Generic Concerta (methylphenidate) - does it exist here?

[nsea117]

Hello all,

I have recently moved to Hong Kong to do a study abroad semester. I am diagnosed with ADHD and recently switched from Adderall to Concerta in the US due to the legality here. I recently got a prescription for a refill of Concerta from my Hong Kong university's clinic; however, they do not carry the medication at the school's pharmacy. I tried getting it at Watsons and Mannings, but a 30-day supply would have been over $1000 HKD which I cannot afford.

In the US, my pharmacy usually gives me a generic version of the Concerta (methylphenidate ER) 36mg. I was wondering if anyone had any pointers as far as other pharmacies which may carry the generic equivalent (or the generic Ritalin equivalent)? Neither Watsons nor Mannings carry the generics. Any advice would be appreciated!

[Mrs. Jones]

Try Fanda pharmacy in Central, fhey stock almost everything. Maybe give them a call first though: Fanda Perfume & Pharmacy 達成藥房 or 2526 6623

[jayinhongkong]

Fanda certainly won't be cheap. Try the smaller local pharmacies. Shop around and you might get a deal.

[Creative83]

Hey there. Concerta... I know brand name exist as my friend uses it in Hong Kong. That being said, you should really bring it with you from the US. Hong Kong charges you like they're drug lords.

Assume you do find it in local stores, you really should consider trying a few pills first. Brand vs Generic meth is different. You might not like the effect of generic. I highly suggest you just pay the money for brand.

Do what jay advises. I very much doubt even the brand named Concerta would be available in 90% of the pharmacy shops. So visit about 30 you may find 2-3 shops selling brand name ones. The probability is higher if you visit pharmacy in the island side.

[shri]

You can search the drug database yo see what is available legally in hk.

https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do..._database.html

[jayinhongkong]

I say you try both the generic and the brandname...if you get the same fix from the generic, why spend more?

EDIT: looks like you'd have to buy 20, 10 and 5mg generics to get a dose of 35mg with the generic...or just pop two 20s

1 CONCERTA EXTENDED RELEASE TAB 18MG JOHNSON & JOHNSON (HONG KONG) LTD. HK-60005

2 CONCERTA EXTENDED RELEASE TAB 27MG JOHNSON & JOHNSON (HONG KONG) LTD. HK-60004

3 CONCERTA EXTENDED RELEASE TAB 36MG JOHNSON & JOHNSON (HONG KONG) LTD. HK-60003

4 CONCERTA EXTENDED RELEASE TAB 54MG JOHNSON & JOHNSON (HONG KONG) LTD. HK-60002

5 METHYLPHENIDATE HCL TAB 10MG JEAN-MARIE PHARMACAL CO LTD HK-59479

6 PMS-METHYLPHENIDATE TAB 20MG TRENTON-BOMA LTD HK-60226

7 PMS-METHYLPHENIDATE TAB 10MG TRENTON-BOMA LTD HK-60227

8 PMS-METHYLPHENIDATE TAB 5MG TRENTON-BOMA LTD HK-60228

9 RITALIN LA CAP 20MG NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS (HK) LIMITED HK-52178

10 RITALIN LA EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULES 10MG NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS (HK) LIMITED

11 RITALIN TAB 10 MG NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS (HK) LIMITED HK-00212

[nsea117]

Thanks all for the replies. I am looking for the generic methylphenidate, not brand-name Concerta. Glad to see that it's listed in the drug database, but I still haven't had any luck finding it in pharmacies. I tried Fanda and they don't have it.

The brand-name version seems to be pretty widely available, but I cannot afford it. Going to continue searching for the generic.

[shri]

@nsea117 - try looking up the importers listed in that search and asking them were it is available.

Smaller neighbourhood drug stores might even be able to order it for you if you're nice to them.

[nsea117]

Just an update for anyone who might be looking for the same thing. I went to Fanda in person and they told me that the generic would probably be the same price as the name-brand, so I went ahead and got Concerta from Watsons. They had to place an order for it but it only took about two days to arrive. It was about $1,000 HKD without insurance for a 30-day supply. Hoping to get some reimbursement by filing a claim with my US insurance.

I emailed the importers listed in the database but didn't get any replies.

[Creative83]

Just an update for anyone who might be looking for the same thing. I went to Fanda in person and they told me that the generic would probably be the same price as the name-brand, so I went ahead and got Concerta from Watsons. They had to place an order for it but it only took about two days to arrive. It was about $1,000 HKD without insurance for a 30-day supply. Hoping to get some reimbursement by filing a claim with my US insurance.

I emailed the importers listed in the database but didn't get any replies.

I was actually waiting for an update telling us you've messed up and got generic and had to get another prescription plus additional cost for brand.

At least you've finally afforded the unaffordable. The route that actually saved you money.