Laura Dick,

Yes I have noticed it hasnt worked as well also. Keep me updated as to your progress. I may have to switch. My issue is sever head pain and I work full time. So cannot afford to have a drug that is less effective or it will cost me my job.

I don't know that we will ever get a definitive answer on generics vs brand. I have taken several generics that dont do their job. I have taken several generics that work great. It depends on what the medication is for. Something such as chronic severe pain would seem to be more impactful on one's life than a generic for say depression. I have both.
I don't care what the FDA says. Our government is not know for 100% honesty. I'm guessing the generic has a small percentage less of an active ingredient which can make the difference between getting active relife or not getting it.
Thanks to all for their contributions and input.

Apparently, others are having simialr issues with Actavis. See the link below from Meds chat. It also states there can be a great variability in the active ingredient put in.

http://www.medschat.com/Discuss/Watson-is-now-actavis-generic-percocet-5-325-what-is-up-with-this-260297.htm

I recently had a switch of manufacturer on a generic. It was Topomax.
Within two days my stomach was cramping and my migraines were returning.

This sent me to the web to identify the manufacturer and the inactive ingredients. Turns out this brand had an ingredient my other didn't have. So yes there can be a reaction to inactive ingredients. I was able to get the original generic and my problem cleared.

In regards to quality of generics I found some discouraging information when I researched my new generic. A great many of generics are imported to US from India. One company in particular has been in the spotlight as recent as a few days ago and as far back as 2008. That company is Ranbaxy. I will not go into detail only to say that they have been fined a huge amount by the FDA. This company not only manufactures generic drugs but has a laboratory that manufactures the inactive ingredients for other drug companies.

The FDA has recently opened two offices in India so we can hope for better quality and safer drugs. In the most recent article I read (today)
this is what the Drug Controller General of India said "it must be stated that every country has different measures and we cannot judge Ranbaxy by the American drug regulator." This article was published 1-27-14.

Further research tells that 40% of the US generics and OTC drugs come from India. Just because a pharmaceutical company has a branch in the US it doesn't mean the drug is manufactured there nor do the ingredients come from there. It is a piecemeal operation.

Not recently. But a few years ago, a different med, and the new generic didn't work at all. I've spent 3 days trying to get the right med. Not quite the same, but I know it's a pain in the butt. I think we have enough to deal with tht people shouldn't be messing with the meds that work.
I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope it turns out okay, somehow. If I remember correctly, not only I, but many others called my doc and told him the same story, and somehow I got a different version, and it did work. Sending good thoughts.

Amexdm,

Can you clarify something that I didn't get from your first post, maybe its a typo.

You said you take "Oxvyc and Percocet" Did you mean Oxycodone or Oxycontin?

I heard that they are making the generic pain meds less potent in order to discourage people from abusing them. Just like they are now trying to limit the amount of pain pills that the manufacturers are producing each month. I don't really believe this is the case, but who knows. I think back to pre-2011 when I had no pain at all and wonder how I'm in the "pain med/perceived drug seeker category these days. I am a part of the discussion now." Oh how the tables can turn on a fellar. I hope none of these pansy ass whining DEA, and overly-concerned citizens never have a "life-changing" accident, or medical event. The sad fact of the matter is that no one cares about chronic pain sufferers until something happens to them. For the past three days I've been having a lot of pain in my bad leg. I pushed myself to suffer yesterday until I actually couldn't take the pain any longer. I made it almost 5 hours. I don't know how I would make it for the rest of my life without relief. Now tell me one drug addict who can go five hours without a fix lol. These new regulations are ridiculous!

there is a pretty easy fix to this. If you don't like the generic brand then stop taking Percocet and ask your Dr. to give you the pure form of Oxycodone. All you have to do is take your Tylenol or Advil with it. I haven't used Perocet in years due to kidney problems, I just use pure Oxycodone. It's also a lot cheaper than Percocet in most places.

...and for those who just have to have Perocet, Endo Pharmaceuticals does still make the Brand name Percocet., you can request that from the pharmacy, just be prepared to pay a higher co-pay.

sptrout, I didn't have much time to look for it today, but I will over the weekend.

My pharmacist and drs. Have both told me they do work differently because of the way they're put together. I had noticed a difference years ago when I got a different brand. He said a lot of patients had noticed a difference. He said it was the way the put the pill together, even though it's the same ingredients, they're not mixed the same way.

Love and hugs,

Xoxoxoxo

Mary Ellen

I guess I've been lucky. I've asked for generics since the start of this RSD nightmare and except for MSContin, which wasn't available as generic when I 1st was diagnosed, my meds have all been generic. If they're our of the generic then I get the regular, but I've never noticed any difference.

I do know that when I asked my doctor, years ago, to take me off Darvoce for breakthrough and prescribe Darvon, it made a huge difference. The absence of APAP truly made the pain relief less. Now that both are off the market, I will occasionally take tylenol with my meds (IF in a flare) but my meds have no APAP in them.

I'm wondering if any of the people saying generic doesn't work as well could possibly be on simple oxycodone with no APAP? Because that DOES make a difference. Yes, it's bad for the liver and I am glad I no longer have to take it daily, but I'm 1st to admit that no APAP in my meds made a big difference. Generic, not so much. In fact I can't tell the difference. But I'm not on oxycodone.

Is the difference so much that it affects your daily life? If so, I'd talk to my doc about getting name brands. It's hard enough to lose the painkilling component of APAP- no one needs more problems. That said, I'd be curious to know how many people are noticing a difference.

NO-- Generics are NOT exactly the "same" as Brand name drugs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bio equivalence and Interchangeability of Generic Drugs (courtesy of Merck Manual)


When a company develops a generic version of a trade-name drug, the company's experts in drug formulation must figure out how to make it. It is not enough for them to simply reproduce the trade-name drug's chemical structure or to buy the active ingredient from a chemical manufacturer. Although 250 milligrams (mg) of a trade-name chemical is identical to 250 mg of the same generic chemical, a 250-mg generic pill containing that chemical may or may not have the same effect in the body as a 250-mg trade-name pill. That is because everything that is used in a particular product formulation affects how it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Inactive ingredients such as coatings, stabilizers, fillers, binders, flavorings, diluents, and others are necessary to turn a chemical into a usable drug product. These ingredients may be used to provide bulk so that a tablet is large enough to handle, to keep a tablet from crumbling between the time it is manufactured and the time it is used, to help a tablet dissolve in the stomach or intestine, or to provide a pleasant taste and color. Inactive ingredients are usually harmless substances that do not affect the body. However, because inactive ingredients can cause unusual and sometimes severe allergic reactions in a few people, one version, or brand, of a drug may be preferable to another. For example, chemicals called bisulfites (such as sodium metabisulfite), which are used as preservatives in many products, cause asthmatic allergic reactions in many people. Consequently, drug products containing bisulfites are prominently labeled as such.
Bio equivalence:

Manufacturers must conduct studies to determine whether their version is bio equivalent to the original drugthat is, that the generic version releases its active ingredient (the drug) into the bloodstream at virtually the same speed and in virtually the same amounts as the original drug. Because the active ingredient in the generic drug has already been shown in testing of the trade-name drug to be safe and effective, bio equivalence studies only have to show that the generic version produces virtually the same levels of drug in the blood over time and thus require only a relatively small number (24 to 36) of healthy volunteers.

Although people generally think of oral dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids, when they think about generic prescription drugs, generic versions of other drug dosage forms, such as injections, patches, inhalers, and others, must also meet a bio equivalence standard. The FDA sets bio equivalence standards for different drug dosage forms.

The manufacturer of the trade-name drug also must prove bio equivalence before a new form of an approved drug can be sold. New forms include new dosage forms or strengths of an existing trade-name drug product and any other modified form that is developed, as well as new generic drugs. Sometimes the form that was originally tested is modified for commercial reasons. For example, tablets may need to be made sturdier, flavoring or coloring may be added or changed, or inactive ingredients may be changed to increase consumer acceptance.
Evaluation and Approval Procedures:

The FDA evaluates every generic version of a drug. The FDA approves a generic drug if studies indicate that the original trade-name drug and the generic version are essentially bio equivalent. The FDA also makes sure that a new generic drug contains the appropriate amount of the active (drug) ingredient, that it is manufactured according to federal standards (Good Manufacturing Practices), and that the generic version differs from its trade-name counterpart in size, color, and shapea legal requirement.
Interchangeability and Substitution:

Theoretically, any generic drug that is bio equivalent to its trade-name counterpart may be interchanged with it. For drugs that are off-patent, the generic drug may be the only form available. To limit costs, many doctors write prescriptions for generic drugs whenever possible. Even if the doctor has prescribed a trade-name drug, the pharmacist may dispense a generic drug unless the doctor wrote on the prescription that no substitution can be made. Also, insurance plans and managed care organizations may require that generic drugs be prescribed and dispensed whenever possible to save money. Some plans may allow a consumer to select a more expensive trade-name product prescribed by the doctor as long as the consumer pays the difference in cost. However, in some state-run programs, the consumer has no say. If the doctor prescribes a generic drug, the pharmacist must dispense a generic drug. In most states, the consumer may insist on a trade-name drug even if the doctor and pharmacist recommend a generic drug.

Sometimes generic substitution may not be appropriate. For example, some available generic versions may not be bio equivalent to the trade-name drug. Such generic drugs may still be used, but they may not be substituted for the trade-name product. In cases in which small differences in the amount of drug in the bloodstream can make a very large difference in the drug's effectiveness, generic drugs are often not substituted for trade-name drugs, although bioequivalent generic products are available. Warfarin

, an anticoagulant, and phenytoin

, an anticonvulsant are examples of such drugs. Finally, a generic product may not be appropriate if it contains an inactive ingredient that the person is allergic to. Thus, if a doctor specifies a trade-name drug on the prescription and the consumer wants an equivalent generic version, the consumer or pharmacist should discuss the matter with the doctor.

Drugs that must be given in very precise amounts are less likely to be interchangeable, because the difference between an effective dose and a harmful or an ineffective dose (the margin of safety) is small. Digoxin

, used to treat people with heart failure, is an example. Switching from the trade-name version of digoxin

to a generic product may cause problems, because the two versions may not be sufficiently bio equivalent. However, some generic versions of digoxin

have been certified as bio equivalent by the FDA. Pharmacists and doctors can answer questions about which generic drugs are interchangeable for their trade-name counterparts and which are not.

A book published by the FDA each year and updated periodically also provides guidance about which drugs are interchangeable. This book, Approved Drug Products With Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (also known as "the orange book" because it has a bright orange cover), is available both in print and online to anyone but is intended for use by doctors and pharmacists. See Approved Drug Products With Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations.

The substitution of a generic drug can sometimes cause other problems for the consumer. A doctor may write a prescription for a trade-name product and discuss the trade-name product with the consumer. If a pharmacist dispenses an equivalent generic product and the label does not also list the reference (trade-name product), the consumer may not know how the generic product relates to the drug the doctor prescribed. To prevent this confusion, pharmacists should include the reference trade name on the label when a generic product is substituted.

-------


When Generic Substitution May Not Be Appropriate

Drug Category


Examples


Comments

Drugs on the market before the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act


Despite efforts by the FDA, some brands of thyroid hormone replacement products, which are still not bioequivalent


Pre-1938 drugs are exempt from generic drug requirements, but only a few of these are still prescribed. Switching among different versions is unwise because no standards are available by which to compare them. Caution is needed when switching brands.

Drugs with little difference between a toxic dose and an effective dose (a narrow margin of safety)


Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin

, carbamazepine

, and valproate

; digoxin

(for heart failure and a very rapid heart rate); and the anticoagulant warfarin



The margin of safety is relatively small. Too little drug may not work, and too much drug may have side effects.

Antihypertensive drugs


Reserpine and reserpine plus polythiazide


Generic versions are not bioequivalent to trade-name drugs.

Antiasthmatic drugs taken by mouth


Theophylline

, dyphylline

, and some brands of aminophylline


Different versions are generally not bioequivalent. If one version is working, it should not be interchanged for another unless absolutely necessary.

Corticosteroid creams, lotions, and ointments


Alclometasone

, amcinonide, betamethasone

, clocortolone

, desonide

, desoximetasone

, dexamethasone, diflorasone

, fluocinolone

, fluocinonide

, flurandrenolide

, fluticasone

, halcinonide

, halobetasol

, hydrocortisone

, mometasone

, and triamcinolone



These products are standardized by tests of skin response, and many have been rated as bioequivalent by the FDA. But response varies, and different drug vehicles (creams, ointments, gels) can affect product potency. Response may be unpredictable. So, if one version is effective, it should not be interchanged for another.

Corticosteroid tablets


Dexamethasone, triamcinolone

, and others


Many generic versions are not bioequivalent to trade-name drugs and should not be freely interchanged for them.

Hormones


Esterified estrogen (estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women), some brands of medroxyprogesterone, and most generic brands of methyltestosterone



The two brands of esterified estrogen are not bioequivalent. Hormones are usually taken in small doses, so differences in brands could produce major swings in response.

Antihyperglycemic drugs


Glyburide

(for type 2 diabetes)


One version of glyburide

, Diabeta, may not be interchanged for any other. All other versions are considered interchangeable.

Drugs to control gout


Colchicine


Generic versions of individual drugs are not bioequivalent to one another.

Antipsychotic drugs


Chlorpromazine tablets


Generic versions are not bioequivalent to the trade-name version.

Antidepressants


A few brands of amitriptyline and one brand of amitriptyline plus perphenazine


Not all versions are interchangeable. A pharmacist can advise whether the FDA considers a particular generic drug bioequivalent to the trade-name drug

Potassium


Most long-acting potassium replacement products in tablet form


Long-acting potassium products in capsule (not tablet) form are considered bioequivalent and may be interchanged

Other drugs


Fluoxymesterone, some brands of promethazine tablets and suppositories, chloramphenicol

capsules, and clozapine



Generic versions may not bioequivalent. Although any version can be effective, versions should not be interchanged.

Oh and PS...

Words such as... "Essentially" AND " Virtually" do not mean "equal" or "same" ... in my book....

Well great replies all, thank you! I will speak to my doctor ASAP. I am frustrated becasue it took two years of me being guinea pig and treated like a drug addict to ge the right medications for my condition. And now it changes again.
I will look for an alternative but similar med. Most of our local pharmacies arent willing to order anything unusual, Ive checked. They just dont care or dont have the demand for special orders. I have to assume I can get oure oxycodone but if not I''' leave it up to the PA at the clinic. This new med has some weird side effects. Nausea, heart racing, drowsiness to name a few. I went to be at 7pm saturday night and woke up at 11am SUnday. Slept for 16 hours. This is not normal.
One asked to clarify my othermeds. I take Oxycontin 10 mg long lasting twice a dat. And was on the Percocoet twice for breakthrough pain. It was working great. I hadnt missed a day of work in 6 months. I Tried to call Actavis at lunch today but was on hold for many minutes. I did read where the active ingredient can be anywhere from 80% to 125% of what is required by law. SO there can be a 45% variance. Would we notice that? Yep
It is sad that I have to beg for pain medication when I am truly ill because others who are not ill have chosen to abuse thes drugs for fun. I fear they may be very hard to get in the future. I'v heard in Washington State that you have to sign your life over for pain meds. Thanks to all for your help.

Amexdm

I have not heard of that but they are trying to take my Vicodin away I will post more tomorrow when I mom the computer and not finger typing

MaggieSavedMe, are you referring to the Rescheduling of Hydrocodone Combinations meds like vicodin ?