Anyone having trouble switching generic Ativan (lorazepam)?
Question posted by JayhawkJourney on 30 May 2013
Last updated on 17 January 2023
Have been taking one half of a 0.5mg lorazepam for years. Lately the Sandoz brand. My pharmacy can no longer get that brand (not sure if Sandoz still makes it). I was given Watson instead. It gave me bad heartburn and when it finally kicked in it felt so strong I was unable to stand up. I asked for a different brand and was given Mylan. It was way too strong. I felt like I had a brick in my chest and developed a sore throat and horrible dry mouth and lips. My lips are cracked from one dose.
I called a different pharmacy and they assured me they had Sandoz. Had to get a new prescription from my doc. When I got the new pills they told me they were Sandoz but they are really Actavis. I assume Sandoz purchased Actavis. I've taken one dose of this with not much relief and it is bothering my stomach.
I know brand names are usually better but I was doing okay before the switch. Do they still make a brand name Ativan or the Sandoz brand? Anyone know?
I am really having a hard time with this as Ativan/lorazepam is the only med I have been able to take for anxiety and panic with low side effects until now. I've tried many things through the years.
I don't understand why the generics are allowed to be so different and have so many inactive ingredients.
I’m also involved in another chat room through webmd. Several people have been complaining of all of the switches being made with the lorazepam. Most of us all have had the best luck with the Mylan brand. We found out through the company they are no longer making them after a nationwide backorder. Leading seems to be the generic that most of us have been unfortunately given. It tastes like pure sugar and doesn’t help anxiety at all. I’m on 1 mg twice a day. I did find out my pharmacy can still get the 0.5 dose so I had my doctor write the rx for 0.5 to take two tabs twice a day and doubled the quantity. Other than any side effects, if it works, but just seems too strong, cut the dose in half and be glad it works.
Votes: +0
DA
Dandp18
4 July 2018
Hi, Denise I would like to know if you have tried the 0.5 mg (2 at a time) 2 a day did this work? I am taking the same amount but in the 1 mg tablet.I am thinking of asking my doctor about writing my script for the 0.5 because I have been on mylan brand for years and just can't tolerate the other brands, I have tried with headaches, stomach upset, sleepless nights, you name it.I can't believe we are their guinea pigs for them to put out new generics when we can only tolerate the one we have been on, they can vary in percentages by 20% and that was verified by my pharmacist.I look forward to hearing back from you.
DA
Dandp18
30 Dec 2018
Hi Denise01, I haven't seen any post from you lately about the different generic brands of lorazepam. Are you still able to get the mylan brand?I had to take activis last month it was ok but didn't get much sleep until the third week out of one months supply.I now started the leading brand only one day so far but not much sleep and after I take it during the day a wierd feeling in my head. My pharmacist says he can't take them back and that's the only brand they have now,this is Walgreens.I also take 1mg twice a day, Have you had any success finding a different brand that is like mylan with no after effects like the rest of these have?Also what chat rooms do you find for this discussion, I have looked and this is the only one I can find. Thanks, Hope to hear from you soon.
FA
fancyfiles
14 June 2018
I have just been switched from lorazepam (from Mylan) which was pretty good, to a generic from LEADING PHARMA that sucks and does NOTHING for my anxiety! It actually leaves me feeling depressed in my head and an awful down feeling in my head. The other one did not. I agree that this is disturbing that all these different companies can try to make the formula and the FDA says it's supposed to be the same, but it is NOT. My body proves it . Unfortunately looks like the only brand name i can get around my area is from Activas, and I have not tried that yet, but I am hoping it will be better than the LEADING Pharma one. If not, I am going to have to switch to something else . I am super upset that we have to go through this and suffer more anxiety. I don't know why Mylan doesn't make it anymore.
Votes: +2
SA
SARA-sota
1 June 2021
Omg —I was just switched by Walgreens out of blue from good ACTAVIS 1 mg to “Leading” which makes me feel exactly like you described!!! It was 4 days ago.. I can’t keep taking. I will ask my doc to transfer my script to one that does not use Camber or Leading...
TA
tallen0226
21 May 2018
Hello!! I have taken the Sandoz brand of this medication for many years now. I have recently found out that Sandoz has stopped manufacturing Ativan. I too have also tried the Watson or Mylan (cannot remember which one exactly) and had a reaction to the filler in the other brand. I have been advised that I need to find out the filler in the Sandoz brand and talk to a pharmacist to see it they can find one that has the same... Not sure how easy this is going to be and we all know this is not a med that can just be stopped. I have also called Sandoz directly and they have been no help.
Votes: +0
AR
arcangel5210
29 Dec 2017
If you are lactose intolerant, that could be a factor. I read on sandoz website that sandoz lorazepam contains lactose monohydrate(ie. Milk), whereas Watson lorazepam does not. This might explain why I suddenly have stomach aches and upset stomach nightly and am groggy when I wake up. This has been happening for 3 nights ever since Rite aid switched me onto sandoz lorazepam. I found out this decision was made at the corporate level I assume because sandoz is cheaper. If I keep taking this stuff I may have to start taking a Lactaid tablet with it. Otherwise I will try to find another pharmacy that will let me get Watson lorazepam. Thanks a whole lot Rite aid - NOT!!
Votes: +0
ST
Stool
20 March 2017
The Mylan Brand of Lorazepam is the best one, Generic wise
Votes: +0
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Sunnnyone
20 March 2017
There is something seriously wrong with the generic versions of Ativan. All of the companies mentioned have been bought by a company called Teva with the exception of Mylan. It may be that they have not necessarily bought the company, but rather the right to produce Lorazepam. I was on the Watson version for quite some time and was switched to Sandoz by Walgreens. Disastrous results. I complained and they ordered Watson for me. This past month when I got it refilled it said Actavis, although Watson was on the label. I placed the two tablets side by side and that other than being a small white tablet, they did not look the same. The new one was slightly shiny and the stamped version of Watson was blurry. I'm taking it, but it really does not work. I struggle to sleep and wake up groggy. I then decided that I would bite the bullet and pay more for Ativan. Guess what... $1700 to fill the prescription.
Can you really believe this? As consumers, we probably don't have the resources to pay a lab to analyze the actual content of generic Lorazepam. At some point, if there are enough complaints some national television program like 60 Minutes might be a possible resource, or for those of us living in major markets, your local news affiliate. THIS IS NOT A MINOR PROBLEM!!! If the FDA is not interested in being involved, I'm sure there are a few lawyers that could get excited about this.
Votes: +0
HB
Hbear17
2 April 2017
Seriously go to Good RX and type in Ativan it will show u all the drug stores and discounts with Good RX n they email you the card Walmart wanted $37 for 60 1 mg n with my good RX card discount it was 9.23 n it doesn't expire and it follows on your account like insurance, I got the Watson 421 with the line n 1 on bottom could be off on that #241 n they worked good, next refill same store it's Mylan 457 with nothing on back just blank, next refill I switched rite aide they had Good RX on file it was 12.00 there but back to Watson kind n I can tell cause I have some of mylan leftover. BIG Difference!! And it days that name under Watson on bottle Atrivas or whatever but they do work better. I will be honest I was out of xanax and picked up those Ativan mylan u know i had to take a total of 14 before I felt a slight calm effect or anything n they are hard as a rock u cannot chew them and they don't dissolve like xanax does. Ask me Ativan sucks and I am asking for Valium it stays longer and works on panic attacks way better
SA
SARA-sota
1 June 2021
I agree and have seen the physical comparison of the meds... actual once crumbling to powder and wide variation in texture imprint etc.I just got a rx fill and they changed from actavis which has been totally fine for months,, and now I have the despised, ineffective med from Leading Pharma that had Watson written on it. I’m calling my dr tomorrow to say I need to change pharmacy again bc it has happened once again. Next time before I take the bag I will ask if drug maker changed..
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Denise01
27 Nov 2016
Did you really post this in 2013? Says released in November 2016. I've been on the 1 mg dose for years either given Mylan or Watson. This month was given the Sandoz or Actavis pill and it was like taking aspirin. Didn't work for anxiety at all!! Really upset. CVS did this and I will not fill it again if they use this manufacturer. I read on Web MD that they can reduce the main ingredient by 20%!!!
Votes: +0
SK
Sky528
1 Aug 2016
I have taken the watson and sandoz brand of lorazepam for 3 plus years with no problems. I take 1.75 mg a day out of the 2.0 mg daily prescribed because i am slowly weaning off. I went to cvs instead of walgreens this month and they gave me the qualitest brand and i am feeling very ill, severe anxiety, i feel even more anxiety after i take it cant sleep and am praying i dont end up in the hospital. I have 47 pills left out of 60 and am told i have to wait to refill somewhere else and cant return them. My doctor cant write another prescription i was told over the phone because its a controlled substance. I reported this brand to the fda and dont know what else i can do.
Votes: +1
PB
PBColo
2 Aug 2016
I totally understand your situation! My daughter had the same reaction with the generic that was filled using Sandoz. Generics do have different fillers and I truly believe that manufacturers are using more filler and less active Ativan therefore causing terrible withdrawal symptoms. We used Walgreens and they took it back and exchanged her refill for Watson. I have since had her doctor write the script for brand name Ativan only so we don't have to worry about this happening again. I am fortunate that she is on Medicaid because she is developmentally disabled so cost is not an issue but it maybe for you. My only suggestion is to call or go down to your pharmacy with the pills and ask if they can exchange them for a different generic manufacture? Tell them you are having a terrible reaction to them. It's worth a shot!! Good luck, I know you must be feeling horrible!!
NA
Nattjenta
2 Jan 2016
I must be a very rare and tolerant person, because I ALWAYS use generics, and never have a problem. All the generics I get seem to work just as well as the Brand Name drugs. I just recently switched from Walgreens to Rite Aid, because Walgreens always seemed to be out of the meds I needed. Since I take many blood pressure drugs as well as antianxiety and pain prescription meds, many insurance companies, (I'm sure most) won't allow you to refill these meds until 3 days before you run out. This was a real problem for me since I don't get out all that much, and most of the meds I need are BP meds. What do they think I'm going to do with them? Get high? Not bloody likely. There is one thing I love about Rite Aid, and that's that they only charge what the drug itself costs if it's under my $4.00 co pay. I paid $1.69 for 60 Clonazepam the other day. Most companies charge that co pay no matter what the drug costs.
Votes: +1
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Denise01
27 Nov 2016
Generics are all most insurances will pay for, but some generics are now being cut by 20% of the main ingredient which is the problem. Looks like Sandoz produces junk!!!
WI
winniejy
28 Dec 2016
For me, I have used both Ativan and generic lorazepam. Generic lorazepam is less active than Ativan and some has no calming effect except side effects(fast heart beat/breathing problem, heartburn, dehydration, sweating,anxiety) while others have less effect as if 1mg lorazepam is 60-70% of 1mg of Ativan.
ED
Eddie1950
17 Feb 2019
Same here I rarely look at who manufacture the little pills they all seem the same to me.
I can still Get 1mg lorazepam Watson brand at Walgreens as of 12/30/15. What do people think of Qualitest vs Watson. I just switched to Qualitest and don't notice too much a difference.
Votes: +0
CH
chadaaron75
20 May 2016
Hi ryanpatrick81, I've recently been given Sandoz instead of Watson from Walgreens. And the Watson seemed to work well but I can't say the same thing for Sandoz unfortunately. I've tried Qualitest once and it didn't work for me. Only a few manufacturers have worked for me. It has been frustrating and part of me would like to just kick the habit altogether since I've taken it since 2010.
PB
PBColo
1 June 2016
Same here, Walgreens now giving us Sandoz instead of Watson and my daughter is having a terrible time with it. We have enough to deal with, why on earth do we have to search for a decent generic drug! No answers but just sharing that we are having the same experience. I have not heard of Qualitest or ever tried them.
RO
robert606
16 Sep 2016
Chadaaron & PBColo: I'm surprised that your Walgreen in 2016 changed FROM Watson, since my Walgreen in metro Chicago has been supplying only Watson for at least 2015-2016. I noticed the difference immediately after other brands previously supplied by Sam's Club. Watson seems way too strong for me, even as I continue to cut more off of my half-cut 1.0, but that's a separate issue. I just wanted to let you know that Walgreen here is still supplying Watson (though now as Activus / Watson), and I don't know why all Walgreen would not be using the same supplier. Today is 9/16/2016.
WI
winniejy
1 Nov 2016
I used to take Ativan (yellow pill) and Qualitest lorazepam but qualitest has no filer and less dry. So it is good for me as I am very sensitive to filers and chemicals. I took watson once a few days ago and there is no relaxing effect but a lot of side effect for me. fast heart/blood beats, stomach ache, upset, dehydrated. So I want to buy Qualitest but I don't know where to buy. Rite Aid does not sell it. I got it from Kaiser before, but not member anymore. Does wallgreens sell Qualitest lorazepam(v 4008)? So you know where to buy it?
DE
Denise01
27 Nov 2016
Qualitest is what CVS has been giving me and it worked fine until last month when I was prescribed the Actavis which in just the last few weeks now says Sandoz and no longer shows a picture of the pill. I'm furious reading for all these comments and refuse to get this filled again under the Actavis/Sandoz supplier!! I'll switch to Xanax if I have to. I've heard these companies can cut the main ingredient by 20%!!
I doubt it's the Lorazepam at fault, but a switch from Watson who made it before and now it's produced by a company called Actavis. I just had huge problems with the Actavis brand of Lorazepam. I'm totally freaked out.
I've been on Watson's generic of Ativan (Lorazepam) for over 20 years, 1mg worked wonderfully in helping my panic and anxiety. A month ago I submitted a new RX for Ativan Generic and the Lorazepam DOESN'T WORK!!! I looked and saw the Actavis name instead of Watson. Even 2mgs fail to have a calming effect.
I'm so upset over this! What can we do? I went to the Watson page and sent them a message, promising to contact the FDA re this.
It's unbelievable this has happened, I feel for you and for me. I really don't know the answer except that Actavis SUCKS and is pulling a fast one on consumers.
I may have to try Xanax as this is NOT the usual Lorazepam and is pure placebo.
Votes: +1
BO
bobsy
3 Nov 2014
Here what is going on with the generic industry concerning the benzodiazepine class of drugs (of which Lorazepam is a benzo). First off, the benzos (for example, Ativan which is also lorazepam, Valium which is also diazepam, Xanax which is also alprazolam, etc) were originally developed, produced, and distributed to pharmacies by the Roche drug company back in the 1960's. After the patent on the benzodiazepines ran out, then companies that manufacture generic brand of drugs were then allowed to produce and market all these various benzos; and the generic companies could produce and market these benzos at a cheaper price than Roche did. Now days though, Roche no longer makes most of the various different benzodiazepine drugs, that it originally developed, anymore. This is due to the fact that the generic drug companies like Sandoz, Activas, Mylan and so on are producing all these various benzos at a cheaper price.
So as a result (in this year of 2014) it is just not profitable for Roche to still make most of these various benzodiazepine drugs so they just quit making most of these benzos and left the production and marketing of the benzodiazepine meds up to the generic drug companies. Therefore we,as consumers, now have to get our prescriptions for a given benzodiazepine drug filled with generics from these various different generic drug companies, such Sandoz, Activas, Mylan, Qualitest, and so forth. Second point is that Activas bought out and therefore took over the Watson generic drug company last year, Watson is now Activas, and eventually all the various Watson generic drugs will gradually be phased out and replaced with the Activas generic brand of these same meds. Third is that all patients who need to take various drugs for chronic conditions, need to be their own advocate and be active in making sure that the prescriptions that are given out are filled by the generic brand of drug that they prefer to use and they feel works best for them. now in your case of Sandoz brand of generic Lorazepam, you need to do an intermet search for Sandoz company. Once you get on the Sandoz company website, then look for a link like "Contact us", and then click on that link and it should take you to the company's site where you can write an e-mail letter to Sandoz. In the e-mail, describe your problem and then put in your contact information so that Sandoz can get back to you, if they want to. Maybe even Sandiz will have a phone number on their Sandoz website, so that you can call Sandoz to help you. Now in general, most pharmacies are looking at their 'bottom line' which is the almighty dollar and how much profit they can make. Most pharmacies consider all generics of a given drug to be the exactly the same drug, so they look for a cheaper generic. And sometimes a pharmacy may suddenly switch generic brands on you (even though you prefered to use the generic brand this pharmacy was previously dispensing to you). To the pharmacy it is simply a business decision made by this pharmacy to switch to another generic in order to increase their profit line. For example, I was getting a generic drug made by the Qualitest generic drug company that I felt worked very well for me and I was very happy with. This drug was sold from the pharmacy I normally use so I would take my prescriptions to this pharmacy and thye would dispense to me this generic that I prefered to use. Then this pharmacy suddenly changed from Qualitest, to using the Amneal generic brand. I felt that the Amneal brand of the generic was far inferior to the Qualitest brand I was previously getting from this pharmacy. So being an advocate for myself, I just looked around for another pharmacy that sold the Qualitest generic brand I prefered, until I found another pharmacy here in town that sold the Qualitest generic brand of med that I prefered to use. I had to pay a higher price for the Qualitest brand of generic drug at this other pharmacy than I was paying previously at my old pharmacy (before they switched from Qualitest to Amneal). But it was worth it in order to get the Qualitest generic brand that I kne3w worked best for me. Then I asked the pharmacist at my old pharmacy, why they switched from Qualitest to Amneal. Because my old pharmacy was part of a national chain of pharmacies, the pharmacist told me that the decision to switch from Qualitest to Amneal was made up at the corporate office and he had no control. All he, as the pharmacist, could do was fill my prescription with whatever generic brand the comapny headquarters sent to him. So if I wanted to look for another pharmacy that sold Qualitest brand of generics, then he recommended that I do just that and he would understand. As he could only sell those generic brands that were sent to him by his company. Also he added that in his opinion all generics were the same anyway. However we (as consumers) know that all generics are not the same. We know that some generic brands work better or best for us, than other generic brands of the same drug.. So it is up to us, as individual consumers, to determine which generic brands work best for us and which generic brands we feel are not working at all for us. Then advocate for ourselves and find a pharmacy that dispenses the generic brands that we prefer to use or else, go to a "Mom and Pop" type of pharmacy and ask them if they will order a specific generic brand of drug, since nationaly chains usually will not do that but instead they just dispence the meds sent to them by the company. Or else if you act in a passive manner then you will get whatever generic the pharmacy has in stock, whether it works well for you or not is not their problem. You and the pharmacy have different goals when it comes to dispensing generic meds. The pharmacy is looking to use the generics that will best increase their profit margin. Whereas you (and me) are looking for a generic that you feel will work best for you. So keep that in mind.
DE
deebeee
4 Nov 2014
Bobsy ... I'm sure we are ALL looking as hard as we can for companies that manufacture quality and potent generic meds. It can involved trying a few and that means the cooperation of your doctor as well as being patient during the getting the RX, sending the RX, trying the med. If no good, then trying another company etc. It takes a great deal of effort if the first shot isn't successful and some of us are ill (I have severe CFIDS), so we aren't lazy, we aren't non-advocates for ourselves. Thanks for all the details.
JA
Jason Billingham
16 Jan 2015
I am a psychiatrist and I sympathize with you because I am having the same problem. The generic lorazapam from Activis affects the body differently from all the other generic manufacturers I've come across through the years. It doesn't have a proper sedative effect. Worse than that, it can cause a toxic neurological effect, like being poisoned. Generic lorazepam made by Watson is still available at many pharmacies. However, three large chains: CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens are ALL using ACTIVIS exclusively. It used to be that I could request them to order in another generic brand like Mylan, which works well, but the pharmacists, who are happy to help, don't have that option any more. They have to rely solely on the specific generic brand their pharmacy chain (CVS, Rite Aid, etc.) orders - and the chains are going with the cheapest price generic - with no other options for consumers.
DE
deebeee
17 Jan 2015
Hi Jason,
What did you mean in this sentence "It used to be that I could request them to order in another generic brand like Mylan, which works well, but the pharmacists, who are happy to help, don't have that option any more." Are you saying Mylan is a company that has a good Lorazepam?
I was able to get Watson manufactured Lorazepam at the local Costco store. But I'm not sure it's really the Watson made as it also doesn't work very well.
Anyone know of a good Manufacturer of Lorazepam now. That stinks that all the chains are selling out their customers. You could try calling your local Costco Pharmacy (not the mail order) and see if 1) they have Lorazepam made by Watson (again, as I said, not so sure that is working very well either) or 2) if they can order from another company than either Actavis or Watson. Good luck and let us know.
JA
Jason Billingham
17 Jan 2015
Mylan makes generic lorazepam, and it is an excellent choice / alternative to Watson / Activis. The problem in getting your pharmacy to order it boils down to this: It depends on how much your insurance will pay them for it. I am over 65 and on Medicare Part D for drug coverage.. I take lorazepam 1 mg. at bedtime. My insurance is with Anthem. They will pay a fixed amount to the pharmacy for a lorazepam prescription. If the Mylan generic costs the pharmacy a few more dollars, it might just cost more than Anthem is will to reimburse. My co-pay and the Anthem payment to the pharmacy combined, may not cover the cost or the margin the pharmacy needs to make money. Activis / Watson must be the absolutely least costly generic for the pharmacy to stock. They don't give the insured person a choice because they could lose money if they had to order in a more expensive generic. These big chains and even smaller pharmacies have a policy of just stocking the cheapest generic out there.
In order to get them to order in the generic Mylan brand, you have to be willing to bypass your insurance and pay cash. Lorazepam generic, regardless of who makes it, is not very expensive. Ask for a cash price for 30 or 60 or whatever number of pills you need per month. Shop around for the best cash price for the Mylan brand. Always ask for a discount - like when booking a hotel room and trying to get the lowest rate. Hotels will negotiate a little and so will some pharmacies or pharmacists who have some leeway with their pricing.
JJ
JJ Allan
27 July 2015
I have had the same problems the others are saying. Atavistic/Watson yo weak and gives stomach problems. Mylan too string. I am trying to get Ranbaxy 1mg but have been told it is not available. Does anyone know how yo get this brand?
SA
sa5150
30 July 2016
I just got 180 from walmart and there still watson , my last rx from Walgreen was about 3 months ago and those were watson as well . I know activis bought them but watson still makes them . You actually have one that says activis on the pill ? Qualitest is not made anymore at all . Sandoz makes the only made in the usa zolpidem that works , mylan is junk ! it's hit and miss with many generics , You just have to call around and try different ones . these are the ones that work best for me ... Zolpidem - Qualitest was the best (better then the name brand) but no longer made so I get Sandoz . Zolpidem ER - Winthrop (a sanofi company) Lorazepam - Watson Diazepam - Watson Alprazolam - Greenstone Hydrocodone 10/325 - Qualitest (Walmarts still have them ) The Watsons are white and so speedy there a nightmare . Not sure what to do when I can't get the Qaulitest anymore .
PA
Pam52
5 July 2018
I have taken Ativan/ Lorazepam for years. 2mg twice a day. I always used brand name until I went off corporate insurance and they wouldn’t pay for it. I was on Obamacare a year and now Medicare and I use Walgreens. The Mylan brand which I found to be the best generic akin to the brand name worked great. No difference. That was not Walgreens normal generic but they did always order it for me as the doctor put Mylan brand on the prescription. Unfortunately Mylan has quit making lorazepam in all doses now effective June 2018. My local Walgreens carries Activis which has me concerned. I may end up Paying a fortune to go back on brand name
hey jayhawk, i worked for a large pharmaceutical distribution center for many years and Sandoz was a major company. i would be surprised to discover they are no longer in business. in the industry they are like johnson & johnson a big hitter. ive always ran into trouble when they change the formulation like the food coloring they change or some of the inactive ingredients that are used. ive gotten terrible cases of indigestion like you said and intestinal problems as well. i would try and visit Sandoz website to see their current condition. i have never been a generic supporter. some of the ones i have to take crumble and are not coated making them hard to swallow. best of health and good luck to you. john
Votes: +2
JA
JayhawkJourney
8 July 2013
Hi John! Thank you for your information and suggestions. You wouldn't believe what I have gone through to get the right generic. I have to drive to another town to get my prescription now, even though my town has many pharmacies. I can't even get them to offer brand names. I hope you are doing well. I am continuing on my journey for another compatible med to help with my anxiety. I appreciate your concern. -JJ
ER
ergoguru
16 Aug 2013
in answer to your question on sandoz, they bought the lorazepam product from activus at the end of last year, i have had nothing but bad experiences with the sandoz lorazepam and have filed complaints with the FDA and have contacted both activus and sandoz about their irresponsibility in changing the lorazepam, both companies tried to assure me that the product is the same thing and i assured them that they were lying threw their teeth, i have no problem with sandoz using cheaper material, after all, they could care less as to how this effect patients, they're all about how much money they can milk out of people but i do have a problem with being lied to, after talks with both companies, they state that they have not made any changes, i asked them for an explanation of why i can no longer sleep with the sandoz medication when i never had this problem for 15 years when activus use to make it (by the way, activus is still making it but under the sandoz name),
they have no answer, heres the real story and you can figure this out on your own, a year ago i called pharmacies before moving to hawaii to see if getting activus lorazepam would be a problem, not one pharmacy carried this product, but now that sandoz has bought this item from activus, they control 80-85 % of the lorazepam market in hawaii, there is only one way possible to do this, use inferior products when making lorazepam, if they hadn't changed the ingrediants, then i asked them how is it that activus never had any of market when they were still making lorazepam, simple answer, they used ingrediants which cost more and the pharmacies wouldn't pay the price, both actavis and sandoz will flat out lie to you about the product, you need to contact the FDA and let them know your having problems with the drug, they will investigate only if people complain, good luck,
JA
JayhawkJourney
16 Aug 2013
Thank you for the information. Since the buyout or whatever it was, it has been difficult to get lorazepam that works for me. Even the pharmacies are confused. The med I currently have has the Activus trademark but doesn't seem quite right. I have been trying another new med so wasn't sure which one was causing the weird feelings. My problem is the other brands I can get in my area are too strong for me. You are probably correct about the Sandoz being "weaker" now because I am able to tolerate it and I am so sensitive. I just don't have another option at this point. I know there are other generic meds causing problems for consumers as well but the drug companies get away with changing inactive ingredients and amounts of the active ingredient. The standards for generics needs to be changed. The companies are making money while those of us who rely on the meds suffer.
JO
johnw489
16 Aug 2013
i would think that if your state does not carry the brand name your looking for you could have a pharmacy in the main land ship them to you. i receive all my medication via usps. i have to sign for the heavy stuff and visit the post office but for the majority i just keep an eye out for the post man. perhaps you could contact one of the big pharmacys like walgreens or even walmart or cvs and they would cooperate with you. i mean contact them at the corporate level not locally as youve all ready gotten your answer from them. best of luck and good health to you both... john
DE
deebeee
2 Nov 2014
ergoguru ... I know how you feel. I always got the Watson brand of Lorazepam for the past 20 years. It worked very very well in calming anxiety or panic. JUST got a new batch and IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. OMG, Watson is now Actavis and the product is pure CRAP, pure sawdust. I wonder if there is a RELIABLE company that makes Lorazepam? I'm probably going to ask my doctor for an RX for Xanax.
These creeps who are now making Lorazepam must be making a fortune and laughing all the way to the bank. I'm going to contact Actavis again and DEMAND they refund my money. I sent a comment earlier in which I promised to contact the FDA about them (but we all know how good (NOT) the FDA is).
MI
misslanny
18 Sep 2015
I have been having problems with Lorazepam 0.5 since the change from Watson to Activas. In addition, each batch seems to be a different consistency when I break them in half. I am gluten-free so I started thinking they might contain gluten. I just got off the phone with Activas who gave me four ingredients that the filler is made from. While gluten is not one of them, lactose is! In fact it's the first one listed, so therefore it's mostly lactose. I am also lactose intolerant. That explains a lot of digestive issues I have had in the past couple of years since the switch.
ST
Stool
22 Sep 2015
Mylan is the Top Lorazpam maker, most pharmacies you have to request the Mylan version and they will send it. Sandoz meds look like they Recycled from a Dumpster and packaged in a med container .