I know a lot of medications have many companies that make generics of the medicine. I know that the original Norco and most of the generic Norco are yellow in color. I found 2 white pills that look exactly the same and when searched the imprints on them, they were identified as generic Norco - 10mg hydrocodone/325 acetaminophen. The tablets, even though they look alike in color, size, and shape, have only one difference: the imprints. One of the tablets has "M367" on one side and just a line down the middle on the other side for easy breaking. The other pill, looking exactly the same, has the imprint "M523" on one side and no line on the other side, but another imprint of "10/325." Are these both really generic Norco (10 hydro/325 apap)? And if so, what is the difference between these 2 tablets/medications?
Difference between two tablets that are the same exact medication?
Question posted by anpa87 on 13 April 2012
Last updated on 6 January 2018
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20 Answers Page 2
The yellow Norcos are time released. Like an extended release tablet, or so I've been told. Which I believe is correct because the only time I've seen the white Norco, they didn't have any coating on them like the yellow Norco.
The yellow is not time release. They are the same as the white ones. The difference is the white ones have no dye in them. Same amount of hydrocodone.
I have chronic pain & I usually get the yellow ones but today I went to different pharmacy and they gave me the white ones as soon as I took it I knew it was different. It's not time release & Yes they are different !!! I will be calling my doctor tomorrow
They tell everyone they are the same, but I can assure you that they are most definitely not the same. I know what my body tells me. I have Chronic Fibromyalgia and I can absolutely tell a difference in the yellow and the white.
I agree and the white ones are not as effective. I have been nauseous and light headed from this pill! Why do they change the yellow!! Gosh to be in chronic pain and now deal with this is horrible!!
I agree and the white ones are not as effective. I have been nauseous and light headed from this pill! Why do they change the yellow!! Gosh to be in chronic pain and now deal with this is horrible!!
They are not time released.
Yes they are the same drugs. I used both types on many occasions over the years, and I also found the yellow ones to be slightly stronger. I believe it is because the manufacturers have certain allowed tolerance levels as to how much active ingredient must be included in the drug. This means they are allowed certain deviation from the standard amount, plus minus certain percentage. For example, one manufacturer might be putting plus 15% of hydrocodone above the standard and the other might be putting minus 10 % of hydrocodone below the standard. Both are within the allowed tolerance but this can mean a 25% difference between the amount of active ingredient in the pills from one over the other manufacturer.
Another observation I has is that the yellow pills always seem to be much fresher. You can almost smell the difference when you open the bottle. I am not sure why that is but it seems as the pharmacies store the white pills for much longer time and the yellows pills always seem as recently manufactured. I have to say this is the case most of the times. but I did also have a case on one occasion where the yellow pills were not so much different from the white ones.
What pharmacies have u found that carry the "yellow " ones? Do u have to ask each time if the pharmacy has changed manufactures ?
Caryleighs, I had to call around to find a pharmacy that dispenses the yellow ones. I don't call them each time, but I do check before I leave the pharmacy to make sure they didn't change them since the last time I was there. It seems that most if not all of the major pharmacies have switched to the white ones but locally owned "Mom and Pop" type of pharmacies tend to have the yellows, or even both in stock.
I just can't agree at all that the white and yellow are the same. (almost)Every pharmacist will lie and say the generic are the same drug but not so. Did you know that medications are made in Europe, Mexico, India, Canada and elsewhere? When a shipment of Norco comes to the US, or any other med for that matter, is it logistically possible to check each batch with as many people as there are taking pharmacuiticals? Not! I can tell the difference and a big one. I KNOW THE YELLOW NORCO ARE better but since all this Tylenol restructure began I have noticed a difference, in the side effects of even the yellow ones, as I have begun sweating profusely. Same dose, same times and same brand supposedly. I think the Qualitest brand is the very best. And you have to check to make sure you are getting the yellow ones before you leave the drug store. They WILL NOT TAKE THEM BACK ONCE YOU LEAVE THE STORE.
And yes, the MA and PA drug stores will try harder to get what you want BUT NOT ALL OF THEM. AND COUNT THEM, TOO. I got shorted 14 one time. Until a big law firm gets a hold of this, I think we are stuck and will remain despirate. I couldn't even get one BIG BOX store that has a pharmacy to tell me what color they had over the phone. Why I don't know. With Obama Care it is going to get worse. With chronic pain we are at their mercy. Wish I could save all of us!!! Best regards to all.
Someone also asked about IP 115 that is from av care pharm. It is 7.5/325 hydrocodone/acetaminophen and m357 that is 5/500 hydrocodone/acetaminophen (vicodin)
Pharmacists say this is the same drug, regardless of color. However, having been on this drug myself I agree with all the others who say that the yellow pill seems to pack more punch to it, while the white seems weaker. It is supposedly not true, but it has been what I have experienced also
I disagree. I know they're supposed to be the same but myself and someone else I know with chronic pain, have noticed a remarkable difference lately. The white ones are not nearly as strong and seem to make me jittery. When both of us have mentioned this to each of our pharmacists we were laughed at and told that it was impossible. We now go to pharmacies that consistently use the yellow ones. I'd love to know how this could happen and how to get pharmacy to believe me. I'm spending a lot more now by not going the warehouse store.
kwisser, I'm having the same experience. My usual pharmacy for Norco just changed from yellows to whites and looked at me like I was from Mars when I told them I'd be transferring my Rx to another pharmacy since the whites are ineffective. I spent over an hour today calling around and found that CVS, Walmart, Costco all dispense the whites. Rite-Aid carries the yellows but they were out of stock. *sigh*
I am having the same kind of problem... my pharmacy once again changed manufacturers once again so I no longer have the little yellow pills. I have the oblong white ones that say M357 on them and they are NOT working like they're supposed to?? Now I have this full script of pills that don't work for me - what can I do?? Can I take this full script and bring it to Walgreens to see if they would 'swap' it out so to speak? I don't know what the difference is between the yellow and white pills aside from the obvious... they're different manufacturers but these white pills are just not as effective. Does anyone know why that is? Am I just stuck for the next month with a bunch of pills that don't work well?
I myself suffer with chronic pain and just picked my pills and when i got home found they were the white ones. i was taking the liquid version but it was not long acting so my primary put me back on the pills so i have not had a chance to take one yet because i have gotten used to taking the liquid when i get up in the morning so i can at least move around but they say watson 853 on them and i looked them up it says they have the same ingredient as the yellow.
So glad to hear these comments. I was beginning to think I was crazy thinking that the white generics were different than the yellows although I can definitely tell the difference. Now I wish there was something to do about it other than changing pharmacies. I wish I could convince my pharmacy that their supplier is not providing the same quality without them thinking I'm just some crazy addict.
The pharmacist doesn't take them. So he is full of crap. Their is a difference. I have been on them for five years and the yellow is a harder pill so the time release is effected. notice the white ones come on faster and leave faster. I can only guess that the yellow dye acts as a additional binder.
I agree with all of you who say the white are NOT the same. I have taken the yellow 10/325 120 a month for 11 yrs for severe back pain & chronic pain & just this last month I changed pharmacies due to INS. & when I opened I found the white.I have had headaches each day & for no reason I have been sweating horribly which I don't ever do.I have felt tired, agitated, & typically not myself. I never associated it with the meds. I am so agravated now to learn that they are affecting so many. I just can't deal with the amount of pain I am having now also. I am on W/Comp right now for a TKA with complications & have severe knee pain too. I rely on my meds to help me have some quality of life & be able to function. I am so thankful to find this place & as sorry as I am that everyone is suffering I am glad I am not only one with issues.
Can anyone tell me where I need to call to get some answers or find out where to get yellow watson? I got the white @ Walgreens. Thanks to all who helped with this. I get really tired of the switching, & when you call around to find certain brands they act like you are planning on robbing the store or you are a drug dealer! They aren't to judge BUT for the most part they do...
What pharmacies carry the " yellow" ones?
I have taken the yellow ones for 6.5 yrs. 3 months my pharmacy switched to the white ones. They are NOT as good for taking away my pain. They make me real sleepy, and I also seem to need more. I found a pharmacy that carries the yellows still. They cost me more there, but it is so worth it!
Yep!
Thank goodness other people have noticed. It was immediate for me. It is also such a big rip off to try to save money and putting people in pain just to save a buck. I recently too Tried someone's else's yellow pill and the pain relief was immediate. The million dollar question is how to get the problem fixed
I agree the same thing happen to me with my high blood pressure medicine.
I agree, I have Chronic Fibromyalgia and lower back and leg pain. I take the yellow Norco because the pain stays away longer and the white tablets don't have the same reaction on me. I get the yellow Norco every month. I don't get the white.
I agree, I have Chronic Fibromyalgia and lower back and leg pain. I take the yellow Norco because the pain stays away longer and the white tablets don't have the same reaction on me. I get the yellow Norco every month. I don't get the white.
I have been taking yellow norco for 12 years. Qualitest merged with endo and they no longer carry the yellow. I have been taking the white for two weeks and am extremely nauseous and light headed . They are not effect to me as the yellow. I contacted them and the FDA.
I agree!!! I now need to seek a pharmacy that carries the yellow. I called the pharmaceutical company for help and they told me I need to find a pharmacy in my own.
I agree!!! I now need to seek a pharmacy that carries the yellow. I called the pharmaceutical company for help and they told me I need to find a pharmacy in my own.
Has anyone ever had the yellow generic Norco with number 36|01 on one side and like a V on the other side?
I know exactly what you mean... the whites ones do not seem as strong as lets say the yellow ones. And if you suffer from chronic pain like I do and have fro 20 years you know and can tell the difference.
Your right, the white ones are weaker. The yellow ones are better and keep pain away longer.
Hi out there is there anyone out there willing to help me start a support group to help people keep getting their pain medication, a lot of us need them, they have the walkers that are trying to take all pain meds. away from everyone. Thank you please help Brenda
Hi anpa87 they are the same. The yellow and the white just different drug companies version of generic hydrocodone 325-10.
regards saucerman
Thanks for letting the yellow people know.
What about white pill with imprint IP115
I have taken both the yellow and the white and myself and others that take them for chronic pain can promise you, they are most certainly not the same. The yellow ones are stronger and keep pain away longer. Why? I don't know, but they do.
I have taken both the yellow and the white and myself and others that take them for chronic pain can promise you, they are most certainly not the same. The yellow ones are stronger and keep pain away longer. Why? I don't know, but they do.
Related topics
norco, generic, medicine, medication
Further information
- Norco uses and safety info
- Norco prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Norco (detailed)
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