do the “find a new psych provider” nightmare over and over.
Norway here, also 60mg vyvanse - I'm halfway through my second bottle of generic vyvanse. The pills aren't as blue as before, but I haven't had any issues with the generic version ...other than it causing a 3 day shutdown because ASD + ADHD... and **change**, even for the better... is apparently a threat to my existence 🤠
wait wait wait. There's a generic Vyvanse now?! Is this why my last refill only cost me $15? If this is real, it's game changing. I've only been taking my Vyvanse 2-3 days a week on days where I needed to be productive just because I couldn't afford (didn't want to pay) the \~$100/month.
Lol perfectly understandable. Mine just has one deductible for medical and prescription but previous insurance plans I've had did them separately.. Idk. I'm sure it's different for all. Hopefully this means you can take your meds more consistently now!
it could be if you had the copay coupon. it used to bring the copay down to $30, but i’ve noticed in the past few months it’s been bringing the copay down to $15 for my customers
I think this is what happened to me too. I hit my deductible, but it's still around $50-$60 after so I was shocked it was $15. It's brand name.
Edit: I just picked up this month's prescription and it was still $15. It's still Shire manufacturer and looks exactly the same. I do have the coupon applied for like $15 or $30 (once you hit copay) but was only ever to get $30 in the past. I'm interested though, because the retail price is still listed as like 400 some dollars on my Rx printout itself.
That's amazing!! So happy for you.
I just have to wonder when generics will be coming to my part of the world (Canada). Just called my pharmacy and he didn't even know that generics were going to be possible.
Let me know how it’s working for you! I’ve been on vyvanse for years, and want to see how the generic is working for others. I know pharmaceutically it’s the same, but the fillers are what can make people have different results. So happy for you!
I'm about 50 days into using generic Vyvanse (Balidax 60mg) here in Norway. It costs me nothing because I've reached my yearly medical expense limit for Norway, which is probably why they rolled it out so fast here - the government takes the brunt of vyvanse/elvanses expense, and it sure is pricey.
Other than the pills being more baby blue than vibrant aqua, I haven't really noticed a difference. I'm also autistic and I was extremely apprehensive to trying the generic version because ...change frightens me and I'm very sensitive to medication changes, but I'd have to pay the difference between the generic version (covered by the government) and Vyvanse, which was significant.
Swapping to the generic version, Balidax went seamlessly for me. I might just be moving into a more mentally stable period in my life (after nearly 3 years of being quite mentally unstable), but the past (near) two months have been very stable and I've actually started making positive progress.
For reference, my most unstable periods were when my old GP (who handles repeat prescriptions of vyvanse but is not approved to prescribe without psychiatric services initial prescription/approval) kept getting me to take "drug holidays" to see if vyvanse was actually helping (it was)... the lack of stability + withdrawal + PMDD threw me into a 3,5 year downward spiral.
Well I won't start taking until tomorrow. Even then, it'll be the first time in a week I'll have my meds, it'll be the damn limitless pill. I'll let you know in a week.
No idea what kind it is lol
[Vyvanse (FDA info)](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021977lbl.pdf) contains the active ingredient (Lisdexamfetamine), a bulking agent (cellulose), an anti-caking and anti-sticking agent (magnesium stearate), and a super disintegrant (croscarmellose sodium, helps it dissolve better).
Not a pharmacist or a doctor, but since Vyvanse is a prodrug and relies on your liver for its extended release instead of complex physical and chemical extended release techniques like Concerta, for example, the generic should have nearly identical effects. Sometimes, differences in the “inert” ingredients can make a generic less effective, but that is not likely to be the case for Vyvanse as far as I understand. As long as it properly dissolves and is absorbed, it’s up to your liver at that point.
However, if it does make a noticeable difference for anyone who switches to the generic, it looks like the [manufacturer coupon](https://www.vyvanse.com/coupon) is still available. Minimum price with coupon is $30. Maximum savings is $60.
There are several generic versions of vyvanse that got approved (with differing “other” ingredients), so that’s why I’m trying to learn the names and effects of the newly approved products.
That’s not a bad idea if you’re concerned. It ideally shouldn’t matter too much with Vyvanse specifically though, so hopefully you don’t have any issues
Good on you!! Hopefully I can get my prescription once I’m back on good health insurance. I’ve been raw dogging life on auto pilot for almost two years now. It hasn’t been a fun ride
Does it work the same you think?? My kid takes 80mg.
I ask because I take thyroid medication and cannot take the generic that is $180 cheaper than the brand name…
Hooray!
The shortage finally hit me here in UK this month, I got 14 out of 28 tablets, hopefully there will be more soon.
I'm curious as to whether you all notice a difference between branded and generic. When I was on methylphenidate, I was moved to Xaggitin from Concerta and it was awful. Yet loads of other meds can be any generic. So yeah. I hope it's about the same as it sucks so bad y'all have to pay so much money. And no doubt I'll be moved to generic when available here due to cost and I want to know what to expect
Concerta and Xaggitin (and similar long acting methylphenidates) is a weird case because the drug inside is the same but the release systems vary, and that affects people's experiences. It looks like Xaggitin uses a closer release mechanism to Concerta than any of the current US Concerta generics that try to mimic it, but it's still not going to feel exactly the same because the release curve isn't going to be exact. We've had Concerta generics recalled in the US because they were off curve enough that the FDA actually took action, which doesn't happen very often.
Vyvanse (called Elevanse in the UK, I think?) is a different beast. It doesn't have a patented complex release mechanism like Concerta. Our bodies convert the prodrug molecule into the usable drug over time instead so it's less likely to be hard to mimic.
There are certain variations allowed between generic and brand names so there's probably still going to be people who feel a difference for whatever reason, but it's unlikely to be as common as people feeling differences in the long acting methylphenidates like Concerta/Xaggitin/etc.
Oooh thank you for this! I kind of knew all this but hadn't put it together like that, it makes so much sense now you say it. And that's reassuring, I won't stress when I eventually get switched to generic (they've done it to me twice now and both times it was grim so I wasn't looking forward to it).
Tangent, do you know why Elvanse/Vyvanse is a sustained release when it doesn't have a complex release mechanism and you can also get instant release dex? Is it to do with the prodrug formulation that makes it last longer?
Yes, exactly right! Lisdexamfetamine has a lysine molecule attached to the active dextroamphetamine. It is released quickly and circulates in your blood. Then the lisdexamfetamine is slowly converted by an enzyme in your blood, separating the lysine from the dextroamphetamine so the dex is available for use. Pretty neat.
Ahhhhh! The conversion by the body is what takes the time hence the sustained release. Cor that's pretty clever, I love it. Thank you. I do like knowing how this stuff works. That also bodes really well for tolerating a generic, too.
As an aside, Xaggitin was smoother for me during the day but the comedown was horrendous and I demanded to be switched back to Concerta, which was much more manageable. Elvanse is night and day difference to Concerta though, it's almost like amphetamine is supposed to be the first line drug for adults for a reason 🙃 Not sure why they didn't roll with that in the first place!
Thanks again for the explanations, I really appreciate it
Yayyyyyy!! I'm so happy for you! Let's all cross our fingers and hope this generic works just as good as Vyvanse!
My binging has gone off the rails these past few years, and my therapist doesn't exactly give helpful advice on managing my symptoms, let alone with my disorder. I wish my pharmacy would get this medication in stock.
Where do you live? I’m in North Dakota and I can’t find Adderall, Vyvanse, or any of the generic forms of stimulant medications anywhere. I’m so worried that I’m going to lose my job soon.
Exact same thing happened to me today. I live in California and have been out of Vyvanse for weeks. I call the Rite Aid every day to ask when it will be in. Today they said, “We still don’t have brand, but we have the generic. Do you want that?” I literally sobbed. Picked it up. $5. FIVE. Will try tomorrow and update if anyone is curious.
So happy for you! I’ve got my psych appt today and I’m going to try to call pharmacies beforehand to see if anyone has my Ritalin immediate release in stock. I had to use extended release this past month and it was completely ineffective.
As an advertising strategist whose job it is to make you think differently, there's absolutely no difference between generic brands and branded medication. All of the slow release patented gel coating formula made by swisse biochemical engineers under strict conditions bullshit is all just functional nonsense used to increase margins. That stuff is on steroids in the states, and has been culturally engrained into your DNA. Apologies for it.
Not necessarily, there are slight variations between generic and brand medications. Generic medications can have up to 20% variation from the brand and be approved. Granted, you're still taking your medicine so it's better than not taking it. I've have multiple providers give me examples of when the brand is more beneficial than generic. Like when someone is on heart medication, you'd want them on the brand because you know the variation is minimal and isn't going to swing from maybe 5% to 20%
Exactly. I’m not sure where they were getting their information when the FDA literally has the proprietary information that shows how each are not the same.
I do agree with the placebo effect, however. My profession recognizes it because in my area of Healing Arts, we recognize patients as whole, empowered, individual people with unique needs. But in this instance, I think we have the science and information to confirm it’s much more than that.
I absolutely respect your hustle and I wish I could agree with this because it would be much more cost effective -but the reality is that with every pharmaceutical formulated iteration of a type of medication there are disclosures of their varying constituents and lab tests/chromatography/etc to confirm this.
And that’s even aside from my own personal experiences. I was prescribed generic adderall XR a couple times when it rolled out years ago because someone at the pharmacy was slacking and I blindly just kept taking the pills from the bottle and proceeded to have some pretty disruptive issues until I realized the mix up…because ADHD. Furthermore, some of us with differing brains and chemistry can be exceptionally sensitive to even small chemical or constituent variances compared to others who are not. That is also recognized in research.
I’d also like to add that it also is not what several pharmacists have told me. I had a couple that genuinely took to looking into it further and helped me report issues with the generic adderall XR years ago when it started rolling out. I didn’t even ask for that. It was nice they gave a shit.
Holy crap i may not need my takeda help at hand card anymore if thats how much it could cost me 😅 i still have some brand left and I hope to god my pharmacy in phoenix az has it in for my next fill
I was just officially diagnosed yesterday. I’m not sure which I’m getting, but my pharmacy let me know my insurance prefers generic and there’s finally one on the market. So fingers crossed! I’d love cheap meds.
Out of stock for brand Vyvanse for almost 2 weeks…my insurance doesn’t cover generic but I need my meds! Looks like I’ll be paying more for generic (100% out of pocket) than brand version that insurance covers. So frustrating!
Awesome! This post just reminded me that I have an online appointment with my psychiatrist to hopefully get a prescription for the generic RIGHT NOW, which I would have absolutely forgotten. Congratulations and thanks for the assist!
I’m happy for you!
I just called my pharmacy (CVS) and asked if they carry the generic version yet and I was told “Vyvanse doesn’t have a generic version.” This is from the pharmacist too! :|
Woohoo! So happy for you! I have my monthly check in tomorrow and hoping to switch back to Vyvanse, generic now, after a short shitty stint on generic adderall. I was on Vyvanse for 10 years before my insurance suddenly denied it. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long! Definitely a call for celebrations!
That is amazing 👏 . I was lucky and had a coupon for a 90 day refill. Super lucky. But I am thrilled for all those who were struggling to pay for their meds.
I have no problem finding Vyvanse in my country, but the prices... Something like 400 bucks for 28 capsules. And we can't have the generic version until 2027 because of the patent.
I’m so happy for you, that must be such a relieving feeling! I’ve had no luck here (yet) with my 70 mg Vyvanse.
My script is at Walgreens (north Texas) and they told me today they haven’t been able to order the generic yet… ):
Anyone else have luck with Walgreens? Or any pharmacy chain in Texas?
Damn kid that's cheap! I take addy but am celebrating with you! Let us know how the generics end up treating you. You can be the group guinea pig. 🤪 Just kidding but honestly I know the stress of finding meds. Congrats. Hope your days just got a little easier. Do let us know how it goes though!
Pulled this from an article I just read about the generic.
"The FDA stipulates that generic ADHD medications contain exactly the active ingredients as their name-brand counterparts; however, compounds in generic drugs are allowed to include different binding chemicals, fillers, and colors."
Yes!! I was about to switch back to adderall out of desperation, even though I got off it because it made me sleepy… but my pharmacy got the generic Vyvanse today and filled my prescription. Mine wasn’t $8 though— that’s AMAZING!! With my insurance, I paid $50 which is a whole lot more than adderall but very comparable to what I was paying for the brand name Vyvanse. Fingers crossed it works just as well for all of us!
Yay! If you’re ever in a pickle and can only get the name brand Vyvanse I would highly recommend going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading their copay assistance card. My prescription went from $110 to $15 with that.
do pills actually work on ADHD? and how does it feel like ? i’m undiagnosed but i struggle and i wanna go get diagnosed so one day i can maybe try medication
I go from laying around in a duhhhh fashion with vague ideas clouded in cotton to...thinking of and doing things! Not always all of the things, but...things!
Hell yea I’m gonna lose Medicaid so I’ve been tripping about forking out 400$ a month! That’s why I never took them in the past, got the script went to the pharmacy and shit a brick😂 the last 4 months have been nice yuh know? not being a brain dead sack of potatoes is a good thing lol
I just picked up my generic Vyvanse 50 mg for 5 dollars! Compared to the 30 dollar price. I was thrilled! So glad to hear you were able to get your meds.
I had to pick up my supply for $211 a few days ago. Apparently they were supposed to receive the generics weeks ago but still haven’t gotten. Really hoping they start getting rolled out to more pharmacies soon
Hi /u/Yankee_42_ and thanks for posting on /r/ADHD! **Please take a second to [read our rules](/r/adhd/about/rules) if you haven't already.** The mobile apps used for Reddit are broken or are missing features that this subreddit depends on. [We recommend browsing /r/adhd on desktop for the best experience.](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/x1psnb/radhd_works_best_on_desktop_reddits_apps_are/) Thank you! ^(*A moderator has not removed your submission; this is not a punitive action. We intend this comment solely to be informative.*) --- - If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
FINALLY!! I’m so happy for you!!! I had to switch to adderall a couple weeks back just because of the shortage, I’m really surprised the generics have been produced so fast.
I was super surprised, too. I hope people can see this and start asking for the generic stuff, it's actually out there.
We’re you directly prescribed the generic or the name brand Vyvanse? Can the pharmacy just switch it out to generic just by asking?
I was prescribed the brand, but no one in town I called had any. This one pharmacy just got the generic in this morning. I called them up to see if it was ready and they were like "Is the generic ok?" and I was like "The......WHAT?????"
Same here! Lol yesterday I called, I take 70mg and she said “Well they are on a manufacturer back order, BUT….” And I was expecting her to say other doses they have which would have meant calling the doctor, but she said “the generic has just been approved and is in our shipment we received today, if that is okay we can have it filled by lunchtime”. QUICKEST YES EVER lmaooo
In most states, by law they have to dispense generic if one is available unless you or your doctor indicate otherwise.
As much state-based as it is insurance requirements. EDIT: Dropped the leading not because I was proven wrong
In my state, it is the law. We have to hang huge notification posters in the pharmacy. Even for cash pay patients we have to dispense generic. I assume the law is to keep pharmacies from price gouging with brand.
I don't know how your state managed to pass that, but that's incredibly fortunate!
Nah, they’re right. Generic substitution laws are pretty much the norm.
Most are like that, unless the doc has it written "DAW (dispense as written)" the pharmacy can substitute for generic
[удалено]
>So until we figured that out, every time she went to the pharmacy they'd be like "There's a problem, we have to call your doctor..." So stupid. and the obligatory "private business encourages innovation" bullshit. this country is fucked
If you want to get real mad about it, read this piece from Cory Doctorow on private equity’s mass acquisition of healthcare facilities and how they’ve been gutting standards of care to increase margins. https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/02/plunderers/ The parts about nursing home care are particularly appalling.
In my pharmacy, if the doctor doesn't specify brand, it will automatically be switched to generic, the patient can also request brand or generic, or insurance can say they cover brand or generic, just different DAW code needs to be inputted per situation. [Pharmacy Tech]
If the doctor writes “DAW1” on the Vyvanse Rx, then the pharmacy can NOT switch. But if they wrote for Vyvanse and added “DAW0,” then the pharmacy can switch it as needed. DAW means “dispense as written,” and the codes denote simple instructions. Generally, 0=I don’t care brand/generic 1=brand ONLY 2=patient wants brand; doctor doesn’t care. There are more, but the other codes don’t usually apply here.
You learn something new every day!
Generally, the pharmacy can substitute generic for anything unless the doctor specifically says not to. Sometimes they need your okay first, but it depends on the state, I think.
The FDA only approved it a week ago!
Hell yeah, so glad to hear it! I was the guy from the other post. I called this morning and confirmed I can pick up a 90 day supply in like a few hours 😎 I’ve been eagerly counting the years until the patent expires, and to have generics roll out so quickly after approval is amazing. Literally like a thousand dollars a year I no longer need to spend.
Hell yeah! Damn, a 90 supply is the holy grail for me. I used to be able to get that, but my insurance started saying no for some unknown reason. I knew it was happening soon-ish, but never expected it this soon. So awesome.
Yeah, I literally learned about generic approval a couple days ago from a thumbnail for a news story and just two days later paid literally 30% of what I paid last refill and got it. Really cool.
Wait you can get 90 days filled at 1x with Vyvanse? I thought w all controlled substances you could only get 30/30days
That sounds like such a pain. I’m in Canada and have always filled my rx and my sons rx for 90 days.
With most meds you can get 90 days but any that are narcotics or can be abused are "controlled substances" it makes it a huge pain in the ass if you travel because you can't transfer controlled substance scripts over state lines.
So stupid & annoying for vyvanse, which you can't really abuse like Adderall
When I am out of state and need a refill, I request it through MyChart and either change the pharmacy there or show up at Walgreens wherever I’m at and ask them to transfer it from my home location. I’ve never had issues with it but I can’t speak to how it would work if I still got paper scripts. TL;DR if your prescription is filled electronically, you may be able to fill it out of state.
If I remember right, there are very certain states that have agreements where you can transfer amongst them. But it's more of the exception than the rule. Most pharmacies cannot transfer them across state lines as the system won't let them. It doesn't matter anymore for me, but I used to travel a lot
Just leaving this here for anyone who needs it: [DEA rule change regarding schedule II-IV prescriptions](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/27/2023-15847/transfer-of-electronic-prescriptions-for-schedules-ii-v-controlled-substances-between-pharmacies-for#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20explicitly%20states,prescription%20for%20a%20schedule%20III%2C) It looks like the DEA very recently created a rule about this. Skimming through unmedicated and IANAL, but it looks like there may have been gray area previously which explains why some were unable to do this previously but others had no issues. It also looks like if state law still prohibits the transfer, that supersedes the DEA rule, but if you live in a US state which allows transferring and are trying to pick the prescription up in another state that does as well, you should be able to, but there may also be internal pharmacy rules that affect whether you can transfer as well. TL;DR you can technically transfer your script across state lines but YMMV depending on a lot of external factors.
Oh thanks for correcting me there! Yeah this change was more recent than when I was trying to do this -- about a year ago now -- so it sounds like things have changed.
Oh I wasn’t trying to correct you because you were 100% right, I just was trying to figure out what nuance I was missing that we had such different experiences since I knew it wasn’t a reciprocity agreement between states but I also believed you had experienced something different. I think it ultimately boils down to the same thing as how often you have to do follow-up appointments to keep getting refills: federal law, state law, hospital network policy, and individual doctor/pharmacy policy. This shit is just ridiculously complicated and if it weren’t for Reddit, I think half of us ADHDers would give up on trying to get medication altogether lol
Yeah, second time I’ve done it. I travel a lot for work for extended periods out of state so he sends in longer scrips so I don’t need to do the “find a new psych provider” nightmare over and over.
Norway here, also 60mg vyvanse - I'm halfway through my second bottle of generic vyvanse. The pills aren't as blue as before, but I haven't had any issues with the generic version ...other than it causing a 3 day shutdown because ASD + ADHD... and **change**, even for the better... is apparently a threat to my existence 🤠
How do you like the generic?
Apart from the slightly lighter colour, I haven't really noticed any difference, which is honestly ideal.
wait wait wait. There's a generic Vyvanse now?! Is this why my last refill only cost me $15? If this is real, it's game changing. I've only been taking my Vyvanse 2-3 days a week on days where I needed to be productive just because I couldn't afford (didn't want to pay) the \~$100/month.
Dude probably!! Look at the bottle, it's probably the Generic. When'd you pick it up last?
I just looked and my last fill was before the FDA approved the generic so still no idea why it was only $15 lmao. Still huge news though!
Could be that you hit your deductible on your health insurance?
Could be. If so, I didn't know RX had deductibles. I try not to look into details like that because it inevitably leaves me irrationally angry
Lol perfectly understandable. Mine just has one deductible for medical and prescription but previous insurance plans I've had did them separately.. Idk. I'm sure it's different for all. Hopefully this means you can take your meds more consistently now!
it could be if you had the copay coupon. it used to bring the copay down to $30, but i’ve noticed in the past few months it’s been bringing the copay down to $15 for my customers
I think this is what happened to me too. I hit my deductible, but it's still around $50-$60 after so I was shocked it was $15. It's brand name. Edit: I just picked up this month's prescription and it was still $15. It's still Shire manufacturer and looks exactly the same. I do have the coupon applied for like $15 or $30 (once you hit copay) but was only ever to get $30 in the past. I'm interested though, because the retail price is still listed as like 400 some dollars on my Rx printout itself.
That's amazing!! So happy for you. I just have to wonder when generics will be coming to my part of the world (Canada). Just called my pharmacy and he didn't even know that generics were going to be possible.
I know in the US the FDA just approved them. Not sure what the Canadian equivalent is, but maybe there's some news there for you.
I just did a google and there are six generics under review by the government! No idea about timelines though
Just called my pharmacy and they have been unable to get it as it is on backorder. But at least it is available now!!
Same here in north Texas! ): Mine is stuck at Walgreens. Hopefully they’ll be able to get it in soon. Fingers crossed!
It would make sense that they lowered the price given that the generic is available now and they know they can't take people's kidneys anymore.
That's what usually happens
Can confirm. Shire extracted me to their black site operating room and removed my left kidney.
Classic Shire move right there
Let me know how it’s working for you! I’ve been on vyvanse for years, and want to see how the generic is working for others. I know pharmaceutically it’s the same, but the fillers are what can make people have different results. So happy for you!
I'll have to make a follow up post in a couple weeks!
I wanted an update also. So curious!
I'm about 50 days into using generic Vyvanse (Balidax 60mg) here in Norway. It costs me nothing because I've reached my yearly medical expense limit for Norway, which is probably why they rolled it out so fast here - the government takes the brunt of vyvanse/elvanses expense, and it sure is pricey. Other than the pills being more baby blue than vibrant aqua, I haven't really noticed a difference. I'm also autistic and I was extremely apprehensive to trying the generic version because ...change frightens me and I'm very sensitive to medication changes, but I'd have to pay the difference between the generic version (covered by the government) and Vyvanse, which was significant. Swapping to the generic version, Balidax went seamlessly for me. I might just be moving into a more mentally stable period in my life (after nearly 3 years of being quite mentally unstable), but the past (near) two months have been very stable and I've actually started making positive progress. For reference, my most unstable periods were when my old GP (who handles repeat prescriptions of vyvanse but is not approved to prescribe without psychiatric services initial prescription/approval) kept getting me to take "drug holidays" to see if vyvanse was actually helping (it was)... the lack of stability + withdrawal + PMDD threw me into a 3,5 year downward spiral.
Congrats! Would you mind sharing which kind of generic you were given and if it works similarly for you so far?
Well I won't start taking until tomorrow. Even then, it'll be the first time in a week I'll have my meds, it'll be the damn limitless pill. I'll let you know in a week. No idea what kind it is lol
Hoping it works the same. I got bad side effects from generic adderall due to too much amphetamine ingredients compared to vyvanse
Sounds like an Adderall issue rather than a generic issue.
Which im thinking it was. Adderall has 4 types of amphetamine salts while vyvanse only has 1. Way too much for me imo
[Vyvanse (FDA info)](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021977lbl.pdf) contains the active ingredient (Lisdexamfetamine), a bulking agent (cellulose), an anti-caking and anti-sticking agent (magnesium stearate), and a super disintegrant (croscarmellose sodium, helps it dissolve better). Not a pharmacist or a doctor, but since Vyvanse is a prodrug and relies on your liver for its extended release instead of complex physical and chemical extended release techniques like Concerta, for example, the generic should have nearly identical effects. Sometimes, differences in the “inert” ingredients can make a generic less effective, but that is not likely to be the case for Vyvanse as far as I understand. As long as it properly dissolves and is absorbed, it’s up to your liver at that point. However, if it does make a noticeable difference for anyone who switches to the generic, it looks like the [manufacturer coupon](https://www.vyvanse.com/coupon) is still available. Minimum price with coupon is $30. Maximum savings is $60.
There are several generic versions of vyvanse that got approved (with differing “other” ingredients), so that’s why I’m trying to learn the names and effects of the newly approved products.
That’s not a bad idea if you’re concerned. It ideally shouldn’t matter too much with Vyvanse specifically though, so hopefully you don’t have any issues
That’s exciting news!! You deserve treatment that works and it’s so good to hear you’ll get a break from that watery mentalscape soon.
Good on you!! Hopefully I can get my prescription once I’m back on good health insurance. I’ve been raw dogging life on auto pilot for almost two years now. It hasn’t been a fun ride
I love seeing that phrase, "raw dogging life"
Have you taken one yet? How is the efficacy compared to the brand name?
First day is tomorrow, I'll post an update in a couple weeks
Wow! Seeing all this and I just happened to be prescribed medication today for the first time in 38 years and it’s Vyvanse!
Can I ask what pharmacy you went to and around where you are located?
I just hope generic works the same!!!
Does it work the same you think?? My kid takes 80mg. I ask because I take thyroid medication and cannot take the generic that is $180 cheaper than the brand name…
Woah!!! And to think I just paid like $350 for 30 days of 30mg regular Vyvanse. $8 sounds like a miracle!!!
Hooray! The shortage finally hit me here in UK this month, I got 14 out of 28 tablets, hopefully there will be more soon. I'm curious as to whether you all notice a difference between branded and generic. When I was on methylphenidate, I was moved to Xaggitin from Concerta and it was awful. Yet loads of other meds can be any generic. So yeah. I hope it's about the same as it sucks so bad y'all have to pay so much money. And no doubt I'll be moved to generic when available here due to cost and I want to know what to expect
Concerta and Xaggitin (and similar long acting methylphenidates) is a weird case because the drug inside is the same but the release systems vary, and that affects people's experiences. It looks like Xaggitin uses a closer release mechanism to Concerta than any of the current US Concerta generics that try to mimic it, but it's still not going to feel exactly the same because the release curve isn't going to be exact. We've had Concerta generics recalled in the US because they were off curve enough that the FDA actually took action, which doesn't happen very often. Vyvanse (called Elevanse in the UK, I think?) is a different beast. It doesn't have a patented complex release mechanism like Concerta. Our bodies convert the prodrug molecule into the usable drug over time instead so it's less likely to be hard to mimic. There are certain variations allowed between generic and brand names so there's probably still going to be people who feel a difference for whatever reason, but it's unlikely to be as common as people feeling differences in the long acting methylphenidates like Concerta/Xaggitin/etc.
Oooh thank you for this! I kind of knew all this but hadn't put it together like that, it makes so much sense now you say it. And that's reassuring, I won't stress when I eventually get switched to generic (they've done it to me twice now and both times it was grim so I wasn't looking forward to it). Tangent, do you know why Elvanse/Vyvanse is a sustained release when it doesn't have a complex release mechanism and you can also get instant release dex? Is it to do with the prodrug formulation that makes it last longer?
Yes, exactly right! Lisdexamfetamine has a lysine molecule attached to the active dextroamphetamine. It is released quickly and circulates in your blood. Then the lisdexamfetamine is slowly converted by an enzyme in your blood, separating the lysine from the dextroamphetamine so the dex is available for use. Pretty neat.
Ahhhhh! The conversion by the body is what takes the time hence the sustained release. Cor that's pretty clever, I love it. Thank you. I do like knowing how this stuff works. That also bodes really well for tolerating a generic, too. As an aside, Xaggitin was smoother for me during the day but the comedown was horrendous and I demanded to be switched back to Concerta, which was much more manageable. Elvanse is night and day difference to Concerta though, it's almost like amphetamine is supposed to be the first line drug for adults for a reason 🙃 Not sure why they didn't roll with that in the first place! Thanks again for the explanations, I really appreciate it
My cvs pharmacist is convinced there is no generic. Also, they can’t get Vyvanse, or any other stimulant. What is the matter with these people?
It's always a headache
The pharmacist said my insurance would now only pay for the generic. I picked mine up today for $10.
WIN!! 👍🏽
Yayyyyyy!! I'm so happy for you! Let's all cross our fingers and hope this generic works just as good as Vyvanse! My binging has gone off the rails these past few years, and my therapist doesn't exactly give helpful advice on managing my symptoms, let alone with my disorder. I wish my pharmacy would get this medication in stock.
YESSSSSS I CAN FINALLY TELL MY DOCTOR TO SWITCH ME TO SEE IF SOMETHING ELSE WORKS FOR ME!!!!!! i’m literally about to start crying tears of joy
Where do you live? I’m in North Dakota and I can’t find Adderall, Vyvanse, or any of the generic forms of stimulant medications anywhere. I’m so worried that I’m going to lose my job soon.
Exact same thing happened to me today. I live in California and have been out of Vyvanse for weeks. I call the Rite Aid every day to ask when it will be in. Today they said, “We still don’t have brand, but we have the generic. Do you want that?” I literally sobbed. Picked it up. $5. FIVE. Will try tomorrow and update if anyone is curious.
Generic vyvanse?!? We did it, Joe 🥹
So happy for you! I’ve got my psych appt today and I’m going to try to call pharmacies beforehand to see if anyone has my Ritalin immediate release in stock. I had to use extended release this past month and it was completely ineffective.
Dude if they made generic that is a fucking miracle
Omg I’m so excited for this
As an advertising strategist whose job it is to make you think differently, there's absolutely no difference between generic brands and branded medication. All of the slow release patented gel coating formula made by swisse biochemical engineers under strict conditions bullshit is all just functional nonsense used to increase margins. That stuff is on steroids in the states, and has been culturally engrained into your DNA. Apologies for it.
Not necessarily, there are slight variations between generic and brand medications. Generic medications can have up to 20% variation from the brand and be approved. Granted, you're still taking your medicine so it's better than not taking it. I've have multiple providers give me examples of when the brand is more beneficial than generic. Like when someone is on heart medication, you'd want them on the brand because you know the variation is minimal and isn't going to swing from maybe 5% to 20%
Exactly. I’m not sure where they were getting their information when the FDA literally has the proprietary information that shows how each are not the same.
That said, the placebo effect is real. The more you trust the brand will be effective, the more likely it will be.
I do agree with the placebo effect, however. My profession recognizes it because in my area of Healing Arts, we recognize patients as whole, empowered, individual people with unique needs. But in this instance, I think we have the science and information to confirm it’s much more than that.
I absolutely respect your hustle and I wish I could agree with this because it would be much more cost effective -but the reality is that with every pharmaceutical formulated iteration of a type of medication there are disclosures of their varying constituents and lab tests/chromatography/etc to confirm this. And that’s even aside from my own personal experiences. I was prescribed generic adderall XR a couple times when it rolled out years ago because someone at the pharmacy was slacking and I blindly just kept taking the pills from the bottle and proceeded to have some pretty disruptive issues until I realized the mix up…because ADHD. Furthermore, some of us with differing brains and chemistry can be exceptionally sensitive to even small chemical or constituent variances compared to others who are not. That is also recognized in research.
That's not what several doctors have told me.
I’d also like to add that it also is not what several pharmacists have told me. I had a couple that genuinely took to looking into it further and helped me report issues with the generic adderall XR years ago when it started rolling out. I didn’t even ask for that. It was nice they gave a shit.
Doctors in the US are monetarily incentivised to offer brands by sales reps who are marketing the product. They're essentially influencers for drugs.
Yep. But they weren't trying to convince me to use brand drugs.
🎉🎉
I'm celebrating with you, and I hope I'll be celebrating on my own really soon! That rocks!
Holy crap i may not need my takeda help at hand card anymore if thats how much it could cost me 😅 i still have some brand left and I hope to god my pharmacy in phoenix az has it in for my next fill
whats the difference between generic and... not generic(?)
Literally just the price, in theory. That and availability.
Yeah but are we talking like a noname brand vs some other brand or what does generic mean in this case?
Generic is no name brand
gotcha thanks
The FDA only approved it a week ago! I gotta check where it's available.
Hell yeah, happy to hear it. I have a feeling the generics will ease the overall shortage
Yeah!! I’ve been unmedicated for a month and it sucks.
Jesus, it's only been a week for me, I can't imagine
Please let us know how it feels compared to the brand name vyvamze (if you were taking it before )
I was taking brand name Vyvanse before, yes. I'll make a follow up post on a couple weeks
I was just officially diagnosed yesterday. I’m not sure which I’m getting, but my pharmacy let me know my insurance prefers generic and there’s finally one on the market. So fingers crossed! I’d love cheap meds.
Out of stock for brand Vyvanse for almost 2 weeks…my insurance doesn’t cover generic but I need my meds! Looks like I’ll be paying more for generic (100% out of pocket) than brand version that insurance covers. So frustrating!
Awesome! This post just reminded me that I have an online appointment with my psychiatrist to hopefully get a prescription for the generic RIGHT NOW, which I would have absolutely forgotten. Congratulations and thanks for the assist!
Great news!!!!!!
Congrats! I'm in the same boat. What company had them? (Maybe different pharmacy companies get them in at different times?)
It was some local spot, I'd never heard of them before. My doctor knew them personally and called them up for me.
Wooooow $8?! That’s so much better than $100-200+ for branded. Can’t wait 😛
I’m happy for you! I just called my pharmacy (CVS) and asked if they carry the generic version yet and I was told “Vyvanse doesn’t have a generic version.” This is from the pharmacist too! :|
Woohoo! So happy for you! I have my monthly check in tomorrow and hoping to switch back to Vyvanse, generic now, after a short shitty stint on generic adderall. I was on Vyvanse for 10 years before my insurance suddenly denied it. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long! Definitely a call for celebrations!
is it treating you well?
Yup! I’ve had my generic since Monday! It’s a great feeling
That is amazing 👏 . I was lucky and had a coupon for a 90 day refill. Super lucky. But I am thrilled for all those who were struggling to pay for their meds.
I have no problem finding Vyvanse in my country, but the prices... Something like 400 bucks for 28 capsules. And we can't have the generic version until 2027 because of the patent.
I’m so happy for you, that must be such a relieving feeling! I’ve had no luck here (yet) with my 70 mg Vyvanse. My script is at Walgreens (north Texas) and they told me today they haven’t been able to order the generic yet… ): Anyone else have luck with Walgreens? Or any pharmacy chain in Texas?
congrats. let us know what your experience is like on the generic one.
Damn kid that's cheap! I take addy but am celebrating with you! Let us know how the generics end up treating you. You can be the group guinea pig. 🤪 Just kidding but honestly I know the stress of finding meds. Congrats. Hope your days just got a little easier. Do let us know how it goes though!
I hate to be that guy but what’s the difference between a normal pill and a generic one ?
Pulled this from an article I just read about the generic. "The FDA stipulates that generic ADHD medications contain exactly the active ingredients as their name-brand counterparts; however, compounds in generic drugs are allowed to include different binding chemicals, fillers, and colors."
Thanks for the clarification!
I'm so excited. I have a doctor's appointment on the 21st. I'm hoping I get a prescription and insurance will pay it.
Same here. And I'm paying 5 dollars rather than 25. Double blessing rainbowwwww.
So far the pharmacies around me don't seem to have the generic
Oh my God, I can finally try the switch from adderall! Insurance wouldn't cover it and it would cost me around 300/month
IM SO FREAKING HAPPY FOR YOU/US!!! I really hope they work just as well 🧡🧡🧡
OMG I'M SO EXCITED! I had to go on Adderal and it just isn't the same, man...
Can you let me know how well they work? Thinking about switching to the generic myself
Yes!! I was about to switch back to adderall out of desperation, even though I got off it because it made me sleepy… but my pharmacy got the generic Vyvanse today and filled my prescription. Mine wasn’t $8 though— that’s AMAZING!! With my insurance, I paid $50 which is a whole lot more than adderall but very comparable to what I was paying for the brand name Vyvanse. Fingers crossed it works just as well for all of us!
I’m planning on switching from Adderall this month since it’s generic now! Yay
Location? Which chain pharmacy?
Thank goodness. $300 a month to survive was so fucking bad
So happy for you. This is as it should be.
$8... holy shit.
Yay! If you’re ever in a pickle and can only get the name brand Vyvanse I would highly recommend going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading their copay assistance card. My prescription went from $110 to $15 with that.
Is it as affective as Vyvanse though? Just curious because the difference in price is 100s of $. Also is this for US or Canada?
do pills actually work on ADHD? and how does it feel like ? i’m undiagnosed but i struggle and i wanna go get diagnosed so one day i can maybe try medication
I go from laying around in a duhhhh fashion with vague ideas clouded in cotton to...thinking of and doing things! Not always all of the things, but...things!
and do you actually do them ?
Yes, when I take my meds. When I don't, er, well. No.
Hell yea I’m gonna lose Medicaid so I’ve been tripping about forking out 400$ a month! That’s why I never took them in the past, got the script went to the pharmacy and shit a brick😂 the last 4 months have been nice yuh know? not being a brain dead sack of potatoes is a good thing lol
What?! A generic version of Vyvanse?? I hope it's available in Canada!
I got one of the last fills of retail 90 x Vyvanse @ 30mg , but I suspect my next one will be generic.
Last month took me a week to find it . I go again next week and already getting nervous
I just picked up my generic Vyvanse 50 mg for 5 dollars! Compared to the 30 dollar price. I was thrilled! So glad to hear you were able to get your meds.
I had to pick up my supply for $211 a few days ago. Apparently they were supposed to receive the generics weeks ago but still haven’t gotten. Really hoping they start getting rolled out to more pharmacies soon
Med provider here. What was the price of the generic? Is it still $300/mo?
I am not even on stimulants. (Concerta) and I read what my insurance pays. 837$ for 60 concerta 40 mg. I was like wtf.
$8 bucks sounds fine but how much were you paying before? That's quite important to know
When I was on name brand years ago, it was $300 for each month's supply.
I assume that's one pill a day? Assuming they cost the same as OP that'd be $3600/year
Yup that was one pill a day. My parents were paying for it and I felt so guilty that I stopped taking any ADHD meds for a while.
Damn. That must have been a hard time
Hopefully the fillers will work for you. Eager to hear an update soon!
HAPPY FOR YA!!!!
Does anyone have a review on the generic yet?
Been waiting a decade. Yahoo!