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Generic Lenalidomide vs. Revlimid
MM patients often ask how generic Lenalidomide vs. Revlimid compares. Certainly, the generic version of the drug is cheaper, though not as much as you might think. Fortunately, the treatment comparison between the two MM drugs indicates that the drugs compare favorably.
The video of Dr. Durie, posted below, may provide some info for you as well as give you some idea of how cautious your oncologist may be about switching to generic medications.
“Cost Comparison:
While the exact price comparison can vary, a report from March 2022 indicated that Teva’s generic lenalidomide has a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of $15,118.04 for a four-week supply, while Revlimid’s WAC is $17,497.73 for a four-week supply according to Benecard. Despite this difference, patients may still face high out-of-pocket costs, especially those with Medicare Part D or without insurance according to the International Myeloma Foundation. “
Should myeloma patients switch to the generic forms of medications?
I am a long-term MM survivor. I have learned that oncology can be extremely slow-moving moving aka set in their ways, when it comes to any change.
Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com to learn more about managing your MM with both conventional and non-conventional therapies.
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Why Does Revlimid Cost So Much???
Generic Lenalidomide Rivelime Versus Brand-name Revlimid® in the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Retrospective Single-center Experience on Efficacy, Safety and Survival Outcome
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to compare use of original brand-name lenalidomide (Revlimid®) vs. generic equivalent (Rivelime®) in terms of efficacy, safety and survival outcome in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM)
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 184 patients RRMM (median age: 62 years, 60.9% were males) who received singlet, doublet or triplet lenalidomide-containing regimens including either Revlimid® (n=74) or Rivelime® (n=110) were included in this study. Treatment response was based on evaluation of objective response to treatment (ORR) including the sum of patients who achieved partial response (PR), very good partial responses (VGPR) or complete response (CR) to therapy. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety data were also recorded.
Results: Revlimid® and Rivelime® groups were similar in terms of:
- ORR (54.1 vs. 60.0%),
- CR (22.5 vs. 28.8%),
- VGPR (55.0 vs. 50.0%) and
- PR (22.5 vs. 21.2%) rates.
Median (SE) PFS time were similar between Rivelime® vs. Revlimid® treated patients who were in the 2nd line (30.3(3.8) vs. 22.7(7.0) months, p=0.827) or 3rd line of therapy (38.1(12.1) vs. 20.1(0.9) months, p=0.147) at lenalidomide initiation.
Two groups also had similar OS rate (83.8 vs. 73.6%) and OS time (mean 122.3 vs. 123.5 months). Side effects were manageable in both groups.
Conclusion: In conclusion, replacing Revlimid® with its generic version Rivelime® in singlet, doublet or triplet lenalidomide containing RRMM regimens seems not to compromise the efficacy of treatment, and to yield a similarly improved response rates and survival outcome and no additional toxic effects, enabling a long-term therapy.
generic Lenalidomide vs. Revlimid generic Lenalidomide vs. Revlimid generic Lenalidomide vs. Revlimid