September 5, 2006 - 1:40pm
Thank you very much for the images of Apotex clopidogrel, gtrplayer!
I don't think this pill will be around very much longer, so your images are very timely.
Apotex started marketing clopidogrel on August 8, 2006, and had an 180-day exclusivity period before other generic manufacturers could sell their versions. From a few things I read, the Apotex price was 30% below Plavix, the brand name. This was excellent news for consumers.
But, on August 31, 2006 a US District judge granted an injunction barring Apotex from selling clopidogrel in the US. Apparently the patent dispute goes to Federal Court early next year.
The judge isn't making Apotex recall any pills already in distribution, so that's good news for the company - and consumers. I read in one source that Medco or another health benefit manager bought up the entire Apotex supply and has enough to last until the end of the year.
It will be interesting to see how the patent dispute ends.
Edited by me on 9/18/06. Sorry but I forgot to insert your picture in the original post. Here it is:
Kirby,
It was my pleasure to be able to post this pic. Just kind of happened by coincedence. This is the first time grandma received generic plavix, and you are correct about the cost. I won't go into specifics, but the savings was over $100 at cost without insurance. Granted, it only cost $2.00 under her plan, but still, the at cost amount was far less than the name brand.