Plaquenil - some difference between brand and generic

[cmclien]

Hi,
I just wanted to mention I think there are differences between the generic and brand versions of plaquenil.  I have only noticed one but you might notice others or none at all!

I started generic plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), got real sick after a week, also had these weird mosquito like bumps pop up on my stomach.  Only a few at a time, itchy skin.

Went off for a couple of days then did brand for the last 2 weeks, (no skin issues) decided maybe it really wasn't worth taking brand (it costs more) so tried generic yesterday again as I still have a full bottle of it and got a couple of those bumps on my stomach again and arms were kinda itchy.

So needless to say back on brand today and guess I'll pay the $45 a month instead of the $5 but probably worth it in my case.  I think some of you have mentioned these bumps, acne like itchy sores too so maybe worth trying the brand.
Cindi

[LizPetillo]

The difference for me ... EYE PAIN.  The generic gave me eye pain and blurry vision.  The brand 'Plaquinel' hasn't.  Or at least, hasn't yet.  I did the generic for 2 weeks (I think).  Now I've been on the brand name for 6 weeks.  The strange things my skin is doing started before either one, so I'm pretty sure it's the sjogrens for my skin issues.

[Pisces24]

I get sooo royally P.O'ed when it hear anyone spouting "the generics are just the same as the name brands only cheaper". Urrrrrrrrrr
I even complained to the insurance company and got the dumb response "that is what the company tells us to say". DUH?   

My mother almost ended up in the hospital due to using a generic bp med instead of the name brand!  I can take a generic thyroid med but have to go through at least 3-5 blood tests to get my levels correct and of course the "H" is could put my body through so I stick to the name brand.

I also believe there are different "fillers" in meds in generic vrs name brand which can Also cause a problem.

I believe you 1000%.!!!!!!!

[cmclien]

I had never run into this before until I was put on thyroid medicine too, I mean how different can they be right?  The generic left me in a total fog until at least 2 in the afternoon after which I'd feel ok.  My doctor switched me to brand and I never once had that awful symptom happen to me.
Its hard to believe that a filler could do these awful things which leaves you wondering if they really are medicinally "the same"

[Gerty]

the drug in your case hydroxychloroquine has to be the same thing. but in the cheaper brands its the fillers and other things they use to mix the drugs with is what is differant. So maybe its more about the other ingredients that is the cause for you.