I heard that the MYLAN brand is the best do to the size and adhesive properties. I also heard that the SANDOZ brand is exactly the same as the brand name Duragesic. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
What's the best generic Fentanyl Patch? SANDOZ? MYLAN?
Question posted by mitjason on 19 Dec 2009
Last updated on 20 May 2024
36 Answers Page 3
I have used the Mylan brand and had issues with them staying on
Used the Watson ones with the gel inside but pharmacy had issues getting them in when i needed them
The BEST with absolutely NO issues is the Aveva made by Teva they are great... dont fall off ever, control the pain better then either mylan or watson
I will never try any other brand again.
The Teva patches are the primary brand carried by Rite Aid
hope this helps
Well, My Rite Aid carries the Watson brand and I love it!
the sandoz 100s have 16.8mcg and mylan only have 10.6mcg
Sandoz or Brand name Duresgic are the (only) patchs that work for me. I have been using them since 2005, and have tried them all, if you don't aggree with me just wait until the temp. outdoors is 85 - 90 degress, and you will find out real quick ! Then talk to me ! lol
Although Mylan has a lower initial dose, the amount left over on the patch after 72 hours is extremely low compared to ones starting with 16.8 mcg of fentanyl still have just under 10 mcg left on them when you take them off. it makes even the used ones a target for drug users since there's plenty left over to get high or overdose.
I've been using fentanyl patches for several years..from the brand name Duragesic Patch by Janssen... to Sandoz... to Mylan. The original Janssen Patch and the first kind of Sandoz Patches has the fentanyl delivered through a gel. When Mylan came on the market, it had a completely different delivery medium. The sticky side of the patch is opaque and the fentanyl is not clearly seen. The new Sandoz uses the same delivery method. I did better on the gel delivery, but the insurance co decides what I get. Also, if your having problems with either kind of patch not sticking, call the customer service phone # listed on the box or the inserts and they will send, free of charge, adhesive overlays to keep the patch in place. Once you contact them they will send a form to reorder new overlays.
When I told the Mylan rep I wasn't getting as good pain relief with their delivery system, she passed it on to Quality Control. They sent a letter in response saying they do not find any problems with their fentanyl patch.
I was just surprised the csr passed it on..let alone get a response!!
Hope this helps.
Ether that or they tell you to use band aids or medical tape to keep it on... It's such a romantic device isn't it? Of course I'd rather live with the patch.
Thats what i do , but after it has already fallen off if it's not stuck to your body you might as well throw it out. I have had to throw a whole box away because I sweat them off so fast. I cant use the cover for it i am allergic, so I guess until I find another gel that people cant smoke or eat for whatever reason they do that, were all screwed.
I meant to add that 3M carries Tegederm overlays that can be used over the gel patches. Since starting them last month, I've had absolutely no problems with the patch is sticking. They have been an absolute Godsend !!
Up till recently, all literature I have read about the gel reservoir patches Have said that first aid tape can be applied around edges ONLY... so I was really relieved to find this product. My pharmacy orders them directly for me, but I know that they are available on Amazon as well.
again, take care and good luck to all!
I started using the original Duragesic patch by Janssen also about 13 years ago but do to insurance had to switch to generic. I have been using the Sandoz patches for about 6 years now but at the end of each year for about a month or so I can't get the Sandoz due to limits put on the manufacturer on how many can be produced each year by the FDA, according to my pharmacist who has been very helpful. I am currently on the Malincrodt and they are not as good as the Sandoz in there efficacy. Also the backing is very stiff and doesn't stay on as well so I cover them with Tagederm which helps greatly. I wear them on the side of my hip because I don't have any hair there and my clothing helps keep them on too. I'm investigating again to see what the scoop is on the different manufacturers since there does appear to be a difference in the amount of medication in the different patches. I'm experiencing a problem now because of the Maincrodt vs. Sandoz issue.
I think I will try the Activis next until the Sandoz is obtainable and my insurance lets me go to the Activis. I was told about a manufacturer called Parr or Par by my pharmacist but haven't checked on them yet. If anyone knows about them I would appreciate any info or at least your opinion. Thanks
Jacqueline,
I know it's been awhile... But I hope you do get this message.
I personally use the duragesic brand patches and they work better than the Mylan patches Or any other that I've tried.
I realize were told not to do this method, however this is the only way that works for me and I've had nurses do it in the hospital.
when I take off my old patch I take a alcohol prep, the cotton kind that is really thick, or you could even use a cotton ball and alcohol, and I clean the site very well. I have them to use the right side of my hip low down near my leg. This seems to have less bending and pulling for me and does not get dislodged, the skin is also.
I also clean over the patch slightly and carefully after to get the stickiness off of the edges of the patch so it will not stick to my clothes and be pulled off.
I am able to wear the patch in the shower without a problem.
YMMV.
or those who are allergic to the adhesive in the overlays or patches, You may be able to get your doctor to prescribe a cortisone asthma inhaler.
Clean you're patch area with alcohol, as I noted before... (remember I am not a doctor and this is not advised by doctors, however it works very well for me and I've had nurses do it to me before).
Spray the area lately with the cortisone asthma inhaler. Let it dry. Place your patch over the area.
Lightly clean the edges of the patch, as noted before, to remove a little bit of the stickiness so it will not stick to your clothing.
I hope this is helpful for somebody!
⛄
For me, the Mylan is great! It is very small, and does have the medicine in the adhesive. It stays on very well most of the time. If you hold it for a minute or so after you apply it, it works very well. I am very happy with the results! I don't know about you, but the smaller the better! Heather
Sandoz was but changed their patch to a piece of tape. Now they don't do anything. The Watson is the best generic.
I've been on patches for about 6 years. In my area, Watson brand and Actavis have a gel resivior, although if I'm not mistaken, the 2 companies have recently merged.
I have found for me personally the gel patches are far superior to the matrix style ones. Hope this helps!
I am looking for a pharmacy that carries the Watson activist gel fentanyl patch. My pharmacy and others in my area have changed to the matrix type patch by alvogen and it is totally different. I was then prescribed brand only, Duragesic, but that too is now a matrix form just as the alvogen. I had gotten mylan back 10 years ago and found that to be a matrix back then. I don't know if it has changed Does anyone know? I do not know when they changed the formula to matrix for the Duragesic Brand, but it is not the same as the the watson/ activist fentanyl gel patch. I am desperate to locate a pharmacy that still carries the watson/activist fentanyl gel patches. Please, let me know asap. Thanks
I am looking for a pharmacy that carries the Watson activist gel fentanyl patch. My pharmacy and others in my area have changed to the matrix type patch by alvogen and it is totally different. I was then prescribed brand only, Duragesic, but that too is now a matrix form just as the alvogen. I had gotten mylan back 10 years ago and found that to be a matrix back then. I don't know if it has changed Does anyone know? I do not know when they changed the formula to matrix for the Duragesic Brand, but it is not the same as the the watson/ activist fentanyl gel patch. I am desperate to locate a pharmacy that still carries the watson/activist fentanyl gel patches. Please, let me know asap. Thanks
I agree, where to find them or any gel delivery system patch. I cant do these thin glue patches. They just dont work for me. Publix, CVS, and Walmart all don't carry the gel patches any more. Looking for actavis or Parr. If knowledge of who carries them please let me know. Thank you much.
walgreens carries the actavas? gel type. they wouldn't stick on me. I asked for mylan and they gave it to me. I guess they carry both. I use a tegaderm over the mylan matrix, but i use a "skin prep" pad around the area that the "keep it on " bandage goes and it makes the skin nice and tacky so it sticks forever. Use tegaderm, the same things they cover IV sites with ... cheap on amazon. Hope this helps.
Try mom and pop pharmacy's. I've found independent pharmacy's are nicer and more accomidating. I live in south western pa. There are many independent pharmacy's around. Actavis was acquired by Teva recently. I'm a little worried as Teva has swallowed up many pharmaceutical company's and there generics are not of very good quality.
My wife has gotten Actavis at Walmart, and Mylan at CVS...
Kaligirl2009 If you have a Walgreens near you they carry the Generic brand Actavis which is a gel reservoir Fentanyl patch (not the matrix) I know this because I just filled my 75 µg /hr patch @ Walgreens in Las Vegas, hope that helps FYI if you don’t have insurance don’t go to Walgreens because they do not allow you to use the good RX app on any controlled substances, CVS and other pharmacies will let you use it which will save you a lot of money but the other pharmacies might not have the Actavis patch so you got to make a decision whether or not it’s worth spending the extra money to get the gel instead of the matrix type. Stay well!
Written on iPhoneX
I have been off and on Fentanyl patches for about 12yrs now and I think I’ve seen just about Everything “Brand-Wise” come and go-The only gel Brand I became aware of in 2018 was Actavis~However I have since been told that as of about 2months ago they are no longer available, I think between the DEA& Whatever other alphabet soup u want to add to that is making it absolutely impossible for manufacturers to get a true gel patch to pass thru any sort of approval process bc of abuse in the past??? Just a theory of mine but when they can make a manufacturer like Duogesic Actually CHANGE from a True Gel Patch to a Flat Band Sticker I have a hunch all gels will most definitely be wiped from the Earth,LoL!! It upsets me bc I agree that they do work the best for me as well!!
Being forced to use the alternative I have been using Sandoz and I have to say,I’ve been relatively impressed bc they kept the actual Fentanyl Mcg/Mg per Patch the same instead of changing it like everyone else! Sandoz 50mcg Patch has 8.25 Actual mg of fentanyl per Patch when compared to Mylan which has a mere 5.10(or 5.2,either way a HUGE difference!!) I believe the Sandoz were in that range bc they WERE the Generic of the Duragesic Patch which also brings in a 8.25 MG/50MCG PATCH~My pharmacist thinks I’m delusional when I tried explaining this to her-She tried to tell me that all the patches that were prescribed the dosage of 50Mcg/Patch had the same amt of fentanyl in every one-Oh Silly pharmacist,I even showed her pictures of the packages!!
Sandoz is a nightmare- itches,rashes,and loose edges. Mylan is wonderful in comparison. Have used fentanyl for years-there is definitely a difference!
MYLAN for sure!!! I go to a specific pharmacy just because they have "the good" patches.
I have been using fentanyl patches for as long as I can remember. When I had gotten up to 150 micro's I quit them. It came in the wake of Phillip Seymore Hoffmans death, I understand he was smoking them with another illegal drug but I got scared. the pain has gotten worse so my dr put me back on 50. I cant find gels anywhere. the flat ones , I dont care what brand they are, don't stick to me, I sweat them off, I cant use the plastic cover for them I am allergic to it. I have never misused any of my meds and i guess i dont know anyone who has because until I started reading about them on the internet I never knew people ate that stuff.And the only time I heard about smoking it was because of one of my favorite actors dies from it. Im 50 yrs old if anyone knows what brand still makes a gel, please let me know, I didnt care when they changed the oxy, it didnt affect me i just swallow it , but this is making a BIG difference in my life.
For $150 co-pay I lost the first box sweating them off, then i tried band-aids and tape but if their not stuck to your body they cant help you, can someone help me. thank you jackie
Jacquelina65 Par brand makes the gel patch. Not sure if you'll get this message as the other notes were from 2009 but I saw you recently posted. CUB Foods pharmacy orders these for me each month .
Apotex, Matrix is where my 75 mcg/hr patches come from. They are a sticky gel and i can't stand them. I want Mylan back but my insurance co won't pay the pharmacies enough for them. Hope you find the ones that work best for you.
For everyone saying that their insurance won't pay for Mylan brand... try this. Call your insurance company and ask for a "waiver" form. Many of them have this protocol where your doctor can request the specific brand at formulary price if the others are not as effective for you. And, again, my Walgreens carries them.
I use Tegaderm over my patch to keep it stuck on. This also prevents any possibility of the edges pulling up from rubbing on clothing etc.
I use these band aids (Band Aid Tough Strips durable protection, super stretch /sticky and stays on longer, heavy duty fabric) that are a cloth material and they are water proof I usually sweat my Mylan brand fentanyl patches off also. I’ll swear by the name Mylan, they are the best for sticking to my body, I use them under my arm close to my arm pit area, with a band aid. Hopefully this helps anyone.
(2nd post)... I also wanted to add that, I am able to shower with this band aid on and they will still stick, I don’t know where you live but I find them at Safeway.I wish I could take a picture and post it to show you all. Brand name “Band Aid Tough Strips, Durable Protection, Heavy Duty Fabric, Super Stick Adhesive, stays on longer, and not made with Natural Rubber Latex.
Jacquelina65 i’ve been on the 75 µg in our Fentanyl patch and the only Pharmacy I found that carries the gel reservoir patches(non-matrix) are Walgreens they’re made by Actavis which is now owned by Teva pharmaceutical, I hope that helps, if your insurance doesn’t cover Fentanyl the Good RX app won’t work because Walgreens does not except the good RX app for controlled substances..FYI
Stay well ;)
written on an iPhone X
Jacquelina65 i’ve been on the 75 µg in our Fentanyl patch and the only Pharmacy I found that carries the gel reservoir patches(non-matrix) are Walgreens they’re made by Actavis which is now owned by Teva pharmaceutical, I hope that helps, if your insurance doesn’t cover Fentanyl the Good RX app won’t work because Walgreens does not except the good RX app for controlled substances..FYI
Stay well ;)
written on an iPhone X
Hi, I have had success with Mallinckrodt's gel Fentanyl transdermal. The ONLY thing I don't like is that because of the gel, you cannot cut them in half. I have sensitive skin, and I have changed from left to right side on my ribs every 48-72 hrs with no skin rash. In the summer, I use a Tegaderm patch over the Fentanyl so it wouldn't come off prematurely. 3M makes a type of transdermal wound covering that is also excellent, and the only thing is that there is a gauze pad attached. Ignore the gauze, the sticking power of the Tegaderm is phenomenal.
I have had bad luck with the Parr patches. Something with the adhesive makes my skin break out. I tested to see whether it may have been an errant lot, but about 4 months after I experienced the first skin rash, I tried it again (Parr brand). Same thing. I am going to miss the Mallinckrodt lack of reaction patches, but I need to wean off Fentanyl. I cannot stand how it makes me feel, and my insurance company is allowing only 10 patches per 25 days. WTH are you supposed to do with sometimes a week to go before you fill the script for the next month? I love the insurance companies who pull arbitrarily contrived numbers (of maximum numbers of patches/pills, etc... ) out of their bums and the PATIENTS ARE THE ONES PAYING FOR IT. Fentanyl withdrawals are the worst, I wonder if anyone in the insurance sector has any experience with them?
I've tried the mylan patches and I HATE them! To me they work half of my usual ones do. I use to get Watson, but I cannot find them anymore. The Actavis patches are what I use now and they are very simular to the Watson patches with the jell in them, and they work almost as well as the Actavis patches. I hope this help you...
I have been on fentanyl patch since it first came out and other than duragesic brand par and watson are the only one that works but for some reason I can't get either one in Georgia
I am an oncology patient. I also have severe RA, fibromyalgia, and essential thrombocytopenia... I’ve been on fentanyl patches for 3 years... the only patch I can use is sandoz. They stopped making them and I know how bad my pain will be because I’ve tried every other patch.. does anyone know a patch that is identical to sandoz that’s a generic so my insurance will pay for them... I can’t believe this.. I walk like a 90 year old woman without them. Please let me know.
Watson is the company that makes the gel form. I have the opposite experience with the gel it doesn’t work on me at all. Mylan is the only one I really like that works anymore on me.
Yes, Watson makes gel filled patch, which I hate
I've been on Duragesic only but I'm also prescribed valum,& there(mylan) diazapam is junk,but I'm also prescribed temazapam & mylan is the best I've found. It's weird with generics. Watson in my opinion makes the best diazapam. Sorry I couldn't help totaly on the fentanyl,but you did say any help,so I figured I'd give you my experiance with mylan.
I know how it goes.. I had the same experience with Diazepam from Mylan. I was on it for a few months and it did absolutely nothing at all. I have heard some pretty good thing about the Mylan brand Fentanyl patch though. Supposedly it doesn't have a cell with all the fentanyl liquid in it, instead its just a solid patch with adhesive and the fentanyl is in the adhesive. I heard it's much smaller then the brand name patch and it sticks a lot better too. It's crazy how our bodies metabolize medication. Thanks for your comment! I appreciate it.
Yeah it is. One Watson diazapam is better than 4 or 5 Mylan,but as I said take Mylan Temazapam & it's better than all the other ones I've been written,funny isn't it.
I just started on sandoz brand i have been on mylan for 4 years and the new sandoz the ones without the gel the new ones have no gel anyway they are much stronger than mylan the sandoz 100s have 16.8mcg and the mylan only have 10.6mcg check it out i was pukeing for the first 2 days no bs
I take fentanyl transdermal pain patches by Watson right now and I am not liking this kind. When I first got them at a different Walgreens it was not like a sticker with the gel under it. It was more like a piece of fabric, smaller and stuck way better. Im going to call my old Walmart and see who the manufactuer of the kind was.. Believe me... way better... and if you ruin one of the gel kind you are screwed since you only get so many. Feel free to ask any questions.
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duragesic, pain, fentanyl, breakthrough pain
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