[norcal]

Ihave been recieveing 40mg oxycontin tablets for several months due 2 a motorcycle accident followed up by a bullet thru my elbow/my leg.up until yesterday I've been receiving the brand name,after picking up my meds & (not double checking them), I got home & noticed they were different,without telling me the pharmacy decided to fill the prescription w/generic pills,it says on the bottle that they are made by":MALLI" which I'm assuming is an abbreviation for the companys name.I noticed right away they don't work nearly as well and I've developed a rash on my arms & calves! What's the difference between the 2 drugs & what do I do now? Can I return them 2 my doctor & have him re-write me another prescription&leave the unused meds with him? When I called the pharmacy they said they filled generic because they didn't have brand name in stock & wouldn't have them for a week. I'm lost & in pain and really need advice,my biggest question is what the difference is between the "OXYCONTIN" and the "OXYCODONE"? Please help, thanks alot

[CPer]

Hey Norcal, sorry you are having problems. First off the difference between Oxycontin and Oxycodone is how they are released into your system. Oxycodone is an IR or onstant release medication. It goes into your system immediately and works for about 4-6 hours. Oxycontin is an ER or extended release and stays in your system and works longer. Officially it's supposed to work for 12 hours. The dosages are the same, the only difference is how long they work for you.

Now for the generic vs brand. There definately can be a difference in how they work. I think the law states that as long as the generic comes within 20% of the brand it is approved. What that means(if I am understanding it right) is that the generic may have 20% more or 20% less. From what I've read, I would guess most are less. The brand you have, Mallinckrodt is one of the worst in my opinion and from what I have heard. I will never get from this manufactor again.

As far as what you can do, I'm not sure. If you are having issues with the filler ingredients you should let your doc know and he can give you a new script with the Brand Necessary checked. You will probably have to take your current pills into him before he will write you a new script. And there is no guarantee he will do that, it just depends. But once you leave with your prescription, they are yours and the pharmacy will not take them back so you'll have to go to your doc. There has been an oxycodone shortage so you may have trouble finding them so you may want to call the pharmacy's to see which have it and then let your doc know you will be going to a new pharmacy because your regular one does not have the med in stock.

Hope it all works out and you get the other meds!
Cper