I have heard of some people getting the new OP 40's and don't know what the difference is between them and the OC 40's I have been prescribed for 3 years? Are they all gonna be those soon?
What's the difference between Oxycontin OC 40 and OP 40?
Question posted by krubie on 30 Aug 2010
Last updated on 8 May 2024
23 Answers
Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2020.
OP has the same active ingredient as OC. You can’t get the OC pills anymore unless a pharmacy had extra stock of them. Perdue Pharma is not making the OC form anymore as they were easier to abuse by snorting or chewing, etc.
The new formula has been labeled OP for Oxycontin Perdue and have been formulated to reduce the likelihood of abuse. They are extremely hard so they are almost impossible to cut with a razor blade, and also very chewy if you try to chew them. They were also designed to just clump up in your nose if you are actually try to snort them.
So when getting refills the OC will most likely replaced with OP.
booter46
20 Sep 2010
Another good answer!!
pokeejo
1 Oct 2010
Is there another company that makes the original OC's other than perdue?
pappawheelie876
2 Nov 2010
I was doing research on the new OP's first hand and I found out the formula to break it down to the point where its as close to the old OC's as possible and you get the same "rush" if you want to know more email me.
terilyn54
4 Nov 2010
I have very good news for you if you have a Walgreens Drug Store at your access. The manufacturer of the old style Oxycontin, Purdue Pharm, acquired Ethex Manufacturers to distribute the OC's for them. It's being marketed in generic form as Oxycodone ER in 80 mg & 40 mg only, but unfortunately only Walgreens is carrying this brand name. Let me warn you though, pretty much every pharmacy is very hesitant to give any information what so ever concerning Schedule II medications over the phone, unless they know you due to the rash of daytime robberies not too long ago looking for, you got it, Oxycontin!! There's one more company that distributes the 20 mg only, called Apotex. As far as I know once again, Walgreens only carries this. You must completely trust & believe me when I tell you, IT REALLY IS EXACTLY THE SAME MEDICATION. It's says OC on one side & 80 on the other, is the same exact color & same size.
It will begin to melt in your mouth, if for some reason you can't swallow it immediately, so that alone tells me they ARE NOT the OP's. The OP's gave me horrible stomach pains with worsened constipation. Worse of all (I'll swear on a mountain of Bibles, too!!) those darn things passed completely through my intestinal tract & on out completely whole, without dissolving at all. Now you tell me, how can a medication perform its duty if it can't break apart to let the chemicals do what they're suppose to do? Recently I read they've discovered yet another dangerous side effect from them. If you have a damaged liver, etc.,be careful because whatever they have used for the reformulation to make it abuse resistant, has the possibility of causing further or additional problems or damage.
I believe this is the longest response I've submitted since joining this valuable forum recently. This website has been so very helpful, supportive and been full of accurate knowledge on any question I've needed answers for. Thank you Drugs.com for being there for me.
I truly hope this give you the answers you seek & you're a little less stressed & the future looks a little bit more positive. Don't hesitate in letting me know if you need help with anything else...
Sincerely,
Terilyn54
Inactive
29 Nov 2010
Unfortunately, I hope that y'all don't live in FL, because I have tried several Walgreens, (stupid of me since they get their meds from the same place), but anyhow, the Ethex 20"s are backordered for MONTHS!! Not only that, but if you have to take 60's like I do, you need 40 + 20. They do not make 60. Sounds extremely stupid to me as if someone needs more than 40, do you double the dose to 80??? I was on the Oxy IR (two 30's) for exactly five days, and I got SOOO FAR behind the pain, that my husband had to drive me back to the doctor to change meds. She had given me two weeks of Oxycontin until something else could come through, and it didn't, but I got lucky and got all the "old" ones. I called the pharmacy and asked them to save the rest of the old ones and I would get a script for two more weeks and just intersperse the new ones through the month as they only had 14 left. Unfortunately, I had huge fight with the insurance co.
who wouldn't fill the rest of the two weeks as it was another script, and wouldn't fill it until two weeks later as it was a controlled substance. BS!!! They just wanted another co-pay for $50.00. If this had been another non-controlled med (aren't all meds controlled??), they would have done the same thing. But that's my problem. I just wanted to tell y'all that Ethex is not available for everyone.
terilyn54
2 Dec 2010
Dear msfino:
Try asking your Walgreens if they carry Oxycodone Er distributed by Apotex instead of Ethex. That's the other company that Purdue has selling their original oxycontin. Remember, both only distribute 40 & 80 mgs of the pill, not the 60 mg. Don't know why. Take care & good luck.
Terilyn54
Inactive
11 Jan 2011
I did ask them, and no, they are on backorder also. the pharmacist keeps telling me to stop by weekly. I gave up after two months on the OP. I am now on MS Contin, 60, which my doctor tells me is much stronger than the OC 60's three times a day. She said that she had no choice as morphine is much stronger, but they don't make one that I need. I would have had to take two pills, and for some reason she doesn't like that. Well, I have to say, luckily for me it works, but I am very upset that I am on such a high dosage. That is what I certainly DID NOT want. Thank you very much Perdue. You suck
LucySkyDiamonds
26 Dec 2017
Teva pharmaceutical are making the original oxycontin you can get them if your pharmacy orders them. I heard Purdue is going to go back 2 the original N 2018. But opana's are stronger and better I had a ring opana it was like a real 80mg oxycontin
Peter97
20 April 2018
Op's are garbage!!!
rholland321
3 days ago
This was 12 -14 years ago, but at the that time I was prescribed Oxycontin. Unfortunate there were problems with abuse, this was a wonderful pain medication. After being reformulated to OP, a rock hard tablet, time released as before, looked the same but was not the analgesic it once was. If they did have the same dose of Oxycodone within the tablet they didn't work as effectively as before. Could be my system couldn't break them down effectively, they just were not the same. I have tried them a couple times over the years, different doses but same results. My insurance dropped them from their formulary and replaced them with Exstamza, same results even worse. Now I'm having trouble with Mallinckrodt 30 mg Oxycodone not being availible, so the suffering goes on, again ? It would be wonderful to have the original Oxycontin back again ? This is an on going problem for people with pain due to your condition what ever it is, mine being Cancer. What a curse !
rholland321
3 days ago
This was 12 -14 years ago, but at the that time I was prescribed Oxycontin. Unfortunate there were problems with abuse, this was a wonderful pain medication. After being reformulated to OP, a rock hard tablet, time released as before, looked the same but was not the analgesic it once was. If they did have the same dose of Oxycodone within the tablet they didn't work as effectively as before. Could be my system couldn't break them down effectively, they just were not the same. I have tried them a couple times over the years, different doses but same results. My insurance dropped them from their formulary and replaced them with Exstamza, same results even worse. Now I'm having trouble with Mallinckrodt 30 mg Oxycodone not being availible, so the suffering goes on, again ? It would be wonderful to have the original Oxycontin back again ? This is an on going problem for people with pain due to your condition what ever it is, mine being Cancer. What a curse !
Onedodd
27 March 2018
OP 40 they say yellow in color but to me they look more orange, like a shade in between.
oxymoRon30suite69
13 Dec 2012
I know im posting on this a bit late but all i have to add is that in 2010 i was prescribed the oc 20mg they worked three times as well as these damn op 40's. Thank god my dc rx's me 30mg ir oxycodones for breakthrough pain 1 every 6 hours or i most def would have to asked the dc to c if he could change my extended release tabs to opana or exalgo etc ... i am prescribed op 40's 3 a day, oxycodone 30mg imm release, one 50mg tramadol per 6 hrs these do almost nothing for me at all im thinking asking to do away with these altogether cuz he already reduced the dose two months ago it had been 240 a month. Can anyone tell me the best replacement for the 40mg OxyPlacebo tabs, i take 3/day. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
turk_wil
25 Feb 2012
The difference is the people that abuse them will no longer have that temptation to abuse. Take it from me as a former attic I am in full support of a pill that you can't crush or inject. I only crushed them but I know the results and devastation of having an oxy habbit that gotten out of control.I have a cronic tmj desfunction. The pain sucks but I would never go back to where I was. I lost my job my wife and my kids!. I finially have my life back on track and may be able to deal with my pain with these new oxys are on the marketnwhere as you can't abuse them in the traditional maner.
Timothy72780
7 Jan 2012
hi my name is timothy campbell I go to the doctor on the 11th this month so what sooud I do I will have me scrip but ho do I half to get this going hbecause I want the oc 40s so let me know what to do thanks
kgaus
29 March 2011
I too have been sitting here reading all your replys... I also felt the difference and have been on Oxycontin for a little over 6 years after being in a car accident that almost claimed my life as well as put me in a wheelchair or the rest of my life as I lost both legs above my knee one only being a stub. Now I know what I have been felling is not totally in my head. My dr didnt even know the difference in them. I get very ill when I take them as well and not felling well dizzy ect thought it was just me till I read what everyone else is saying. I did't say anything to my dr instead been working myself off tem then he did a drug test and said no more pain meds as they cant find any in my blood. After reading all the notes from others wondering if now what I was taking was going straight to my bowels. I go from constapation to diarea back and forth.
I hope they get the law suit through not that the money will help but to show purdue we mean bussiness. I also am not a druggie but the phantom pain is unreal now I have to deal with it also.
kathylane
25 April 2011
I have posted a couple posts w/the same complaint, I have been on 4 80mg OC for 12yrs now & "had" been living a normal life, took them as directed & was just able to function w/o pain, never got "high" from taking them, & had been ok w/dosage for many yrs, although most drs would argue that after so long, they wouldn't work & one wud have to continue to increase their dosage, but that is not true. When they switched to OP's, the pharmacy, who had a responsibility to inform you, never did, & I experienced so many side effects before I realized it was from the new formula, one pharmacy did provide me w/a 4page explanation & tel #s re the new formula which I called, but I doubt whatever I said did any good.
It is funny that u mention that you go from constipation to diarrhea, which never happened on the OC's, in fact, I was extremely regular on the OC's, so I know that we are not nuts, I can't take Morphine, although I wish someone could tell me why when they drug test you to make sure ur taking ur meds as directed that it can show "morphine" in ur system, this happened to me one time & the only time I had ever had morphine was in surgery, which I refuse now, dilauded works much better for me, fortunately the dr believed me & the lab actually told the dr that they did get false results as was mine. I just heard from someone who is also been chgd to OP.s by her dr that they were going to change the formula again (back to original??? ) Has anyone else heard anything about this?? It wud just be too good to be true! And I haven't seen any comments from anyone about this, I know there must be OC's out there somewhere. Most pharmacists are jerks too, withholding info & acting like they don't know what's going on. I always used a local family pharmacy until they sold it, one time they had to fill my script in 2 parts bc they didn't have enough, & when I picked up the remainder of my script, they had actually given me a new one (about 60 too many) which I didn't realize until they called & "wondered" if I might have been the one, hoping I was because they knew I wud rtn them, which I did after I counted the 2nd bottle, but told me I actually didn't have to & they were grateful, they wud have been in big trouble, wish I had those now!!
ash327
12 March 2011
We spoke to our Walgreens Pharmacist and she has said that they have been out of both the OCs and the OPs (all of the strengths) for over a month now and that they will not be receiving any due to the fact that Perdue is reformulating the medication. We don't know exactly what this means, but the last time something like this happened, they went back to the original formula. Hopefully, since almost everybody who is taking the OP's is getting sick from them, this will again be the case.
michevis
15 March 2011
From what a very prominent Dr. told me recently the new oxy OP actaually has an Anti-Narcotic built into the pill so if you try to crush, chew, etc. the pill you get the anti-narcotic which counter-acts the pills viability (makes sense huh? give a narcotic with an anti-narcotic built right in) Ask most Dr.s and they will DENY DENY DENY. This very kindly, oddly attentive Dr. was very up front. He told med that due to the slower digestive tracks of those on narcotics anyway some of the anti-narcotic gets out without crushing or chewing or abusing in any way. So you take your dose, some of the anti med leaks out, next dose doesn't work well, more Anti-narcotic in your blood stream. On and on.
So stomach aches, nausea, headaches, no pain relief (in fact worsened pain) all signs of narcotic with drawl.However when I first took the OP's and found them to be CRAP, I was switched to Oxycodone IR (instantnrelease) the ups and downs were awful, I actually got a buzz from the meds for like 20 minutes then increasing pain until the next dose. This can quickly lead to "pseudo-addictive" behavior. You end up either taking your meds too early or just hanging on until the next dose. For the first time I felt a junkie, plus my flares from Lupus and palindromic arthritis were through the roof because of the constant up and down stress. I (just last math) had my doctor switch me back to the OP's and they were like HEAVEN. I slept through the night for the first time in forever (I was on the IR's for almost a year) and I didn't get the "buzz' which is NOT what I want, I want my pain to be tolerable, If there was a way around the new formula i would dance on my own grave, but if there is NOT do not give up and stay on some sort of LONG acting medication because that is what will help you in the long run.
Good luck and Good wishes,
Michele
Scott1966
11 March 2011
I have been on oxycontin OC 60mg for a short time and have just received my new script a week or so ago. I might as well be eating Skittles!! There is little to no pain relief and I could really do without the nausea and the constipation! I had a lower back injury that is inoperable and have just had a complete knee replacement! Now, what am I to do? I have regular med counts and drug testing from my doctor and have never not passed or came up wrong on my count! So, now I have to find something different or "get use to" the current formula because they can't think of any other way to stop the abuse. To the guy that said that he was asked to join a class action suit... send me the information!! I'll gladly join! I'm tired of the pharmacy companies changing or charging what they want! It's time we stand up and say enough!!
Vicorina
6 Jan 2011
Oxycontin OP's is the new brand of Oxycontin which contains more "locks" to prevent further abuse.. They can't be snorted, injected, etc.. Oxycontin OC'sin 40 mg are still time relased, however, I have heard that they are easier to administer by the aforementioned metods..
I advise taking Oxycodone 30mg HCL (AKA Roxycontin) as they have not added any gels or locks and therefore when in severe pain, they will actually help.
What are you taking this for?
Krissy11
27 Dec 2010
I heard that they are going to start making the old oxys again because, people were having allergic reactions to the sticky stuff they put in the new ones
Vitolo
27 Dec 2010
Good to hear this... It is time they do something right for a change!
Inactive
11 Jan 2011
Where did you hear this?? This is very important to know for ALL of us!!
kkay1
6 July 2011
Can you really get generic oxycontin? My Doctor had to start giving me something else because we heard that we cant get it with Medicare part D (I can only get Generics). I am in so much pain I can hardly stand it.
mrspainkiller
22 Nov 2010
They r just trying 2 implement op but ther is a difference. u cant crush, and there is a plastic cap making meds release really slow. i hate them
retromad
2 April 2011
!!! CORRECTOMUNDO !!! MR. SPAINKI you are a winner!. Glad to see someone is reading the flyers (info) that comes with our medications from the pharmacy. My scripts are for 3 mo.at a time. When l get my pain pump filled, about every 90 days l p/u 3 one month scripts. In oct. I was switched from 40 mg oc to embeda and exalgo,1 mo each & 1 mo of my oc. My PM doc is a pretty cool guy so he wanted me to try the 2 defective meds and give him my feedback b4 writing 4 his other patients. Long story short l'am back on my real oc's permanentlly , but , when i p/u the 2 E type scripts at walgreens each 1 spoke of a plastc caseing that would pass in your stool. As i was totaly blocked up after only 2-3 days of starting each i was takeing double & triple doses of senacot and was able to spot at least 2 caseings from each E class drug. Can anyone imagian swallowing a min.of 30 of these a month that dont digest for how many months, years.
SHAME ON YOU DRUG MANUFACTURERS!!! Pretty big price to pay so unresponsibal docs can write scripts without fear of lawsuits resulting from misues!!! Retromad
Mountaineer
21 Nov 2010
Just to comment on an assertion made by an earlier poster.
The coating has virtually nothing to with a pills time released properties. Think about the pill in the stomach acid all day. The acid eats the coating in minutes. The remainder of the pill dissolves accordingly.
What makes the drug time released in the plastic molecularity bound to the oxycodone in the oxycontin. And in fact it is that plastic, that is causing so many folk to have so many digestive problems. So many are violently ill taking these. Many do NOT nor have they ever abused them, and this travesty never was needed to start with. OPs simply do not work as advertised. For those who really do not understand the issues on a first hand basis, and rather have their heads filled with misinformation, I can only hope that you need these on a short term basis, so you can perhaps join with us, and call on Perdue, and your congressional representatives to let them know of this Pandoras Box known as OP.
amgalvin3
21 Oct 2010
they are the fda's newest way to keep anyone from abusing oc's. they suck and don't even work as well as if you just took your oc the way you're supposed to. and yes, they're all gonna be op's soon, or rather, like already now. i HATE it.
ksrock2
20 Oct 2010
I have been taking oxycontin 80mgs for three years, one every 8 hours pluse oxi ir 10mg for breakthrough, I have never ever felt so bad. I am so sick in my stomach all the time and really funny in my head. I cannot think, just typing this is difficult. The release is so slow I do not feel like I am getting any pain relief. I used to feel the pain just go away after 45 min. This is again due to those who abuse, I understand that there is some kind of polymer throughout the large doses and it gells up. I also have been so consipated nothing is working. I used eat activa and take colace and that did the trick but not anymore.
I plan to call the FDA med watch hotline and notify them of these dibilitating side effects. Again sorry about the spelling I am having a hard time seeing and thinking. I cut myself back to one a day but I had to increase to two because of withdrawal. I know the medicine is the same as far as the oxycodone but it is less effective and causes more side effects. This is not in my head. I know my body. I see my doctor in a couple of days and will discuss this with him. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I might take in its place. I refuse to live in the severe pain I did in the past. Maybe Avinza or a long acting Morphine. The lower dose oxycontin does not seem to be causing problems but the higher dose is.
Please let me know how you guys are doing out there I know I am not alone. Thanks
jklmop
23 Oct 2010
You could ask your doctor about Roxycodone
jklmop
23 Oct 2010
or you could ask your doctor for Opana's..they are stronger then oxycontin, plz b careful...
terilyn54
10 Nov 2010
The manufacturer of the old style Oxycontin, Purdue Pharm, acquired Ethex Manufacturers to distribute the OC's for them. It's being marketed in generic form as Oxycodone ER in 80 mg & 40 mg only, but unfortunately only Walgreens is carrying this brand name. Let me warn you though, pretty much every pharmacy is very hesitant to give any information what so ever concerning Schedule II medications over the phone, unless they know you due to the rash of daytime robberies not too long ago looking for, you got it, Oxycontin!! There's one more company that distributes the 20 mg only, called Apotex. As far as I know once again, Walgreens only carries this. You must completely trust & believe me when I tell you, IT REALLY IS EXACTLY THE SAME MEDICATION. It's says OC on one side & 80 on the other, is the same exact color & same size.
It will begin to melt in your mouth, if for some reason you can't swallow it immediately, so that alone tells me they ARE NOT the OP's. The OP's gave me horrible stomach pains with worsened constipation. Worse of all (I'll swear on a mountain of Bibles, too!!) those darn things passed completely through my intestinal tract & on out completely whole, without dissolving at all. Now you tell me, how can a medication perform its duty if it can't break apart to let the chemicals do what they're suppose to do? Recently I read they've discovered yet another dangerous side effect from them. If you have a damaged liver, etc.,be careful because whatever they have used for the reformulation to make it abuse resistant, has the possibility of causing further or additional problems or damage.
I believe this is the longest response I've submitted since joining this valuable forum recently. This website has been so very helpful, supportive and been full of accurate knowledge on any question I've needed answers for. Thank you Drugs.com for being there for me.
I truly hope this give you the answers you seek & you're a little less stressed & the future looks a little bit more positive. Don't hesitate in letting me know if you need help with anything else...
Sincerely,
Terilyn54
pokeejo
12 Nov 2010
i to was told you could get the old oc's at walgreens but i called 1 here n ohio an they said all they have is the op's,but that was only one an i did ask if they had the generic but they said they didnt have a generic for i,they were all name brand an were the op's so im not sure if you half ta actually have a script for oxycodone er,but i do no that from washington state plum down ta the carolinas the walgreens do have the regular oc's,but you half ta ask for the generic ta be able ta get them.now i to have been on them for 11 yrs.
an no they are not the same.ive been sick as well an the headaches are almost unbearable.the only thing is theyve kept me from going into full blown withdrawl an barely that.they majorly suck!!! an i dont abuse my medicene,i take it as im supppose to,but i also had to ask ta be switched ta something different an i have medicare an the doctor wuz gonna put me on opanas as i heard they were strong but good n relieving the pain only to find out that because i have medicare they wont pay for it,so i ended up getting a script of ms contin 60mg ta start with an half ta go back in 2wks ta see how they're working she wanted ta start me on a lower dose ta see how i handled it an said she could always up it but im already getting aggravated cause im not wanting ta be struggling again trying ta find the right combination of meds that will help me an im really not wanting ta be sick.i will start my new meds tamorrow but im not gonna mess around if they dont work i'll be taking them right back in an soon.i had a very bad experience with methodone 5 yrs ago an i dont want ta go thru that again so im hoping the ms will work for me but from the sounds of everything ive read it doesnt sound real promising,but i'll no tamorrow well at least will startt an have a real good idea of what i may be in for,an no i do not abuse my medicene,an it does suck really bad that so many people have to pay because of what others are doing.an as far as me knowing about the walgreens i have family that another member is also on the oxycontins an they were told by others about this as this is one very hot topic,but for up here n the miami valley area the walgreens told me all they had was the op's,so good luck ta all an if anyone knows of anything else that may work id really love ta hear from you.thank u all n god bless!!!
Sunrise 1
27 Nov 2010
Nope your not alone. So what did you end up doing? Because I'm in the same boat. I posted my symptoms in another thread but if you click on my name it will take you to it.
The only thing that seems to make them work better is to suck on them for a half hour. No mashing, breaking, etc. Just suck on them, then swallow, but they taste horrible.
Also protein is a must for any opioid to work. I was told this by a chronic pain doctor about a year ago. I ended up buying an amino acid complex called Complete Protein at the health food store and I noticed a big difference in the way my pain medication working better in general. But this was with the old oxycontin. Not this new crap (to be so blunt.)
Inactive
29 Nov 2010
Just FYI, getting another opiod at a lower dose is called "opiod rotation". It is a good way of getting actually MORE pain relief on a lesser dosage of meds, rather than raising your dosage higher. it works very well. If it doesn't, your doctor can always put you back, or try a different med. Good Luck!!
terilyn54
2 Dec 2010
Dear Pokeejo:
I was taking 40 mg & 30mg Opana ER before I found out about Oxycodone ER at Walgreens. I'm on medicare too, have Aetna as my Prescription Drug insurance & they paid for it in full. Have your doctor request an exception for you if the MS Contin doesn't work or try that Roxi... Isn't that the same as immediate release oxycodone? Good luck & I'm sorry you can't find a Walgreen's that carries it. My prescription does state "Oxycodone ER" without the box for "no generic" marked. Once again, good luck.
Terilyn54
terilyn54
2 Dec 2010
Pokeejo:
When you call Walgreens, just ask if they carry Oxycodone ER distributed by either Ethex or Apotex. Don't say generic or even mention Oxycontin or Purdue & see if that makes a difference. Most pharmacies do not like to give out any information about what kinds of narcotics they have on hand. Here in northern California, we've had problems with people committing robbery in broad dayligt for Oxycontin.
Terilyn54
Carleeangel
8 Jan 2011
I heard that Opana was a form of Morphine. Is this wrong. I do know that what ever it is its very powerful. Doctors are very hesitant on prescribing this medication. Thanks for the info.
kathylane
14 Oct 2010
I have been taking the oxycontin 80mg for almost 12 yrs now and it has worked great for me, allowed me to function on a daily basis. I do not abuse it, I take it as directed, but did not realize when I got my last script that they had changed to the OP. I thought I was crazy, because I have had a constant headache for over 2 weeks now and nausea that comes and goes in waves, I even went to ER because I thought I might have had a concussion because the headaches just wouldn't go away, (I bumped my head, but the time was not consistant w/my systems for a concussion, and there was nothing wrong with my tests. It is not the same as the OC and if people are determined to abuse it by wanting to inhale it or inject it, it will only send them to other drugs (heroin?). I understand that this is the only oxycontin that will be available to prescribe.
I don't know if I can tolerate the constant headaches, and it also makes me extremely exhausted to the point where I am pretty much passing out from exhaustion. This doesn't seem to be the answer to stop those who are abusing it, it only makes it worse for those who take it for the right reason, it isn't fair. It seems that we are the ones making the sacrifice. Is there any way one can still continue to be prescribed the real OC?? After almost 12 yrs on the same medication, no one can tell me I'm nuts, I know the difference. Thank you.
terilyn54
10 Nov 2010
The manufacturer of the old style Oxycontin, Purdue Pharm, acquired Ethex Manufacturers to distribute the OC's for them. It's being marketed in generic form as Oxycodone ER in 80 mg & 40 mg only, but unfortunately only Walgreens is carrying this brand name. Let me warn you though, pretty much every pharmacy is very hesitant to give any information what so ever concerning Schedule II medications over the phone, unless they know you due to the rash of daytime robberies not too long ago looking for, you got it, Oxycontin!! There's one more company that distributes the 20 mg only, called Apotex. As far as I know once again, Walgreens only carries this. You must completely trust & believe me when I tell you, IT REALLY IS EXACTLY THE SAME MEDICATION. It's says OC on one side & 80 on the other, is the same exact color & same size.
It will begin to melt in your mouth, if for some reason you can't swallow it immediately, so that alone tells me they ARE NOT the OP's. The OP's gave me horrible stomach pains with worsened constipation. Worse of all (I'll swear on a mountain of Bibles, too!!) those darn things passed completely through my intestinal tract & on out completely whole, without dissolving at all. Now you tell me, how can a medication perform its duty if it can't break apart to let the chemicals do what they're suppose to do? Recently I read they've discovered yet another dangerous side effect from them. If you have a damaged liver, etc.,be careful because whatever they have used for the reformulation to make it abuse resistant, has the possibility of causing further or additional problems or damage.
I believe this is the longest response I've submitted since joining this valuable forum recently. This website has been so very helpful, supportive and been full of accurate knowledge on any question I've needed answers for. Thank you Drugs.com for being there for me.
I truly hope this give you the answers you seek & you're a little less stressed & the future looks a little bit more positive. Don't hesitate in letting me know if you need help with anything else...
Sincerely,
Terilyn54
Inactive
2 Dec 2010
Terilyn: you keep telling people about the Ethex, and the other brand, (I can't think of the name right now), and I am really happy for you that you can get it where you are. BUT... as I said before, here in N FL, there is not ONE SINGLE WALGREENS who carry it. We have strict drug regulations here as our former lovely governor had a daughter who was a druggie, and made it very difficult for doctors to prescribe, and pharmacies to get the meds. I have personally taken my script for Oxycodone ER to five different Walgreens, and they said that they are having a terrible time ordering the meds. They are backed up from supply for MONTHS, and they are just not coming down the pipe. What is to be done for the people who really got relief from the Oxy's? That is what I am wondering. Here it is 2:35 AM and I am not sleeping on the 'new' Oxy's as my pain is getting worse by the minute.
terilyn54
3 Dec 2010
Dear msfino:
I so wish I had knowledge of something else I could say that would help ease your pain both physically and emotionally. I'm familiar with some of the other peculiar laws/ordiances that Florida is under, but messing with peoples health is just so wrong & I am sorry. What about Canada's pharmacies? I just now thought of it, but have no idea if it's stupid thinking or not, so if it is, forgive me, I'm willing to sound stupid at any cost if it means even a tiny chance it may help someone. I was taught, "there is no such thing as a stupid question except for the one you didn't ask". If I come across anything else that might be of help, I'll let you know. Good luck.
Terilyn54
iimmy-72180
17 May 2013
As bad as I hate to say it u may need morphine tablets or fentinal patches which both work well. If u r not abusing it or selling them then don't sweat it. Ababusers will abuse with or without your help. Take it from me I had a 20 tabs and 10 oc 80 a day habit for 5 yes if not longer and it cist me everything. if u r honastly using them the way u should (f) everyone else if u know what I mean. N e one who judges is a pos and u don't need them. P.S. don't feel sorry or petty me. I did it to my self u will come thru it. If u don't mind me being nosy why do u take what u take. I also hate recomending stronger narcotics to n e one and please please be very carefull won't know hooked till its to late
Ia
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- OxyContin uses and safety info
- OxyContin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of OxyContin (detailed)
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