Challenges of generic imatinib therapy for croatian patients with Gastrontestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)

Apart from Glivec, priced 1866[euro] for 30 pills of 400 mg, there are 4 generic parallels of imatinib available since 2013 in Croatia: Neopax (1615[euro]), Astrea (1307[euro]), Imakrebin (1307[euro]) and Nibix (1177[euro]), with actual prices significantly lower due to volume discounts.1 First generic imatinib in the USA will be launched, after substantial controversy, on February 1, 2016 by Sun Pharma.2 High prices of new tyrosine kinase inhibitors and Glivec, are significant cost burden for insurers and patients who require therapy for prolonged periods of time.3 Better communication among physicians themselves and with patients is crucial to avoid similar cases in the future.