If you’re among the many people dealing with ongoing or recurring symptoms related to your digestive system or urinary tract, you likely rely on certain medications long-term. Unfortunately, these expenses can quickly add up, which is the last thing you need when all you want is to function daily without debilitating symptoms.

While you may be familiar with Levsin, a brand-name medication addressing these types of symptoms, you might not be aware that switching to another product can help you save significantly while achieving the same results - Levsin’s generic equivalent, Hyoscyamine. Read this article to find out about the generic for Levsin, its uses in managing digestive issues and abdominal discomfort, what to know before you start this medication, and how it compares to the brand-name.

Levsin: The Generic Equivalent

Just like the brand-name product, the generic for Levsin, hyoscyamine, improves symptoms of digestive and urinary tract conditions, such as the following:

• Abdominal pain

• Cramping

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Urgency

• Bladder spasms

Hyoscyamine is available by prescription in doses of 0.125 mg – 0.25 mg. It’s most frequently prescribed in tablet form, sublingual tablets, liquids, and extended-release form. The medication improves symptoms by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system. This halts involuntary muscle movements, decreases the production of digestive fluids, reduces excess saliva and stomach acid, and slows down the speed at which the intestines move food and waste throughout the digestive system.

What to Know Before You Start

Your doctor will prescribe this medication in the form, dose, and frequency necessary to effectively address your symptoms, depending on your condition, its severity, and other factors. Here are some key points that should typically be followed:

• Swallow regular oral tablets whole with water.

• Place sublingual tablets under the tongue without chewing until they dissolve.

• Swallow extended-release tablets or capsules whole without crushing or chewing.

• Take Levsin or its generic before meals or at bedtime, up to four times a day, but not more than 12 tablets daily.

• Combining this medication with food may reduce side effects of nausea; 30 minutes to one hour before meals is often recommended.

• Drinking plenty of fluids can help you reduce common side effects like dry mouth and constipation.

• Expect this medication to start working between 15 – 30 minutes and to feel its effects for between six and 12 hours.

Levsin must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, who should be aware of your complete medical history, before you start this medication. This includes not only current and potential health conditions and other medications you’re taking, but also allergies, pregnancy status, and whether you're currently breastfeeding.

Advantages of The Generic Version

Both Levsin and the generic drug hyoscyamine are equally safe and effective, as the FDA and Health Canada require generics to be bioequivalent to the brand-name product. They must contain the same active ingredient, work in the same manner, and provide an identical effect. However, inactive ingredients may vary between the generic and brand-name drugs, which typically only cause issues if an individual is unable to tolerate one of these ingredients, e.g., due to allergies.

Generally, the generic version of any medication can be considered the better choice for most people, as generics are typically sold at significantly lower prices, sometimes up to 85% cheaper. Additionally, due to their cost-effectiveness, generics are usually more likely to be covered by health insurance and more widely available online.

Where to Buy Levsin: Canada Drugs Direct

As a licensed Canadian online pharmacy, Canada Drugs Direct is a great place to fill your Levsin prescription. It offers significant savings on brand-name and generic medications, a 125% price match guarantee to ensure you receive the best deals, a rewards program for loyal customers, and around-the-clock ordering. These benefits are complemented by secure ordering through Norton Shopping Guarantee, as well as discreet and affordable shipping, reflected in over 26,000 5-star customer ratings.