When I fill my monthly generic prescription for oxycodone, I sometimes get pills made by different manufacturers. It seems like some work better than others, same dose - same drug! Does anyone else have this experience?
Oxycodone - Is there a difference in manufacturers of generic drugs?
Question posted by Anniebananie12 on 1 July 2013
Last updated on 22 November 2023
76 Answers Page 5
I spoke with my pharmacist as I notice a HUGE difference with brand Watson vs Mallinckrodt regarding Hydrocodone 10/325 (Norco). The Mallinckrodt (M) version is inferior to Watson (W) whereas I notice it takes 2 M for the same as W. He said there is a 15-20% allowance/delta for active ingredients as compared to brand name, and you damn know it will always be on the unfavorable, so the "M" version is probably closer to 8mg of hydro than 10mg in each tablet.
It is interesting reading everyone`s input., but has anyone ever had the "generic" oxycodone independently tested by a govt. registered laboratory. It seems everyone assumes the same thing- that the tabsule they are taking has been manufactured by a reputable company... Has anyone checked further up the "manufacturing chain" Where does the pill manufacturer source his supply of oxycodone from? He might be quite genuine in what he is making, but what if in his effort to source "cheaper" ingredients, he could be using from a substandard source! I have just had the experience in hospital of having a dose of Endone which should have knocked an elephant flat, but in reality I may as well have swallowed chalk..perhaps that IS all it was? How do I find out... I think then ,that there is two answers to your question- 1 There is no difference between the active ingredients of generics THIS IS THE LAW!
2.The only way to find out, is to have the various substances laboratory tested.
To illustrate the point I am making- I also discovered that often times that 100metre rolls of adhesive tape usually only have 93metres or less (BUT NO-ONE EVER UNROLLS A NEW ROLL OF TAPE TO CHECK, I was the first person evidently to do this ) . The same with toilet paper -whoever checks that a new roll of toilet paper is as long as the label says? That a tin of Chicken & vegetable soup really has 20% chicken (by weight), that the label claims? (I checked 4 different brands and not one came anywhere to the claimed meat content)
Often products are imported from other countries which do not have the same regard for standards as we do.
The same goes for drug manufacturing. Fortunately we do have laws in this country to protect us... but how often do we read in the media of URGENT RECALLS of various drugs due to issues in manufacturing... mostly we are not told where they have been made, only what the problem is.
We only see the end product . We do not know how it was made, how much it cost to manufacture, the cost of development, etc... but every one wants to save money, the manufacturer , the wholesaler, the retailer and the buyer!
This is the best answer here, yet none comments or upvotes. The truth is often brushed aside as being to much work, or not exciting enough. I challenge those here complaining, to save one tablet from their months supply... keep one of the smaller (KVKt or Activis oxycodone) and one of the larger (Caraco, Epic etc oxycodone tablet)... crush the pill and drop it into a cup of water. You will find that the sedimentation rate and quantity of sediment is VERY different. The active substance (oxycodone in this case water saluable ) will dissolve into the water leaving behind the rest. Just the excess "inert" binders fillers etc is enough to cause a remarkable difference in digestion... and this is before we get to any of the effects OF those substances left in the cup. For instance, a person allergic to silicone will find a major problem with both epic and caraco brand oxy...
even if their allergy is disclosed, this fact will not change the prescribing or be caught by most dotors or pharmacists. Even after discovering the problem, you will still be denied approval or even the prescription . Caraco and epic brand BOTH use silicone dioxide when the others DO NOT... and those are the two most commonly complained about. People need to start checking these things instead of writing them off as flukes, just as you (Bache) says above. You are hurting yourself by letting this go.
They can have different binders, fillers, colors. I know because I have food allergies. And honestly, if one is pink and another is blue, how can they possibly have precisely the same ingredients? You can be allergic to a binder or filler or to a dye.
There might not be a difference in the active ingredients, but yes there sure is a difference in the inert ingredients or the fillers used, and everyone is different chemically, I was prescribed oxycodone ,over 4 years ago and have been taking it ever since, and always received the same brand qualitest, and they've always worked for my chronic sever pain, about 2 years after being on my medication, I picked my medication and I notice they looked different, but took them anyway, I noticed a big difference I developed a itchy rash, very dry mouth, and headache, I returned to cvs, and discussed it with the pharmacy, and they said i was probably sensitive to the filler, it was the (maldinkront ) not sure of the spelling but they also told me they had several complaints on that brand, and suggested, at next refill , ask the pharmacy first to be sure they have the qualitest brand before I leave the prescription, and to check the medication before I sign to accept them ,because once I accept them they can not be returned
I just switched from qualitest to macrinkodt 30 mg oxycodone and they do seem stronger than others I have tried like mylan and qualitest. I have been in pain management for over two years and these seem the best to me. A person does build up a tolerance after a while so switching brands ever so often may help.
Euphoria!!! That is the goal for you? Right
Hi I've been on oxycodone 10 mill for years and so is my husband. We can both tell a huge difference. The yellow generic ones with 230 and a C on one side I'd far better than any other brand. And they are a generic brand. I think called Alvogen. Does anyone else feel this way? And how can I look up all the ingredients on the the one I like and the ones i dont and compare them just for my knowledge?
Thanks guys. I have the same experience. One generic makes me sick, another one is far weaker. The doctor changed my pain meds - we are taking away the APAP so I will be trying Oxycodone for the first time - and I'm scared about getting a bad brand and having to get through a month or more finding a brand that I can tolerate and will work. Sometimes they are so weak that even doubling the dose - always letting the MD know - doesn't add up to one tablet of the better brand.
My Pain Management doctor says the FDA gives them 25% wiggle room. So, depending on the batch, for a 10 mg pill, you could get 7.5-12.5.
I had some Percocet that were terrible. I switched to Oxycodone alone because I figure with fewer ingredients you had a better chance of getting the OxyContin.
When you are in pain, it really matters that it is right!
Yep, my pharmacist told me the same thing, and you know it will always be -25% to cut costs. Mallinckrodt is the WORST, do not accept your Rx if this is the brand they give you for Norco 10/325, Watson is the best.
I hate to tell all of you, but your pharmacists have been lying to you. I too, just had my worst experience ever with a generic from Cairico. I called the FDA and was told there is absolutely no deviation or fillers allowed in generics of any kind. Each generic must be tested against the brand name, and they must ne exact. If not, they are not FDA approved. I think Federal law still trumps state laws, or what they would have you believe. The FDA sent me a form to fill out because the number I gave the FDA for the generic oxycodone 30mg from Cairico, is not even registered with the FDA. So if you feel your medication is shorted or it has fillers in it, I urge you to fill out a complaint form with the FDA online, or snail mail. They will send one to you. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of generic pain medications that are not FDA approved, and they want to know about them.
So if any pharmacist ever tells you there is a certain % of deviation allowed, they are big fat liers and they know it. They are just trying to cover their own buts cause they are buying the cheapest drug out there, and they could care less if it hurts their patients or not. They aren't in the healing business, they are in the money making business. Get schooled, I did.
No..no... no... no..Never, ever will you get a 10mg that has 12.5mg's. You may get one that has 7.5, but never more. You overdose on something and it's found to have more my than it says or your prescribed, that company is done..Cvs gave my buddy 80mg's of oxycontin back when they were common and he was prescribed 40mg's. He was relatively new to them and though he was just given a different generic, though it occured to em(after he overdosed) there is no generic with oxycontin. Needless to say he's sitting pretty right now on a large settlement from CVS from over 20 years ago .
Well I hate to tell you this, but you're wrong. If there is no difference in the formulation, how do you account for multiple manufacturers of oxycodone all making the same strength, let's say 30 mg. but they're all different size pills? Some are more than twice the size than others. This would blow your statement out of the water right there. They all have different fillers, and differing amounts of fillers, and the amount of the active ingredient is not set in stone and exact, they have a bit of leeway. This is the truth.
It is not in your head! I have been taking oxycodone and oxycontin for more years than I care to admit. There is a difference. There are at least half a dozen manufactures and 4 to 5 different number designations. A333 seems to work the best. There's another one that starts with IP which is pretty good too. They one to stay away from is the one that is about the same length as a Tylenol (the others are shorter). I actually got so tired of it that I had my doctor switch me to the straight oxycodone with no Tylenol in it. Those pills are consistent and I needed a stronger dose anyway and 10mg is the biggest one that includes Tylenol. The 20mg and 30mg pills are straight oxycodone, nothing else.
Today even my doctors know that due to Obama care that yes,the generic alternatives are different from the brand name medications ,it is definitely not in your head,before you buy a generic equalivant I would advise you to google and find what works best for most people,the fda does not regulate the fillers that are added to the generic equalivant medications,some people are blind to the fact that the pharmaceutical industry is larger than any business,if the government has their way they will import the cheapest drugs from countries like China,India Japan,even though the active ingredient is equal,the fillers are different,why?Because the fillers act differently and are not absorbed properly in most people,they are left to show their own independent studies and report back to the fda,the government can buy boatloads of medication for a far cheaper price than most manfacturers can afford,let's face it,our healthcare system is in big trouble and cuts are being made every day in ...
order for it to stay afloat,cost are being cut across the board and some people still believe that generates are exactly the same,for those who choose to believe that their is no difference,do some research and if you dig deep enough,you will find it in black and white,there is a difference,and many people are beginning to find out that some of the medication is not working like it did in the past,cost cutting is indeed being applied,and it is making people sick,my advice is to be more proactive and find out what works best for you and definitely go with your instincts,then you don't have to listen to the so-called generic drugs are the same,because that is just not so,Cane0716
I'm sorry, but if someone told you, or you came up with the idea yourself, Obamacare has nothing to do with this, it has been going on long before Obamacare became law. I have had the same problem with different effectiveness for years now. It is related to the fillers that different manufacturers use, not the healthcare law. If you notice, brands like Rhodes are a much larger pill, which is obviously due to more fillers, and it has always been this way. If I were you I'd check my sources, doctors have their own agenda so they can't be trusted to tell you the truth all the time.
I'm concerned about the effectiveness of validity of some of the generic 10 mg oxycodone hydrocloride purchased from the local big box store. I have been taking these pills for about 15 years but recently accepted a generic supposedly made by Rhodes. I find that these pills are totally ineffective compared to other brands I've had. I recently saw a show on TV called "phake pharma" and and convinced that these last pills may fit into that discription! Does anyone know what a non-generic 10 mg oxycodone hydrocloride looks like and who manufactures them?
@backissues - I, too, was given Rhodes (RP15) Oxycodone by WM 2 weeks ago and COMPLETELY ineffective. I take 15mg. I can't even tell I have taken anything. The pill is almost 2x as large as the Actavis green pills and I have been in SEVERE pain that isn't lessened at all after taking. I DO have a CYP2D6 gene defect so I don't metabolize Oxycodone like other people. I basically metabolize almost nothing - but it does take my 8-9 pain down to a 4-5. I wear a patch (25mcg fentanyl) as well which uses the CYP3A4-5 pathway. I am in miserable pain. I also have the MCR1 gene (red head gene and my son is red head) After 12 surgeries with no pain medicine - I am desperate for relief.
I have RSD in my left arm, Parsonage Turner Syndrome on my left (brachial plexus nerves), shattered right foot with screw, endometriosis, stage 4 pitting edema in right leg, breast tumors, cervical stenosis, lumbar stenosis, degenerative disc diseases in cervial and lumbar, spondylosis, bulging discs - I could go on and on. Only thing that works for my migraines is EXCEDRIN and it is a LIFE SAVER. Works EVERY time in +/-30 mins...
I don't know what to do about oxycodone :( Rhodes DOES NOT work. I doubt it has any active ingredient.
Wow. I have also been taking oxycodone HCL immediate release for about 15+ years and when I re-filled my prescription this month with a "big box" pharmacy that I go to told me that they were out of the KVK Tech generic 10mg (pink in color) that I normally get that works for me and gave me the much larger white 10mg oxycodone made by Rhodes. I also could barely even tell that I took anything! Now I have to go through a whole month and will probably run out sooner because of having to take them sooner than prescribed due to ineffectiveness. I truly wish i would have checked here and read about Rhodes and the fact that they were so much different. I suffer from chronic back pain due to degenerative disc and joint disease as well as spinal stenosis. I wish I didn't have to take these pain medications at all but if I didn't; I would have no quality of life and I'm too young to be cooped up having to stay home because I can barely walk.
Plus, I also wanted to add that some doctors and pharmacies are really starting to judge people that have to take pain medication looking at them like they are "drug seekers". All because of others that do not need the medication and abuse them making those that do need them suffer. I truly hope that this stigma goes away but I have a feeling that it's just the beginning with the way the government (DEA) has to get involved with everything. Thanks! Best regards to all that suffer with chronic pain.
sounds right to me. I was employed by the government once and I understand exactly what you are saying. Thanks for your comment.
I have the same response to taking the oxycodone with the letter M*s 30 milligrams does not work for me I asked my doctor what is the difference in the lettering cuz the A*s work better for me and the k9*s work better for me. I wonder do they put different medicines in at different manufacturer if anybody knows the answer please let me know cause i have to go look for what works for me every month when it time for my refil.
I agree.. The k9's worked well for me, better than anything else. The As, I didn't like at first but they're okay... There is also a new brand, A51, they r VERY good... Don't like the Ms at all.
There is definitely a difference. All controlled substances have a number and letter or just numbers on it. Go to the area in drugs. com and type in the identifying number and or letters and it will tell you the ingredients. Way different and some don't have the ingredient of the ones that help
While the amount of active ingredient is standardized across all generic formulations of any particular drug, due to variable excipients and formulation between different generic products, it is likely that different generic formulations will exhibit differences in drug bioavailability (which is ultimately a function of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination)- which will be influenced by the composition of the formulation.
All on board read bps's comments if you have the intellect he explains it very fairly there are many contributing factors to the availability of the ingredients in any pill but we should demand as people more standardized results in prescription medicine effectivness.
People including doctors and pharmacist will say they are the same claiming legally they have to be the same up to a slight legal difference that shouldn't be noticeable. I don't care what they say as someone that has taken them and know a lot of other people that do as well they do not all work as well. I will say most are the same can't even tell the difference but their are a few that fail and I mean by a lot. Some I can take quite a few of them more than prescribed and still nothing. I don't know how they get away with it. I'm speaking of the 10 mg ones and specifically the ones that have A333 and IP203 on them really suck. They should be investigated because they are cheating people.
To all complaining about oxy pill strenght or effectiveness read your literature that should come with your script manufactures are given a +or- factor for it is virtualy impossible to manufacture every pill with exactly as stated ex.30 mg they can be something like 8 percent difference it will always be less if someone o.d.and the pills tested 38 mg. the company would be sued for that error investigate and you will see. Some generics are much better than others though that shouldn't be big pharma big money they control us hope this helps capnemo
I completely agree with you sstaples0718 in regard to the brands. I recently filled my 10mg oxycodone HCL immediate release tabs and the manufacturer was by Rhodes Pharmaceuticals and #1) they are not immediate like the pink 10mg by KVK Tech, which is what I and my husband as well normally get #2) the relief lasts only about 2-3 hours as opposed to at least 4 with the other brand #3) I find that to get the relief that I got with the KVK brand I have to take 2. I plan on going to see my doctor next week and see if I can get back on to a long acting as well. I have degenerative disk and joint disease as well as spinal stenosis. Thanks again for your comment.
what do you mean the new ones you got weren't IR? They wouldn't have switched you to ER (oxycontin for example) without your doctor telilng you he/she was switching you to something different. THe pharmacy can't just up and change you to ER pills? Also, to my knowledge Rhodes does not manufacture an ER oxycodone? So not quite sure what you're referring to. What's written on the pill you got that was manufactured by Rhodes? That will help me help you.
Yes, it's very irritating to keep reading comments about why companies cannot stray away from the main ingredients. Obviously there is a big difference in how it is being manufactured since so many people, myself included have so many different experiences! I have been on the medication long enough to know that newer companies seem to be making it less effective, besides the main ingredients of course. I wish this wasn't the case, but it is. I guess we all have to suffer..
Rhodes Pharma has a lawsuit look it up.People who are shady in one area why wouldnt they be in another there oxycodone 5mg is like taking 2 500mg tylenol ,Mallinckrodt 512 is the best excellent company
Sorry but IT IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD.
NO Mnf. Co. Can deviate the EXACT DRUG.
only binding agents may differ.
That Is the Tried, Tested, LAW.
Sorry, but you are incorrect. They can, actually, deviate from the inert ingredients (binders, colors, etc), which can also cause side effects.
Bull!! I Notice that the Carico make my stomach burn and also urinate frequently and also burns!! I had better luck with the Zydus. Going to try the Rhodes generic
Oh boy Jimmy Boy. You are really confused. While it is true that the FDA does require rigorous testing of both name brand and generic drugs, they only apply to domestic manufacturers. There are many foreign manufacturers of generic drugs which have no FDA scrutiny at all. With Percocet, or its generic clones, you will find that there are many dispensed by many top of the line pharmacies OSCO, CVS, Rite Aid, etc which will, from time to time, substitute a foreign manufacturer's product without knowingly being aware of that drug's composition or efficacy. I became aware of this through personal experience.
It is not in our heads, I have been taking oxycodone for the last 7 years, and there have been at least 3 brands that do not work as well as the others. They do not give the same relief, and they don't last as long. I think there is a minimum amount of the drug they can use, and there's also a little leeway to add a little more, also the fillers may be reacting with the drug in a way where it hinders the effectiveness. I am not alone, I know many people who are convinced of this, as I am. Can I ask if you take the drug? Or are you talking from a legal point of view?
Afraid not my friend pharmacist here and they are now selling generic - for the generic brand oxycodone.
Let me explain, the original generic for Percocet is as we all know Oxycodone.
Now we've been misled to believe that generics are the exact same as the name brand, in fact they went as far as making Oxycodone a Brand Name.
So here is what's happened in the last eight years.
1. First Percocet replaced with the generic and that (gen) was called Oxycodone/Hydrocodone and the Manufacturing Companies were allowed up to (30% less active ingredients) that's why they're Gereric.
Then five years ago the generic manufacturers were allowed to call their Oxycodone a Brand Name, (Remember - with 30% less original A/I).
Now "Oxycodone" has its own Generic brand which is again up to (30% less Active Ingredient) and new manufactures like Rhodes, and others so let's do the math.
100% - 30% = 70% - 30% = 40%.
Which means we are getting cheaper, less effective Medications in generic form by 60% of the original version and original brand name 8 +\- years ago, and know one thinks anyone would notice or care.
But They did and they are noticing.
So now they need to lie to us and blame it all on the one in pain saying its in their heads, or they're just getting acclimated to their medication.
Sorry to Rain on your Parade, but those are the Facts.
Thanks Ellixx.
Okay so do you read what you write? If they can change binding agents, and be up to 30% less in opioid strength, then that's an incorrect information statement correct?
Thank you Greg.
I agree that you are incorrect. For all our sakes, please complain when you find one manufacturer that consistently seems to be weaker or give more side-effects. Please read the following from the Food and Drug Administration.
FDA encourages consumers and health care professionals to notify FDA of any adverse side effects when using drugs and devices the agency regulates, by reporting them online to MedWatch, FDA’s safety information and adverse event reporting program, or by telephone at 1-800-FDA-1088. Visit FDA’s Drug Quality Sampling and Testing Programs website to learn more.
In my opinion some r better than others.
This reply is for Ellixx,
I have doubts you are actually a pharmacist. While I agree with some of your response, some of it is BULL. First, and this is what tipped me off that you are not an actual pharmacist, is when you mentioned that they came out with a generic called Oxycodone/Hydrocodone. I just cannot see a real pharmacist making a mistake that BIG. There has never been a drug with both of those together. Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are two completely different drugs!
Second, how could a "pharmacist" make another mistake and think oxycodone is the generic for Percocet. I just do not believe a pharmacist would make those mistakes, especially for such common medications. I will let you figure out the difference between Percocet and oxycodone.
Finally, your math regarding the generic drugs is WAY off. If you think that ANY generic medication can have only 40% of an ACTIVE ingredient, you really need to go back to "pharmacy" school lol.
May I ask why you are posing as a pharmacist? Many people trust this site and when a user or member attempts to deceive others it can cause real harm. The less educated may actually believe you are a pharmacist!
It is not. I asked my doctor and he said legally they can fluctuate 10% in either direction -/+ of the Hydrocodone(or othe Med)/Tylenol(or other Med)/filler. So find another pharmacy. Told to me by two doctors and one pharmacist.
Sorry, but it is not ALL in their head!!! The Mnf. Co. does not have to deviate from the exact drug for someone to get sick or for the drug to have less of an effect on the patient. The binding agents alone can make someone sick because different Mnf. Co. use different fillers and some Mnf. Co. use a lot more fillers in the tablet then the active ingredient itself for example the Oxycodone TAB30MG MFG:Rhodes. One of their tablets are the size of 10 of the tablets I normally get. I have taken Oxycodone for several years for my illnesses and have tried several different brands including generic the generic brands always have given me a few slight sight effects due to to fillers but I dealt with them because my pain outweighed the side effects of the medicine. It was not until I tried the generic Rhodes tablets that I decided to ask my Dr to tell my insurance company that name brand was medically nessary.
The Rhodes medicine put me in the hospital because I had a severe reaction from the fillers in their tablets. My throat started to swell shut and my face doubled in size and I couldn't breath. To make things worse I wanted to make sure that it was indeed the medicine and not something else that put me in the ER so I tried the same Rhodes medicine again 30 days later after my first reaction and sure enough within 20 min back to the ER I went so I know for a fact that it makes a difference what mfg you get your Meds from so Plz don't ever say it's in someone's head again unless you are in their shoes. Everyone reacts different to certain medications so I'm not saying the Rhodes brand is going to not work for everyone but the fillers do change the way the active ingredient works. My Dr told me that many of his patients told him that some of the generic brands did not seem to last as long as the brand name but the active ingredient is the same but some of the fillers could buffer the effect some. It depends on the person. I'm a chronic pain sufferer so I would never tell someone it's all in their head and I would never wish this pain on anyone so if the medicine is not working for you then it is your right to ask and to be able to get the medicine that works best for you!!! Good Luck To All !!!
Sorry, but it is not ALL in their head!!! The Mnf. Co. does not have to deviate from the exact drug for someone to get sick or for the drug to have less of an effect on the patient. The binding agents alone can make someone sick because different Mnf. Co. use different fillers and some Mnf. Co. use a lot more fillers in the tablet then the active ingredient itself for example the Oxycodone TAB30MG MFG:Rhodes. One of their tablets are the size of 10 of the tablets I normally get. I have taken Oxycodone for several years for my illnesses and have tried several different brands including generic the generic brands always have given me a few slight sight effects due to to fillers but I dealt with them because my pain outweighed the side effects of the medicine. It was not until I tried the generic Rhodes tablets that I decided to ask my Dr to tell my insurance company that name brand was medically nessary.
The Rhodes medicine put me in the hospital because I had a severe reaction from the fillers in their tablets. My throat started to swell shut and my face doubled in size and I couldn't breath. To make things worse I wanted to make sure that it was indeed the medicine and not something else that put me in the ER so I tried the same Rhodes medicine again 30 days later after my first reaction and sure enough within 20 min back to the ER I went so I know for a fact that it makes a difference what mfg you get your Meds from so Plz don't ever say it's in someone's head again unless you are in their shoes. Everyone reacts different to certain medications so I'm not saying the Rhodes brand is going to not work for everyone but the fillers do change the way the active ingredient works. My Dr told me that many of his patients told him that some of the generic brands did not seem to last as long as the brand name but the active ingredient is the same but some of the fillers could buffer the effect some. It depends on the person. I'm a chronic pain sufferer so I would never tell someone it's all in their head and I would never wish this pain on anyone so if the medicine is not working for you then it is your right to ask and to be able to get the medicine that works best for you!!! Good Luck To All !!!
Hi I'm 66 years old and have been taking pain medication for over 30 years. I'm sorry to disagree with the comment stating that there's no difference in the composition of generic oxycodone but there's a huge difference between brands. About 6 years ago I sent 4 different to a laboratory the police department I worked with had there medication convenscated in drug busts tested. They were not only different but the active ingredient varied by up to 18 percent to the negative side.
Hi I'm 66 years old and have been taking pain medication for over 30 years. I'm sorry to disagree with the comment stating that there's no difference in the composition of generic oxycodone but there's a huge difference between brands. About 6 years ago I sent 4 different to a laboratory the police department I worked with had there medication convenscated in drug busts tested. They were not only different but the active ingredient varied by up to 18 percent to the negative side.
Actually they don't even have to put the same amount of oxy in each pill. The FDA has parameters, like when a bag of chips says "6oz", it's impossible to make each and every bag exactly 6oz, so they say "well it has to be between 5-7 oz", same applies to most things the FDA regulates. So if a pill is marked as 20mg, the parameters may say "an oxycodone pill labeled as 20mg must contain between 18 and 21mg", or something like that. It's virtually impossible to make every single pill contain the exact same amount of each ingredient, unless the pill is individually manufactured, which oxy isn't.
Wrong... The fillers do affect acting agent & side affects. U disrespect our intelligence, like docs when tell u this horrible pain all in ur head, 2 yrs later u hv cancer & dying. You dont know everything & my pharmacist confirmed my experiences
Rhodes is best i hv had
The pharmacist also told me if I'm itching from the one percocet, it's because of the filler they use.
It's not in my head. I am quite disturbed that you might push this notion out here on a very painfully dangerous subject. I have been doing this for quite a few years and have come to the conclusion after reading so much and talking to so many of pain management following that it is not in so many people's heads.
Sorry, but you are suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, for which there are very few effective treatments. When a person finds that their symptoms are now uncontrolled, when they previously were under control (and that it happens every time that brand comes around)... this is all the evidence one really needs. There is a large margin of error allowed in generic manufacturing that (when added up throughout the month) can result in major losses in function and general value (20%). There is no reason why the limits currently set on acquisition AND inquisition (pertaining to this matter) are so strict. They are making the already compromised lives of the patient even harder than they already are. They are forcing the patient to leave their care to chance. I feel bad for you if you feel that this matter is to complicated for you to handle without the help of a medical professional, because its simply a matter of trial and error.
The "inert" substances used to produce these drugs, are far from inert and have an effect on how the drug works in one way or another (the medical rhetoric contradicts itself... while they say that these substances play a major role in effectiveness in one article and then say the opposite when they want you to shut up and get out of the way of their profit margins) . Caraco and Epic brand oxycodone (for instance) are the only two brands to use silicone dioxide ... while at the same time being the only two to be significantly less effective and make people sick. This is not a coincidence and you are helping none by continuing to be a "yes man".
Nope you are spot on OP! I've been on oxycodone acetaminophen 10/325 for 3 years now. The old pharmacy used to use one that always helped then switched to Amneal and it was like taking pez, pretty much. Just moved and switched pharmacies... they have Mallinckrodt ... I'm buzzed so much its almost scary . I mean I wanted relief not a psychedelic journey! If it doesn't stop I'm calling 911
Tried and tested yes. But they have a +/- mics I can tell a strength in every category of drug available. Same manufacturer even has stronger and / or weaker batch occasionally. Noticed this for years never said anything until I shared a bottle of a drug and a girlfriend she said "whew" these seem stronger I noticed and didn't mention anything due to power of persuasion.
You’re wrong .. the main ingredient cannot change OxyContin is OxyContin. BUT the amount can and will fluctuate as much as 20% !!
Jimmy Jones. You live in a perfect world! The fact is pharmacuetical companies have been busted lately for selling bad drugs and laboratories measuring the quality of drugs are scammers, who just appear to be testing, when inspected... nothing going on! so the world has evil. Wake up dude. I am sick of people telling me bull crap. I am in pain due to listening to a doctor who was only interested in money! I suffer everyday.
Who else to trust but your thinking, body, and effects from drugs. Side effects are main effects. I see this as if a side effects is negative, then You know your body! You know what is effective to relieve chronic pain!Be your own advocate! Wake up! Its your well being were speaking about.
Be your own judge. Become your own advocate. Speak up when it is not right. Fire the doctors who do not care about you. You know the ones. We all think they are same! NOT! bad and good. So if you never have a bad response with pharma then you are lucky. I have been on these meds for years, and when I take and get no relief, then read of others experiencing same then it may be the quality is poor.
It's not in our heads. After a few years of the same brand the pharmacy gave me a new brand and it was almost completely ineffective.
No it is not
I am a retired RN who has been living with debilitating chronic pain for 15 years and have taken many different meds and all of them have been generics and yes they have the same active ingredients as the original but they are allowed to be 85% to 125% the strength of the brand name by law. So it is not in your head and you are not crazy. When you find the one that works best for you do what you can to find it and do what you can to not buy the ones that you do not like. And if your Dr. Gets upset about it, find another Dr who supports you. It took many tries to find the dr. I have now and it was so well worth the wait! I hope you all find peace and some semblance of better quality of life but you have to fight for it for yourself and don't ever feel bad about advocating for yourself. Who else is gonna do it? Or at least who is gonna do it the best. Stay strong and hang in there.
Your wrong, there can be A 17% +- in the active ingredients. Get the facts right. You must work for a Pharmaceutical company pushing propaganda.
It is not all in your head I have had several abdominal surgeries 2 knee surgeries a double hernia that the mesh is a sheet of paper big and is now recalled and have had pain in my abdomen since 2015 no doctor wants to fix the issue so I'm stuck with just treating the symptoms "PAIN" so I take 20 mg oxycodone and yes there is a difference in the way each manufacturer's pills work. So they should all have the same main ingredient but the other directives can cause it to not work the same so think of it like this; when you choose an acetaminophen there are different types like long lasting, fast acting, time released and the main drug is acetaminophen but the directives are what controls the release times. So if you get a brand that is one that releases slower than other you might not get the full dose before you expel the remainder out of your system.
I know this because I suffer from it because like I said my issues are abdominal based and my body processes my food fast and I have seen undigested pills in my bowel movements. So find the one that works for you and talk to your pharmacy to see if it can be ordered for you if they say no tell them you will shop around for a new one and take the rest of your families prescriptions with you when you leave. Unfortunately for me I'm stuck with CVS because that's who my work has a contract with and they are always shopping around for the cheapest stuff.
You sir are either a puppet or you work for one of these rip off companies. You've been brainwashed by the big corps if you don't think they do the legal bare minimum just to barely pass meeting the standards and use fillers that might affect other people differently. Until you've been in someone else's situation you shouldn't speak on their behalf. You sound ignorant and ridiculous
You sir are either a puppet or you work for one of these rip off companies. You've been brainwashed by the big corps if you don't think they do the legal bare minimum just to barely pass meeting the standards and use fillers that might affect other people differently. Until you've been in someone else's situation you shouldn't speak on their behalf. You sound ignorant and ridiculous
You sir are either a puppet or you work for one of these rip off companies. You've been brainwashed by the big corps if you don't think they do the legal bare minimum just to barely pass meeting the standards and use fillers that might affect other people differently. Until you've been in someone else's situation you shouldn't speak on their behalf. You sound ignorant and ridiculous
Do your homework. You are 100% wrong. Never mind this website or that website, what so and so said. Research with an NDC# on FDA.gov. They are not the same. It is not just the fillers, either. If you don't believe me, take it up with the FDA because this is what they state, along with all ingredients in each brand.
You are 100% incorrect sir. Generics can indeed deviate with fillers and stabilizers, to the point of these ingredients being agitators to some patients intestinal health and well being. You telling people its psychosomatic is way off base.
It is NOT all in your head... or anyone's that can tell a difference in generic brands. It happened to me and I started looking up different pharma companies and talked to pharamacists and found out some do work differently than others. For me Rhodes manufactured oxycodone/ acetaminophen was the worst... like taking one aspirin! The pharmacy's I talked to were willing to order the brand the worked the best for me. Just call your pharmacy up and let them know and they should work with you.
I have this exact same problem! Most generic brands of the 5mg oxycodone cause me a lot of problems... mainly itching and sever heartburn... I asked my doctor about this and he explained that it' s most likely not the oxycodone in it but the inert added ingredients that these generic manufactures put in as filler. I also asked why I can not always get the brand that does not cause me any problems or side effects, I asked my regular pharmacist and was told that the "big box" store where I get my prescriptions filled, is constantly shopping around for the cheapest deal on the scripts that they carry! So far the worst brand I have found is Caraco.
It makes me as sick as a dog, but I have no choice but to take it, if I go to a different pharmacy, my doctor gets upset and threatens to dump me as a patient! Also some of the cheaper generic brands use a whole lot of extra inert fillers, to make their product cheaper therefore the pharmacies will buy from them more often, even though the drugs are supposed to be identical... we all know they are not! And no, this brand does not work as well as some others do, all drugs are not created equal!
I have the same problem! Trust me we are not alone. I know people personally and have talked to others in my pain management waiting room who have the same problem. Two out of the three generic manufacturers that I have used are just fine, but that third brand doesn't work as well and runs out sooner. I have also talked to a couple pharmacy workers about this and they told me that it is not on my head that they have had several people say the same thing.
I just got done a 30 day supply of Caraco, 30mg., and looking for another pharmacy today, which I've found! The Caraco brand is not as good as MD generic ones. They don't last as long and give me stomach problems.
I am having the same problem. Itching is driving me crazy! They gave me a different generic. It's oblong & not the round one I am used to.
Another time they gave me a different one & it was not as effective
Total truth. Crap they fill it wth.
I find the same thing. The round ones work fine. The oblong ones make me itch & are not as effective. The pharmacist said the same thing. The filler can be different & cause that.
If some brand makes you itch, you are probably allergic to the binder. And there has to be SOME BINDER in there to hold it together. I know I've always taken mallinckrodt because it does not have corn starch, and I am terribly allergic to corn. So anyone who tells you there can't be a binder and it can't be making you itchy does not know what they are talking about. Different manufacturers do use different binders.
I read on WebMD recently, that manufacturers of generic drugs have to have the same "main ingredients" as Brand name. They can add coloring, or change size and shape, but, otherwise have to work like the Brand. I have been taking meds for over 28+ yrs and some Brands feel better, but, most generics work just fine. Generics have to pass same regulations that Brand names do. Basically there is very little difference, and from what I read, must "act" in the same manner. WebMd is a pretty good source of info. Look it up there if you can for more info. Its not as personal as this site, but, they do have updated info on most anything you can think of. I like it here best because not only do I get information, I get ideas, reactions, personal experience, and so far, the people are really nice and smart. Still, basic Information is good to have too. Ta ke care and be well as can be...
Hi ChelleKay!
Thanks for your response! I will take your suggestion and look this up on WebMD. I am familiar with their website, and I believe they have good information.
From the information you shared with me, it sounds like there is no difference between the different generic drugs. It could very well just be me!
:-)
Anyway, thanks again!
Annie
Annie, thanks for writing back. I am new here and still finding my way around. Will you add me as a friend?? I still haven't figured out how to do that 1st :-(
I wish you the best of luck, and by the way, I think some generics aren't as good either. Glad you were familiar with WebMD. They really do have good info, but certainly are missing on the personal touch. Be well...
:-) I'm new here too! Sure I'll be your friend! Let me figure out how to do it...
Web MD has support groups and other good things as well, BTW!
I have been prescribed every different generic roxicodone 30mg. I've taken this drug for the past 10 years due to CRPS neck and back. In my opinion there is a difference between the generic versions. The one that works the best for me is the A 215 activas brand. I have the least side effects with this brand. Also, I get the most pain relief from this version.
Yes, the same "main ingredients", or "active ingredient", however, each manufacturer can choose what fillers to use to make it unique to their brand, this is where the problem is as some fillers have different reactions with different people, therefore making them less effective in some cases. I gave my pharmacy a list of manufacturers that I cannot take, and the list has grown over the years, in fact, there are more brands I can't take than there are that I can. It's not in your head, there is a definite difference due to the different fillers and how they react in your system.
Don't forget they can be up to 30% less Active Ingredient.
OK, Generic Valium as opposed to the real deal is approx half the strength
Get the real VALIUM... and U will see (I did, there is a big difference)
Oxycodone varies... My new RX is horrible, almost had to double for relief
Someone ain't checkin like all "Pay offs"
Its BULLSHT
Iv'e been taking these since 1978... Better, Years ago
Today the pain relievers of this caliber are compromised!
Wrong. Many generics only require a fraction of active ingredients- a window or buffer of error. Thus, its common to hear patients complain about varying generic brands. If there's a gen u like - do your best to stick with it.
So most of what I read so far is pretty much in line with what is factual. I see now that this thread is a couple years old however it is brand-spanking-new to me LOL. In case anyone comes across this thread from here on out I'll sort the facts from the fluff... all Pharma companies regardless if it's generic or brand-name have to stick to the main ingredients milligram (PERIOD) I.E. (Xanax most popular is 2mg alprazolam so all 2 milligram alprazolam regardless of company will have to mg of Alprazolam in there xanax)... However, this in which I'm about to explain is why I presume obviously why the effects are different for different people.. aside from the obvious biological makeup reason, I'm sure it's not that hard to comprehend that (sticking with the Xanax 2 milligram alprazolam example) that Alprazolam is not the only let's just say ingredients in the pill.. there are sometimes quite a few other ingredients in a pill AKA medicine..
now I'm sure as some of you know that the for lack of a better word company that regulates all of this is the FDA AKA Food and Drug Administration... And FDA has rules when it comes to this obviously and we all would hope so as well that clear cut and dry obviously again the main drug alprazolam 2mg is a must when it comes to all the other ingredients for every single drug out there the FDA sets a let's call it a range from minimum to maximum whatever the form of measurement is for that ingredient that the company can put into the pill... And there you have it why some are felt more or less or weird or different than others because of the other ingredients and how it coincides with each and every person's biology which would make a million different kinds of possibilities and outcomes for how it is felt because of the biological makeup. The end
When you say "Brand Name" what are the numbers? I'm pretty sure I know, what is brand name?
What helps the pain? Spondylolisthesis! Is what I live with. Euphoria or pain relief. Stop the talk about the that "feels" better than the other. I want pain relief! No euphoria. I here the talk of the ingredients. Pain relief not what feels better!
Not true. Dig into the FDA website. Don't even believe you're getting a generic made by the company noted on the bottle or by using a site to identify it. It's all in the NDC#. In my case, the manufacturer is listed as K... The NDC# is issued to A... It is on the last bottle of generic Oxycodone I received. It does NOTHING other than cause diarrhea. It is per the FDA "K... generic Oxycodone is usually made with a substance similar to Oxycodone. It should release 60-80% of the active ingredient to... and then a molecular breakdown and very long list of articial colorings and 12 substances I did not see in other brands. I also see that it will be dropped in 2019, which we are in, but does not state which month. I find a doctor asking why generic pain meds seem to give 50% less pain relief for his patients. I find others on higher doses went through drug withdrawals when they received this brand.
Dig deeper and find this garbage is being bought inexpensively by pharmacies due to this. I already knew that it is legal to use up to 20% less of the active ingredient in generics, but thought the real difference was in the fillers used that caused some to work better or not as well with each individual. What we are allowed to call generics in the U.S., are so sub-par that it is not legal to do so in other countries. There is also both or either a "formulatory" and "biologic equivalent" to a name brand. There is a little something called the Orange Book. Mention that to your pharmacist and see the look on their face after they try to tell you a generic is the same. Most doctors are not aware of any of this. It absolutely is not the same unless it meets the two above approvals. I learned far more than I was even remotely aware of. If you dispute any of this, go to FDA.gov and see for yourself. It is a bit difficult to navigate at first, but it's all there. Once you know the NDC # it is easy. As far as a generic for Percocet or Oxycodone, the way only two that meet the criteria are Endocet or Roxicodone, that per insurance coverage, are not generics and cost a fortune. That being said, I have never had an issue in the past with generics previously and do not with other generics I currently use.
Related topics
oxycodone, chronic pain, generic, prescription
Further information
- Oxycodone uses and safety info
- Oxycodone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Oxycodone (detailed)
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