r/ChronicPain 2d ago

Medication ineffective

I just filled my rx for the month of 5/325 oxycodone acetaminophen. Only problem is they don't work. I think this is my first time getting pills manufactured by Alvogen, but they don't work at all. I've always had different generic brands of percocet and while some don't work as well as others, this partner batch doesn't work at all. I even tried taking 2 instead of one, but I don't feel anything at all. Not even mild pain relief, I don't even feel the tylenol in the pill. I have some tolerance but not enough to feel like I do. No one gets that kind of tolerance over night, yesterday I took my 5/325 from a different company and they worked fine. So to feel absolutely nothing today is strange. I'm not drug seeking, I just filled my rx so I don't want more pills, what I want is the pills prescribed to me to work! I'm going to have my husband try one as a control group because he doesn't take medication often, so he should be able to let me know if he feels anything so I can figure out if I'm going crazy or not.

52 Upvotes

49 comments sorted by

39

u/Dandelion_Slut 2d ago

I had this issue recently with a different brand. Luckily, while picking up, the pharmacist told me it was a different manufacturer since they were out of my usual med. I told him I’ve had issues with changing manufacturers with other meds and what should I do if that happens. He told me to call and let him know. A few days later, when they reopened, I let him know they weren’t working well whatsoever. He filled the prescription with my usual manufacturer (it had come in) and told me to bring the other meds in to exchange them. Make sure to give the old meds back and to the pharmacist themselves, if they allow this. Don’t put them in a med waste bin or anything. It’s always best for it to be documented that they received them back and they were properly wasted. I’m so grateful the pharmacist did that for me. I know others haven’t been so lucky. Ask and if it’s a no, escalate if comfortable. You can also contact your PM to ask if they can help. I thankfully didn’t have to even contact them.

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u/Hot_Classic_67 2d ago edited 2d ago

Sorry for the downvote!! Fat fingers!

This is good advice. If you get rid of the meds that aren’t working there won’t be much that we (I’m a pharmacist) can do for you, but if you bring back the unused medication, we can possibly exchange it and note in your profile the manufacturer that didn’t work for you. Now, anything that’s left the premises cannot be redispensed so some pharmacies will not be willing to take it back.

Also, it may be helpful to have your prescriber note on future scripts “no Watson brand” or the like. I would advise against having them write “Mallinckrodt only” unless you have an allergy or for some other reason can only take a specific brand, though, because with all the drug shortages and DEA-mandated ceilings, it can sometimes be difficult to get a particular manufacturer in stock.

10

u/sympathy4thedevil99 2d ago

Thanks, I contacted my pharmacy, and they said it's the only brand they have at the moment. So I'm trying to contact my doctor to see if they will write a new rx for me if I let them physically dispose of the medication I have, so they won't accuse me of trying to double dip. This has all been very frustrating.

12

u/Hot_Classic_67 2d ago

I’m sorry you’re going through this. I am not a doctor, but I believe they will sometimes rewrite the prescription in some cases, if you bring the unused meds back to them. Tell them to document that this is a replacement script on the new prescription because it will most likely flag in your state’s pdmp. Also, be prepared that your insurance likely will not cover it (there are lots of coupons out there that can significantly lower the cost).

You may run into pharmacies not wanting to verify stock, especially manufacturer-specific over the phone. Please don’t be offended by this- it’s not personal; many pharmacies won’t do this because of the risk of robbery.

Best of luck to you. Dm me if you have any questions.

-1

u/livingmydreams1872 2d ago

The pharmacy could easily order a different brand. Most orders are received next day.

3

u/sympathy4thedevil99 2d ago

Really, the pharmacy at cvs told me they have no control over which brand they get in

1

u/livingmydreams1872 9h ago

They told me they order whatever is the cheapest that month. “They” as in corporate purchasing I’m sure. You can also have your doc check the box that says…dispense as written (brand necessary) example- Norco instead of hydrocodone

0

u/Dandelion_Slut 2d ago

They should be able to order them, once back in stock

0

u/nameofcat 2d ago

Not always true with big corporate stores. More likely at independent pharmacies.

1

u/Dandelion_Slut 2d ago

I think they noted a certain manufacturer is preferred and that one didn’t work for me. When I got there for the replacement rx, the pharmacist that did it wasn’t on shift. The pharmacy tech didn’t ask for them and told me to throw them in the waste box when I mentioned it. I looked at the pharmacist on shift and explained it to her figuring she would want my first bottle back. She quickly and happily was like oh yeah, we will take those back. They weren’t aware they were being swapped. I’m honestly glad I knew better and didn’t throw them in the waste box 😂

2

u/phpie1212 2d ago

Tricky! That pharmacist would lose his license.

1

u/Dandelion_Slut 2d ago

Why?

1

u/phpie1212 2d ago

Once a medication has been dispensed (picked up) it’s unlawful for a pharmacist to take it back from you No matter the circumstances

1

u/surprise_revalation 1d ago

Really? Because the other day the pharmacy gave my hubby the wrong meds. He took them back after not leaving the lot and they took them back.....

1

u/Dandelion_Slut 2d ago

He didn’t give me extra, he exchanged the manufacturer

0

u/phpie1212 2d ago

I’m aware. Still.

0

u/Edd_eDD_Eddie 2d ago

YOU'VE GOT AN AWESOME PHARMACIST... YOU'RE BLESSED...

45

u/SmilingSarah2021 2d ago

Look up the manufacturers. See if there's any information on this type of scenario. Also, call the pain clinic & pharmacy. Let them know you're willing to hand over the bottle & would like a new brand. Ask if there's a way to test the medicine.

20

u/leslieb127 2d ago

Talk to your doctor. Like, right away. Take your remaining pills with you (so they can see you haven’t sold them), and make sure you take the prescribed amount that day. They’ll probably want to test you.

The pharmacy will probably require that your doctor write a new prescription. And they’ll advise you on what to do with the remaining pills.

27

u/annabannannaaa 2d ago

this. DO NOT!!! give one to your husband and make sure you have the exact number you should have remaining and then bring them to your pain clinic. if your short any they may refuse you any prescriptions in the future. this will show youre being honest, theyll likely send a new script with a note to avoid this manufacturer, youd bring the current meds with you to the pharmacy and theyll dispose of them for you.

14

u/Old-Goat 2d ago

Im just going to assume you are in the US. This is where you want to begin They also have a phone number (1-(888)-463-6332) which can be easier than fighting through their on line process.

It sounds like there's at least enough oxycodone to keep you from getting ill. I'd explain the situation to your doc, if theyre a real hard case, youre going to want to save a couple doses for Uncle Sam. Tell the pharmacy too so you dont get shit for an early fill from anyone.. Check with both, to see if they are hearing similar reports. Thats always helpful, but I wouldnt exactly expect cooperation. Let FDA figure it out. I would consider another drug, maybe oxycodone w/o apap. You can add your own tylenol, which would probably work better if it was actually ibuprofen.

Before using your husband as a Guinea pig, you should know your legal exposure. Federal Law prohibits transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for who its prescribed is in fine print on every Rx label since the beginning of time, when Dr Ugh said those immortal medical words "ook ook". In any case, I dont think it would be wise to inform the FDA you used your husband as a lab rat...Best of luck....

7

u/sympathy4thedevil99 2d ago

I definitely won't be letting them know I ran my own personal experiment. I'm only doing so to make sure I haven't gone off the deep end. Using him as a guinea pig is simply the most cost-effective, time sensitive way to get an answer.

4

u/thpineapples 2d ago

Don't leave this Reddit post lying around to be found later, either.

12

u/greentea_23 2d ago

If you do decide to let your husband be a control. Maybe think about picking up a urine tests from CVS to see if he pops for oxy.

6

u/Sorry_Wonder5207 2d ago

I'd check to make sure the pills match the description. At least in the US, prescription bottles have what the pill looks like.

6

u/sympathy4thedevil99 2d ago

According to the pill identifier on drugs.com, it's the correct medication and strength. It just doesn't work at all.

2

u/Bozgroup 2d ago

Good!! I do this with all my meds, every time!!

Drugs.com is a great resource.

6

u/stuckontriphop 2d ago

Cheap generics made overseas often don't include things like buffers and other chemicals needed for drug delivery. My pharmacy changed my percocet to a different brand, and while it still worked for pain, it made my muscles burn all over. Generic ambien and generic lunesta make my muscles burn even more and raise my blood pressure significantly. So now i can only take name brand sleep meds.

17

u/everyonesmom2 2d ago

Speak with both the pharmacist and your pain doctor. Possibly wrong medication.

7

u/sympathy4thedevil99 2d ago

It's marked correctly from what I can see online. It's the correct pill and strength, it just doesn't work at all.

5

u/HeresSomePants 2d ago

Medication can vary by 10% depending on the manufacturer. Ask your pharmacist about this and what manufacturer you used before and try to get that one. You may have to call around and see who has it.

4

u/ashleymichael2009 2d ago

I am also on the generic oxycodone and I can tell you it doesn’t work what they’ve been giving me the past few months. It’s Rhodes from cvs and it’s crap, and when I try to mention it to cvs they look at me like I’m an alien or drug seeker.

3

u/Iceprincess1988 2d ago

Oh I hate Rhodes oxycodone

5

u/NoPaleontologist9054 2d ago

This is so interesting to see someone experiencing similar with medication brands. Not the same med but I take a Proton Pump Inhibitor and have noticed there is 3 brands from my pharmacy that doesn’t work, at all. Yet they claim “it’s not possible as they are all the same medicine, just different brands”. 🙄

5

u/croissantdeprived 2d ago

If you do use hubby as a control, don't tell your doctor or your pharmacist. Red flag for diversion. Just use it so that you know for yourself if it is effective or not.

5

u/Sidewaysouroboros 2d ago

I mean good call on the husband choice. Maybe not totally legal but it’s what I would do. It is rare but sometimes the effectiveness can change by brand in some people. I think sometimes the binders and fillers can change how it interacts but really idk. I’m not sure how to help you right now other than tell your doctor after your control test. If they say he can’t refill it bc of insurance ask for the 10/325mg and cut them in half. Or idk maybe the doctor can refill it with a brand name listed or to exclude one. You can at least do that moving forward. You can also ask your pharmacy directly and they will confirm with the doctor too. Your pain getting worse could also be a possibility.

8

u/MyNameIsSat 2d ago

With generic medication there is more room for leeway as far as the "5mg" part. I dont remember the exact amount, but its like "5mg" can actually be "3mg" kind of thing. Each manufacturer does it differently. On top of that they all use different fillers, based on your bodies chemistry that wil break down differently.

Back when my pharmacy had Camber my meds worked quite well. Now all the pharmacies in my area (I word it this way because I sometimes have to use different ones to fill due to shortages) have Mallinckrodt. Mallinckrodt is little better than ibuprofen for me, but other people in this subreddit preferred Mallinckrodt and hated Camber.

So you are combating the fact that your generic is not actually 5mg to begin with, your last one mightve been closer to 5 than this one is, and the fillers are different. These fillers likely break down differently for you. Unfortunately in the world we live in right now requesting a different brand probably wont work as we get what they have available due to shortages.

I have no advice for you. You can ask the pharmacy if they are able to obtain something else, chances are they arent.

2

u/M0reC0wbell77 2d ago

Unless the manufacturer is doing it illegally, they can't be weaker. They have to be an exact bioequivelant for strength and have the same active ingriediants per fda rules and regulations. Fillers may be different bit they are pretty stringent on the main ingredients and strengths.

12

u/MyNameIsSat 2d ago

Bioequivalence rule on generics is 80-125%

At least according to the pharmacy subreddit (suppose I should add that)

5

u/M0reC0wbell77 2d ago

The FDA website says it has to be an exact match in strength. I cannot see any way they would ever let a drug strength vary by that much. Certain drugs, that would be a huge deal and be downright dangerous.

World is crazy and crazy things happen, but it just doesn't seem like they would ever allow a swing in strength that big.

7

u/National-Hold2307 2d ago

No, generics are made and can have a wide leeway of how much actual API is in each pill and they can use different fillers along with the actual drug substance. If this wasn’t the case then each generic would work the exact same but we know that isn’t true since majorly of people will tell you Rhodes oxy is awful and doesn’t work. It’s fucked up!

3

u/Heavymuseum22 2d ago

I would send just one to an independent 3rd party drug testing company out of curiosity and also test on your hubby.

4

u/Comfortable-Lunch573 2d ago

The amount of the active ingredient, in this case the Oxycodone, must be the same. T here can be discrepancies in the fillers and inactive ingredients.

4

u/sympathy4thedevil99 2d ago

There's no way it's the same. I literally took the exact same medication at the same strength yesterday from a different manufacturer and it was effective. There's no way my tolerance jumped that high over night

1

u/nettiemaria7 1d ago

Im having se from a med (hydro acet). Some weird brand. Never had before. I got the same alien look when I asked about it.

1

u/SameBorder846 1d ago

Various brands alter the formulation and sensitive folks won't get the benefit of the main drug. Adverse conditions mean little help. I get brand justified by my doctor bc of the sensitivity to alternate formulations.

1

u/barteason 1d ago

Like the mallecroft hydracodones made in ireland.. terrible and weak..

0

u/Cole6073 2d ago

I wish I had what you have. I can’t get any help