Speaking plain medical language, migraine is the type of severe headache lasting from 4 to 72 hours, which is frequently accompanied with nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light or sound. However, migraine issues may become pretty emotional, especially when it goes about treating migraine pain, which may sometimes be as challenging as suffering it; and that is not because of low effectiveness of available medications, but mainly because of extremely high cost of migraine medications.
Imitrex, a representative of medications family, called triptans, which is a kind of “gold standard” in aborting migraine pain, is definitely a highly effective option against the extreme headache. However, the price for this medication may reach 260 U.S. dollars for a pack of 9 pills, and this may definitely be a significant economical burden for a patient’s budget.
Fortunately, at the beginning of year 2009 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for generic alternatives of Imitrex. The medication is called sumatriptan after the name of the active ingredient used in the brand-name pill. Generic medications serve the goal of creating a competition on the market of pharmaceuticals, which results in the lowering cost of treatment and making it more affordable for patients.
Currently, there are two manufacturers of generic sumatriptan, whose pills were authorized by the FDA. These are Teva, which offers the whole range of sumatriptan pills in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg dosages, and Ranbaxy that supplies only 100 mg pill. A bunch of other manufacturers is still in the process of receiving the FDA approval for production of Imitrex in the generic form.
Besides, generic sumatriptan is available from Indian manufacturers via multiple web pharmacies, offering the medications for a price of about $8 per pill. While these pills are the most cost-saving on the market, it should be kept in mind, that such generics are usually not regulated or controlled by the FDA, so patients decide to use them on their own. Many people complain on the effectiveness of cheap generic Imitrex, manufactured in Asian countries.
The situation is different with generic pills, which were authorized by the FDA. This authorization means that the agency examines the production facilities and processes to ensure that generic pills are absolutely equal to the branded pills in terms of active ingredients, purity, dosage, indications, and consequently, effectiveness and safety. So, if there is a chance to get officially authorized generic sumatriptan, manufactured by Teva or Ranbaxy – take this chance.
It is also worthy to mention that generic sumatriptan, just like its branded counterpart, is not for preventing migraine attack, but only for aborting it. So, it is highly recommended to take a sumatriptan pill right at the beginning of the migraine attack. The medicine should work within a couple of hours.
As with any medication, taking generic sumatriptan, one should be ready for possible adverse reactions. They are nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and vomiting. As sumatriptan works by constructing blood vessels, some patients may experience wheezing, tightness in the jaw, neck or chest, chest or heart pain – in such case it is highly recommended to contact a doctor immediately.
After all, it is a fact that currently sumatriptan is the only officially approved generic version of triptan medications, used against migraine attacks. All the other triptans, such as Maxalt, Zomig, Amerge and Axert are currently available on the territory of the USA only in the branded forms. So, if there is a way to cut expenses on migraine treatment, it is definitely with sumatriptan, a generic alternative of Imitrex.
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