What do those little letters, CD, ER, SR, etc, after a brand name drug’s name mean? The exact terminology varies, but they usually translate to the same thing: unnecessary ripoffs.
Whether it says CD, CR, ER, LA, SR, XL, XR, or XT, the letters really stand for a version of the drug that releases differently into the body. By coming up with different variations on old drugs, pharmaceutical companies can keep the profits rolling on drugs whose patents have expired. Best of all, if they can get the doctor to write one of these letter sequences after the drug’s name, the pharmacy can’t substitute a lower-priced generic (unless a generic of the extended release version is already on the market).
For example, Wellbutrin (bupropion) came out in 1985 requiring 3 pills a day. In 1996, 36 months before the old patent expired, they came up with Wellbutrin SR, only 2 pills a day. In 2003, 5 months before the SR patent expired, Wellbutrin XL was released, only one pill a day.
A 3 month supply of 300 mg of bupropion per day retails on average for $270. You’ll have to pay $693 and $656 for Wellbutrin SR and XL, respectively. Over the course of a year, that’s $1080 extra dollars. Is it really worth paying 2.5 times as much just for one fewer pill?
There are exceptions where an extended formula works better, like short-acting calcium channel blockers like nifedipine, or Parkinson’s treatment drug Sinemet CR. Luckily, in both cases, the extended release versions are available as lower-costing generics. Furthermore, a certain medication might otherwise be too hard to time correctly if several pills are needed a day at specific intervals. As always always always, any change in your medication needs to be discussed with your doctor.
RELATED: 14 Ways To Save On Drugs Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You To Know
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@Bix: As I posted earlier in the thread, if you have issues with the editorial choices of the Consumerist, it doesn’t belong in comments. You then posted a near identical comment. Gone.
This is more BS from Big Pharma. The one company that invented the stabilizer should only be able to patent the mechanism of slowed release. Repackaging the same drug is nothing new and should not be issued a patent. But thats when you get when the patent system thinks it is still 1790 AD.
To the people who mentioned side-effects from standard release dosing. Seems like the original release was a defective product. That’s a consumer safety issue to me. With NO increased cost they could have made the product extended release. Just try to sue them for improper formulation if you have a side effect from missing a dose.
@TheShepherd: Same here.. I take Adderall XL and would rather pay the extra $$ to take the pills once a day vs. 3x.
The savings, after insurance, are minimal at best.
I don’t have to carry pills around. I don’t have to try and remember to take them, either. With ADHD, that’s much more of a benefit than one may imagine.