I've always gotten the Watson 853 YELLOW tablet for my Norco. Just this last time I received the Watson 853 WHITE tablet. I've just never seen the 10/325 in White. Is there a difference? If not, then why the White & Yellow?
Norco-10/325 Watson. Is there a difference in White & Yellow?
Question posted by kbaldwin on 17 April 2013
Last updated on 3 September 2019
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
25 Answers Page 2
Cjmckinney
14 July 2013
Yes there can be a difference. I contacted Watson/ actavis and found out two things. 1. They have not stopped making & at this point have no plan to stop making the yellow 10/325. Your pharmacy has to order the bottles of 100 not 500 in order to stock the yellow the NDC number is 00591-0853. 2. There can be a difference due to kinetics. This was explained by one of the men in their compounding department. He said there is always a chance for human error when compounding. Call them and report your situation. The more people that let them know they have received white hydro that are not effective the better the chance is they will correct and better monitor the compounding.
jlow
17 July 2013
Thank you so much for this valuable information!! You don't know how many lives you've touched!!! Bless You :)
jlow
23 July 2013
CJ - okay, I have presc in hand and going to speak to my Target Pharmacist this morning to order the yellow pills w that NDC number. I will let you know what transpires - jlow
Cjmckinney
23 July 2013
Awsome! Please let me know I am very excited to see if the pharmacies are willing to cooperate.
jlow
23 July 2013
CJ - I'm being told that there are 2 numbers missing?
She says they do have yellow ones in stock - what are the numbers supposed to be on these? I dont have any left - Brand name Norco 10-325?
Thank you, Jlow
Cjmckinney
24 July 2013
NDC 00591-0853-05 I am so sorry I missed the last 2 digits when I copy pasted
jlow
26 July 2013
CJ - I added a pretty lengthily comment to what all took place @ the pharmacy , still in review before it posts - but wanted to let you know that I did respond - am just waiting for it to post
Cjmckinney
26 July 2013
I will be watching for it. I really hope it worked out but I know pharmacies (and some doctors and their staff) tend to treat people like second class citizens the moment they mention pain medication. Thank you for the update
krisinua
27 July 2013
THEY DONT MAKE THE YELLOW ONES ANYMORE AND ARENT GOING TO! this is all bs the fda should have done a recall and still hasn't.nothing is going to change its only gonna get worse, like the fact my pain dr is saying the lab who did my drug test says im on a drug ive never touched in my life..these games, making people suffer is only beginning.
jlow
27 July 2013
No - they don't make yellow ones anymore! THE pharmacist they had me talk to was full of BS!! I explained it all in my lenghtly post, that's yet to be posted. The white ones are causing me major problems - scheduled to see cardiologist now!
krisinua
27 July 2013
Well weren't u the one who was posting about getting that ndc number ordered? there is nothing that will be done about this, it is sickening only the beginning on the new war on pain patients. just like the lab companies telling pain drs their patients are taking drugs that they've never touched in their lives are doing.
marindasmustang2012
20 Sep 2016
What's the number to call cause I sure will call them.
mary luzier
3 April 2018
The white one not the same hurt a lot with them you have to take two to get the effect of one yellow don't know what they left out but I hurt and it is not good feel like I am being cheated the pain is so bad I should just take four Aleve may be five not cool it is not right all
Allergytoyellow
5 July 2013
Possibly the filtering of the yellow vs the white pills could be different or the dye in the yellow pills could be a binding agent causing a slower breakdown of the pill in your digestive tract meaning the yellow ones would take longer to take affect but in turn will last longer in terms of managing your pain.
nursesherry405
24 June 2013
You should have received a label on the bottle if you got the prescriptions at the same pharmacy or an insert explaining the color change. As long as it is the same medication, dosage, route (form); pill, injection, liquid, suppository then nothing has changed but the color. Sometimes my meds come in different colors and shapes, but I accept generic. Please verify with Md. Or pharmacist, but it sounds like the exact medication.
krisinua
24 June 2013
if your not taking the drug you WOULDNT KNOW! that these pillls r bs and do NOT WORK! they did more then cahnge the color
jlow
25 June 2013
I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY PAPERWORK FROM THE WALMART PHARMACY ALSO THERE IS NO DESCRIPTION ON THE BOTTLE, THATS WHY I CALLED THE PHARMACIST! Target always provided this. This product is NOT the same!!! How can we reverse this change???
krisinua
25 June 2013
CALL THE FDA FILL OUT THE REPORT ABOUT IT medwatch i believe its called their website doesnt work so u have to call and have them mail u the papers but they dont care im sure..ive requested it 5 times and they wont send it to me
Belledajour
26 June 2013
Call other Pharmacies and ask if they can get yellow generic. I found other pharmacies that were very happy to help and they had them. They said there are several white generics and a few yellows Watson was the biggest used by me.They even smell different. Pain is pain. If you don't get the reaction you are used to and have changed don't be afraid to ask if you are ill.
jlow
27 June 2013
bellaj - thank you for your imput, put I took generic for almost 12 years and developed a rash and itch - when I took the brand name Norco, it worked, even though pharmacy staff insist - "it's the same thing!" almost wish they had to take it so they'd know there IS a difference.
priv8guy
2 June 2013
I have been taking the Yellow 853 for several years. I recently tried Vicorpofen 7.5/200 as an alternative due to the tylenol. I had to take 8 rather than 3, so I swapped back after 3 days. I must say that I noticed immediately that I could break it easier. It was always harder with the yellow pills. I did recognize it come on very fast, and I must say that I noticed a difference with the amount of time it lasted. I started to feel pain after two hours and thirty minutes. It would be inconclusive since I have two different forms of these similar compounds in my system at the moment. I will take a full pill later when I am sure that the other Vicoprofen I took this morning wears is out of my system. I usually am perfectly fine after I take a whole one as well.
I must say that Norco is the only pill that I could take and have most of my pain treated while also being able to work without losing focus. I really hope that whenever I take the entire pill that it is as effective.
I always thought people were crazy when I heard them saying that different pills work differently until I took the Vicoprofen and recognized the difference which in no way could be related to only Ibuproffen/Tylenol ingredients. It would be terrible to have to do more trial runs at this point.
I wish you guys luck, and I'll do my best to find some time away from work to post my opinions after a few days of using the modified Norco.
priv8guy
25 June 2013
I have taken the white ones for almost an entire month, and I feel that I have more pain between the 3rd and 4th hour. I used to rarely have to look at a clock to determine if it's been long enough to take another when I am having pain, although I have been doing it much more with these newer white ones. I believe that they are the same strength, as it would compel a huge lawsuit if they were skimping active ingredients. I do however believe that the different mixture may have changed the delivery to my system, possibly breaking down quicker.
I am sad to have the situation, but unfortunately I do not want to change to anything stronger (Endocet, etc) and I will just have to deal with the change. I've been considering getting off of them completely, although its a huge change to trial and error with something new... I am not looking forward to dealing with the process.
I wish you all luck!
Kris67
25 June 2013
I also have been taking the yellow Norco 10/325 for a long time. But there are other manufactures that make the yellow pills besides Watson. Qualitest is one of them. I prefer the yellow pills. So I call my pharmacy a few days before I fill them and request they order from the manufacture that still makes the yellow pills. Like I said Qualitest is still one of the manufactures that makes the yellow pills still. I hope this helps some people who prefer the yellow pills.
priv8guy
25 June 2013
Thank you.. I'll give it a shot!
krisinua
25 June 2013
the color has nothing to do with it the qualitest were horrible too. they are not making them correctly or something is going on.
Belledajour
26 June 2013
I have been taking Norco 10/325 generic Watson and I moved to NV. They said only whites were available. I had been nauseas, lost weight, couldn't sleep and never felt it kick in. It lasted less time and I refused to take more at a time. By chance I called CVS Pharmacy and they had yellow ones. I will finally see my new Drs. July 2nd. I have been taking them as far apart as possible where as I had to take one every 4 hours. I would love to get off them but after 10 hours I was racked with pain.
The yellows were picked up I took one and finally got some relief. If you have trouble breaking them they have a pill scorer that cuts them in half. I also notice yellow ones have an ether like smell to them so I have tried them all. I like the yellow Watson or yellow other brands period. I wish you all weren't in pain. That is the best outcome of all.
jimmip
13 July 2013
To all the people who are on this site as well as other sites I myself an a pharm.tec. and am currently on this medacation due to a motorcycle accident. Have been using the (watson yellow 10/325) for just about a year now. Since watson has changed to the white pills just over 3 months ago I'm now geting those and to be honest these are in fact the same exact pill the only thing that is missing is the yellow dyee #245 that is all that has been taken out due to it upseting the stomachs of patients but all else is the same exact ingredants so for those who say its different it really is not and Ido think it may be in your head see a new pill think its different but really people its ALL the same in the pill just.the yellow has been taken out Icurrently work for a company in thousand oaks ca.
Called amgen its a pharmacy manufacturing company and we do make this product and believe me thay are the same exact ingredeants as befor so Icant see how it works any different so good luck and Ihope all will be well with you.sorry for the misspellings just trying to write this fast befor Igo into work but good luck to all and just remember its all the sam active and inactive stuff in the pill exactly the same only this gone is yellow dye thanks and good luck
dimplesouth
15 April 2017
There's no doubt in my mind that there is a profound difference between the white and the yellow ones. My prescribed strength is 10/325, 4 times a day. The white ones kick in very quickly, but the effects of pain relief go away just as quickly. The yellow ones are more time released or something, I don't know. But the effect is not as strong and lasts much longer. And the yellow ones are as hard as a stone, as opposed to the white ones, which will leave a residue on anything they touch, and are very easily broken.
Kennyrick b o y d 74
20 June 2018
,,, I also used to take the white hydrocodone 7.5 then 7 325 then they gave me Gabapentin to go with it became allergic to it then come to find out I have settled in my legs and feet and ankles settle itis swelling of the ankles feet legs and knees and redness in the feet and ankles also used then Walgreens switched to Yellow light yellow Oxycodone 10 325 4 Percocet I usually get 360 a month I had restless leg syndrome and my legs ankles really really bad I even went to the emergency room a couple times I've switched to 10.325 how to put it on now with the Tylenol and I'm still having restless leg syndrome and I don't really like it if not no fun it's from hell I'm researching now on some different pain medication that might would help cut all that out but I don't know what I have found anything yet
, did not know Lorcet also didn't know that Vicodin was how to put it on I'm learning a whole lot since I've got my new touch screen Samsung Galaxy J-3 that's all for now sincerely yours Kenny Nelson Chesterfield Virginia 23234. -2518. P.S
, best of luck to everybody best of luck to everybody is having to deal with pain pills and pain medication and pain it is a one-time life experience one of the pain medication companies need to work on their ingredients that's some of the pain pills will not make you Restless at night what was just sleep night after night and if you take a sleep aid like I'm bipolar I take Seroquel 100 piece which is 2 a night and the only thing it makes them work is pain medication is pain medication gets heel of my system they don't work God bless all of you and prayers go down to everybody including myself cold everybody needs prayer everybody needs God and Jesus everybody I don't care who you are Kenny Nelson North Chesterfield Virginia 23234
badfinger9
29 May 2013
Their is a strong difference to me. The white ones come on faster and leave faster. The yellow keeps me level. I believe the die is another binding agent. Break a yellow one in half then break a white one, you will feel the yellow one is harder to break. Or look in the bottle and see the pill powder from the white is greater then the yellow. I feel the yellow Norco time release much better than the white. Only my opinion and I have been on them for 5 years 120 per month. I am 55 and can't work without them. I am not happy with the white ones and they are definitely not the same!
lord150
29 July 2016
I agree with every word you just said. I just thought it was me personally, but I can definitely feel the difference in the yellow or white. Yellow is much more effective. The reason I came to this sight was to see what the difference is. I usually get the white 10-325. They are easy to snap in half with your finger. Try the yellow 10-325. It's impossible to. I had to use my pill cutter. And I also think the yellow is much more effective. I've been taking them for 10 years. Why the change?
johnny65
7 Sep 2016
What a crock of crap! they change the color and also cut the strength to discourage use. They have been messing with us consumers for years. They think they can do anything they want without any repercussions because of all the people they pay off to back them up! (THEY being the Pharmaceutical companies).
bear2006
6 Nov 2016
I have been taking the yellow and white ones there is no different on them i been taking them for over 15 years is in allot of people heads the yellow ones are better they are not
Mikedogg007
2 Feb 2017
You are absolutely right. The yellow ones are stronger and last longer. Higher quality ingredients. Just like when you go to the pharmacy and buy a bottle of Tylenol and get 24 pills for $5 or buy a generic brand of acetaminophen for the same price but get 200 pills. Plus I believe that the quality of hydrocodone engineered in different pharmaceutical companies varries on the ingredients and level of potency in which they produce. Big pharmaceutical knows that 9 out of 10 people have health insurance in which they will only pay for generic drugs, and therefore they sell them to pharmacy's like Walmart and Walgreens at a price where the can both make a profit. With all that being said, I believe that the Tylenol in narcos ruins the hydrocodone rush and pain relief, I've been prescribed hydrocodone without acetaminophen, just straight hydrocodone 30mg after my back surgery and was pain free floating on a cloud all day. Even after I had eaten lunch and dinner.
With a regular narco 325/10 any color and brand, I found that no matter how many you have taken and no matter how pain free you feel, once you eat some food, even a few bites, they almost completely wear off and the pain comes back
charsky
21 Jan 2018
what are we going to do! we are the ones in pain. pharmacist don't give a damn. what did they do with the ones left over
krisinua
17 May 2013
I was just looking this up because my walgreens also started using the white instead of yellow and in MY opinion they do not work. They are horrible. I felt great when i had the yellow ones..wtf
krisinua
19 May 2013
I am beyond pisssed off it is NOT the same these new ones do NOT work and to prove that it wasn't all in my head I gave my 20 yr old half of one which would be 5 mg of hydrocodone and for her never taking these kinds of meds she should feel high or something and she feels NOTHING. we are being scammed and I don't know what the f to do ..I spend over $300 a MONTH to see my dr and cabs to get to my dr and to get my meds filled..as well as multiple trips to the pharmacy which I have to get rides for due to problems getting my other med filled half the time I cant get it filled..the yellow ones FINALLY worked for me and now they do this bs..UNREAL I want ALL OF MY MONEY BACK and im going to call activas or whoever they are it says their no longer Watson and it wont let me send them email so I m calling Monday if anyone finds out anything please reply here. I also emailed the fda but like last time this bs happened it will do no good im sure.
jackiej526
22 May 2013
I got the white ones too at Walgreens & I thought it was a mistake. She said they are 10/325 & they are not yellow they took the color out but are the same Watson I disagree on the strength. Watson was always the best generic due to insurance companies not paying for brand but now I feel downgraded!
Belledajour
25 June 2013
I have moved and had filled my Norco and they were white. They said no more yellow ones ever. Funny 2 weeks before Watson had yellow ones. I agree with you totally I hate them. I am not feeling pain free like I did before and I don't know where to find the yellow ones.
krisinua
25 June 2013
i am absolutely DISGUSTED that this is allowed to happen these people r causing UNNECESSARY pain and agony. i had to switch to the IP brand and they too DO NOT WORK! unless i take double or tripple the amount prescribed this is BS i cant afford it as it is and now i have to suffer on top of it. ridiculous! i cant switch to another med because they are too expensive i do not have insurance and my dr will not increase my dose even though ive been on the same amount for over a year now. and now since they are scamming us and changed them they no longer work. the only other ones my pharmacy has is the IP ones and they wont order any others no others worked for me anyway so it doesnt matter i dont know why somoene HASNT HAD THESE TESTED YET! someone has to be able to afford the $400 it costs that is PROBABLY THE ONly way to get them to make them how they used to n get a lawyer involved when u find out they are not putting the correct amount of hydrocodone in them.
jackiej526
26 June 2013
Walgreens does have the best generics but have switched to the whites. I thought I was given a lower dose by mistake but she said they have changed & removed the yellow dyes. Not effective or maybe it's in my head but they are glorified aspirins!
danny8
23 July 2013
I think there is a difference too. I don't feel the relief from my pain as I did with the yellow ones. What a friggin rip-off I swear they are always looking for ways to cut care by cutting corners.
ROMANBEAR
31 July 2013
I decided to do some research on this subject before jumping to conclusions. Anyone out there that think BIG Pharma (the drug companies) have your best interest at heart, raise your hands. I didn't think so. No one? You're correct. As for white & yellow hydrocodone/APAP being different, you bet they are. The new white pills do one thing. Make Actavis money. They are moving from Jersey to Ireland as fast as they can. If you aren't feeling ripped off, you should. They will take their tax dollars with them. Refuse this improperly compounded medicine. Their OWN employees admit "Kinetic Imbalances" which is no different then mom using margarine in the cookies instead of butter. Or exchanging sugar for salt. If you are so out of your body you can't feel the difference, God help you. REFUSE those white "Watson" 853 pills, people won't think it's so funny if a batch comes through with 325mg hydrocodone and 10mg acetaminophen.
FYI:Watson quietly bought Actavis for $5.9 Billion last year
nursehartley
27 Dec 2016
I have Ben on Norco 10 over 325 for about 8 years and the white ones seem like they do nothing in fact when I get my prescription I usually take two of the white ones in the morning so I can get any relief and then go back to the one every 4 to 5 hours the rest of the day
nursehartley
27 Dec 2016
I have Ben on Norco 10 over 325 for about 8 years and the white ones seem like they do nothing in fact when I get my prescription I usually take two of the white ones in the morning so I can get any relief and then go back to the one every 4 to 5 hours the rest of the day
Carlita76
1 July 2017
I take norco 10/325 for three months the white ones which are no good its just like taking a nothing but Tylenol aspirin better than taking that be Watson and the qualitest is the best for as strength the white norcos do not help at all certain pharmacies carry Watson's that's why I get the qualitest or Watson's the best
Cy H Smith
8 Jan 2018
I agree. I live in Macon, Ga. and can't get brand name Watson 10-325 mg. at all as of 1-05-2018. They claim the strength (Amneal) is the same but there are differences. I'm going to ask for Oxycodones instead for my chronic pain issues from my doctor because I just read that they are stronger than hydrocodones. I can see why there might be overdoses when the strength doesn't seem to be the same and there are confusions with the pharmacies you use.
Emileegarcia
15 June 2018
HEB has the yellow Watson that's what i get.the white one's are horrible.
infoseeker
7 May 2013
I too, have always gotten the yellow, but yesterday was given the white watson 853. To me, the white are much stronger. I took my usual dose during the day, and I felt weird during the day, and I was up all night long it was awful! I couldnt sleep a wink and I was sweating, having restless legs, on top of my heart racing. Im not finding much info online about these. Have you noticed a difference?
sherona
7 May 2013
I also notice they seem to last much longer and I don't get as irritable from them.
sherona
7 May 2013
Maybe they changed the binding agent also, or the yellow dye may have interacted before. I cannot seem to find alot of info yet either.
Muhdbone
9 May 2013
Infoseeker I too have always gotten the yellow tab unless out of them then they tried to sub me with a (cheaper) different manufacturer but I refused and changed Pharms. My new pharm now orders these in for others as well as myself be quad like me they had headaches or just no effect from the med whatsoever. Anyway this time two days ago I received my new script and it was the Watson 853 White tab. I had the exact same side effects if you will, hence the fact I found this thread. I didn't sleep all night and in fact went to the gym and ran on the elyptical for a half hour then pumped weights for another half hour. I was a little upset by my wife's response to a situation and I tend to want to go workout normally after I get frustrated but not @ 2:30 in the morning. THEN I went fishing, came home and took only half of my regularly scheduled dosage and an hour later crashed out.
But boy did I have some weird feelings just as I was losing sense of reality falling into REM sleep. Lol Funny now but not then. I am half dosing now to alleviate any "side effects" to see of that helps. I'll wrote back when I conclude my theory.
badfinger9
29 May 2013
That means they are not as strong because you started withdrawing when you normally don't
mecaretaker
17 June 2013
I've taken the yellow Watson 10/325 twice daily for a few years. I started receiving the white tabs in February 2013. There is no difference to me. One thing I want to tell you is when I started this medication I suddenly had a problem with the food additive MSG. Within 5 minutes of eating a bowl of ramen noodles laced with MSG, my heart was racing for about 2 hours. Later in the evening I still felt the effects and had problems sleeping. Took me a few weeks to figure it out but any Asian style bowl of noodles with MSG triggered the same effect. My doctor agreed and had several patients tell him the same thing. I have to read the food product labels more carefully. You'd be surprised how many products have MSG. I miss eating Chicken-in-a-Biskit crackers, Doritos etc.. Even Taco Bell's Nacho Dorito Tacos have it.
jlow
25 June 2013
I totally agree - the side effects I'm not experiencing are very dramatic! My legs are jumping @ night - this is new since starting the white tabs, I'm itching like mad, that is one of the reasoning I couldn't take the generic brand & why we've been having to fork out $264. a month for these! Good lord - who can we all contact and have this changed back? I'm physically disabled and this is causing a lot of immediate physical imbalances - I'm willing to stand up for a reverse to get the "regular" medication again - anybody no how to go about this feat?
lkhomenurse
1 July 2013
I and many others I know have also had the same issues with the white compared to yellow. I've switched to Riteaid which has the yellow for now... I've read that the white ones not only have a different inactive ingredient but there can be up to 20% less of the hydrocodone in each pill. Which means if your prescribed the 10/325 you may be only getting 8/325. legally Watson can fluctuate a total of 20% with the active ingredient and my assumption is they are putting only the least amount legally allowed in each white pill along with mystery inactive ingredient. If your used to the 10/325 and take quite a few daily 20% is enough to feel the change... eventually you'll adjust but I fear others like myself will need to take more of the white ones just to compensate for the loss. Someday I hope to quite taking them all together but that won't happen until I'm done with surgery.
In the meantime if I don't have the yellow ones I take 1 1/2 of the white ones and deal with the headaches and nausea that the whites inactive ingredient cause. the pharmacist knows the 20% difference, they will tell you there is no difference with a judgmental tone however if there aware of the savings there aware of the difference. None of us want to be on pills to function but if that's how we're able to cope until were cured of our ailments let us live without shame, guilt and ridicule, we struggle enough. I would think a pharmacist would be obligated to share the truth but clearly they aren't. I would find a pharmacy that continue to sell the yellow ones, just call around your area and ask. My rite aid pharmacy still sells them and the pharmacist is truly wonderful, informative, honest and non judgmental. I do not work for rite aid, this us just my opinion from my own personal experience. God bless.
jlow
1 July 2013
ID--- thank you for yr valuable input! Wish we had more pharm's like the one you have @ Riteaid! I'm continuing to check avaibility & have appt w/doc this morning. God Bless you too :)
Kimmie58
18 Jan 2017
Well it's the same reaction I'm having now! Again in 2017! Geez I can't take it, I'm also up all night!!! Try not to take it at night, forget it , impossible. So now no (not much) pain relief and up all night ! Ugh I give up!!!
Birdbath
19 Nov 2017
The Watson brand 853 10 mg hydrocodon, you may as well take a damn M&M for pain.
Oklahomanotstupid
8 Dec 2017
It's not stronger. they put something in there. that confusing people and bad headaches
Elde
3 Jan 2018
This is an effect I’ve experienced not because stronger but weaker when I forgotten to take my nite pill I would have a similar effect your describing detox itchy skin restlessness and restless legs. I worked in a detox for years
Queensmith28
8 Oct 2018
I think they are stronger too but in a more efficient way.. the yellow ones don’t help my pain and they make me feel antsy!!! Ugh!
sherona
22 April 2013
I agree that the only difference is the removal of an unnecessary yellow dye. Watson is the same company that makes brand name Norco, and are, in my experience, a better quality than non Watson brands. Walgreens just changed to the newer white Watson 853 where I get my prescription also.
Belledajour
25 June 2013
I only used Watson. Now I don't know what I am being given but they are white ones that make me sick and I can't feel them helping me at all. I just feel like it is not as potent.
Kibbibee
20 Jan 2017
I agree Watson is the best company for norcos..Vicodin... It's a company that cares for their customers... Yes some doctors still prescribe Vicodin... The other brands give me severe headaches
Cy H Smith
8 Jan 2018
As of 1-05-2018 I can't get Watson, period. Walgreens switched to Amneal without telling you after receiving your RX in Macon, Georgia. My RX always said Norco but that's not what is on the bottle. False advertising with a RX? Also you pay the same price for a cheaper product. Too much apap anyway. In spite of so-called cost saving coupons (but not for opioids mostly) I was still paying $28.80 for 120 pill count of Norcos with the Walmart Humana which went up from $17 last year to $20.40 this year. What a scam! Every penny of my 2% S.S. increase went to 'Part B'!!! Medicare. EVERY PENNY!!
shelleykay
18 April 2013
There no difference in the active ingredients which are the hydrocodone and acetaminophen. It's the inactive ingredients the changed i.e. the yellow dye was removed, some pharmacies buy the cheaper drugs to save money Watson is a generic brand if your script was made buy a different company that could be the reason most pharmaceutical companies are leaving out the dyes because there have been more law suits from allergic reactions, also they are starting to leave out some of acetaminophen to stop the risk of Liver damage.
Belledajour
26 June 2013
Watson is good whether white or yellow. I have tried .The new white ones that have a letter and numbers were a nightmare for me.All medications will go through your liver so it is keeping your enzymes checked for this or any cholesterol meds
dlm101462
8 Aug 2016
I have been talking hydrocodone 10 mg yellows for over 2 yrs. I had never had a problem or complaint until I got them filled the last time. when I picked them up the pharmacist said that the yellow dye had been removed but they were the same. That is not true. They are not the same. They no longer relieve my pain. I take my medicine and still cry from the pain. Why do companies always have to change things? I guess they make more money this way,greed,that's what it's all about.
Longbeachlala
29 Aug 2016
There definitely is a difference. The yellow one's always take away my pain completely. The white one's never do and im tossing and turning all night.
Rose Alice
17 Nov 2016
Yes it's all about greed. Plus changing the fillers can bind the medication so it doesn't work as well.
Kimmie58
18 Jan 2017
This is 2017 , they have changed the meds again the yellow "dye" has nothing to do with this! Some "new" active ingredient is keeping me awake all night lol my! This is just ridiculous! I was weaning down on the "yellow" ones now they change again! None to very little pain relief but for me and my condition sleep is the utmost important and I'm getting none! So if I go elsewhere, I'll be "pill shopping" ? Please stop messing around with the meds that make it bearable to live!!!
bnbadams1
29 April 2017
I use to think this too until i learned that you can actually be allergic to certain dyes that are added to foods and medications. Also, I myself act differently to some meds than what you should. For ex. If I take a med ( of any kind ) that says " may make drowsy ", it's absolutely going to keep me awake--- Point for you and maybe others reading this is--- maybe it's a particular dye along with the other ingredients in the medicine that's actually helping you with your pain? Anyway I know it's been a long time since you posted, and I pray that you have found some relief for your pain. and maybe my comment makes sense to someone else reading it. THANKS FOR READING
pudman56
24 July 2017
Actually, they lowered the dose of Tylenol in Vicodin. It used to be Norco was the only 10/325 and Vicodin was 10/500. Now they're making Vicodin 10/325. As to the difference between white and yellow Norco, I must be an anomaly. I have never experienced a difference between generic and brand nor have I with one generic over the next generic.
Dyno92
20 Sep 2017
If the white watson are leaving out some of the acetaminophen, how much acetaminophen is actually in the white Watson's? The yellow Watson had 10mg of hydrocodone and 325mg of acetaminophen. We should be able to know the exact amount of acetaminophen in these pills. They can not leave some out and then keep telling us it's 10mg hydro and (325mg) of acetaminophen.
I also read somewhere else that brand has to put 10mg of hydrocodone in the pill none less and none over that while generic usually has 8mg to 12mg hydrocodone. I do not understand that. If you are getting a generic brand that claims to have 10mg hydrocodone how can they only put 8mg or even worse, put 12mg of hydrocodone in them. If this is true shouldn't that be illegal and should we not be able to know so we do not take 2 hydrocodone 10/325 in one dose and end up actually take 24mg of hydrocodone and then overdosing on the meds. Some people have to take 2 Norco 10mg ever 5 or 6 hours to manage pain.
This needs to be addressed to the FDA. You can't just give someone that is prescribed a false answer about how much hydrocodone and apap is in a prescribed pill.
Teensie 106
30 Dec 2017
There is a BIG difference in the yellow and the white. The white does absolutely nothing for me at all.
PLEASE tell me where I can find the YELLOW Narco in the Chicago land area
Thank you
Cy H Smith
8 Jan 2018
I can't even get the white Norco at Walgreens in Macon, Georgia now. Once I gave them the RX they slipped in Amneals instead when my RX said Norco. That's deceptive as hell.
repaint1
7 March 2018
This is what always bothers me. One or two people sue a pharmaceutical company because they are or think they are allergic to the yellow product in the pill which then impels them to change the formula of the drug for those few people who sued. Who thinks of the millions that don't want the drug color to change?? Not a fair but rigged system. Sounds like fear and money to me.
Rshamric
30 July 2018
That’s because the yellow is not a true yellow, it has a green dye in it also, I am allergic to blur, purple, and green. It sends me into anaphylactic shock. So that is why.
DzooBaby
18 April 2013
There is no difference other than the inactive ingredients may be different. It is still the same active ingredients of hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
Belledajour
25 June 2013
I am so glad I found this spot. I lived in Chicago and always used generic yellow Watson. I am in Carson City , NV and I was told they don't make them anymore. These white ones are leaving me in pain, restless and I have weight loss. I don't agree that there is no difference.
jlow
25 June 2013
I agree - there is a difference. The side effects I'm experience are more profone - I'm itching much more with the white pills! Is there an alternative out there! God I wish they would quit messing with this medication - If it's not broke don't fix it!!!
jackiej526
26 June 2013
I feel they are weaker than the yellow Watsons. I was told they removed the yellow dye because people were allergic to it. Why don't they give them a different pain med. I will ask for another pain med that is effective. These are glorified aspirins. Not happy with the results!
jlow
27 June 2013
Jackie526 let me know what you find. I've scheduled another appt., with my doc., to see what else is now available - the nausea & headaches, upset stomach are to much to bare. Ive been taking this medication for over 5 years and immediatly noticed a difference. My heart was racing and I was sweating really bad, my husband and I sat down and tried to find out what was different? Changing the color of the pill should not be causing these adverse effects! The binding or blend must of been changed as well.
Cool4me
2 July 2013
I don't want to start a crazy argument, but I also have been taking the Watson yellows for 3 years now and I was just given the white Watkins about 3 months ago.. I stressed my concern with my pm dr and she told me they did, in fact, change the formula so that the recreational value was less.. This was supposed to combat supposed "pill poppers" or at least slow them down.. They have changed, they are not as effective, and they really don't work for me anymore.. It's not in your mind like a lot of ppl are saying on the forums.. I just switched brands and its back to normal for me.. My dr Also told me that every one of her patients has said the same thing as me, so it's not just solely my opinion.. Hopefully you can try a new brand. Best of luck to all.
jlow
3 July 2013
Cool4me which brand works for you? Are they yellow or white? Thank you for your input!
Cool4me
5 July 2013
I switched to the "qualitest/vintage" brand. They are dark yellow with a "V" imprint on the front.. They feel the same as the old Watson yellows.. I take 2 every 6 hours, total 8 a day.. I suggest you try them, you will not be disappointed.. They co-pay is the same too.
krisinua
6 July 2013
What brand works? I have tried the yellow ones w a V on them they dont work, the amneal is horrible same as new watsons withou the sideeffects, i have tried qualitest before also dont work, whats left? my walgreenspharmacist is nice and said he cant order another brand so what do i do ? Change meds? hydrocodone is all thats ever helped me but my tolerance got too built up 4 years ago started on one vicodin a day for almost a year then went to two a day then my primary care got scared cuz of the evil bs the dea is doing, and sent me to pain management who increased to 3 norco a day then 4 a day for the last 5 or 6 months and i was doing great! UNTIL the mfers changed their pills to not work anymore..what could they possibly have done besides left out a TON of the hydrocodone to m,ake them not work anymore?? that is illegal please have someone test them drugdetection . net will test them for $400 please someone do it ! i would if i could afford it.
i dont know what else to do , i dont have insurance and dont WANT to take percocet or something stronger its too expensive without insurance.
Pissedoff1
12 July 2013
I've been researching on these new white pills !!! Watson has sold out to a different company !!! I have been on the yellow ones for yrs n even 1/2 a pill would help me ... Now I'm taking 2 n still no relief !!! I agree they took more than the yellow dye out ! I've been in a bad flare up for over a month n just push myself to get outta bed ... But most the time I'm in bed w my heating pad ! I've been on disability n Medicare for almost 20 yrs n I finally called my ins co for an approval for the name brand norco n they approved it , but don't c dr till next wk them the pharmacy has to order them (another 5 days) so it'll be atleast another 2 week of pure hell n pain
jlow
12 July 2013
Dear pissed, boy do I relate to yr days!! The one exception is that I took the generic for so long (hydrocodine) that I developed breathing difficulties, hives you name it. I was doing fine with taking just 2 of the brand name Norco until the white ones came out! I've had to take @ least 5 -6 a day to get stabilized but now am down to 1 1/2 in AM & just 1 in late afternoon. This helped greatly for knifing flare-ups, & absolutly no lifting! Problem being: I will be out before refill it due, Really, how much can a body endure? Or my family for that matter. My dr. gave me some samples of Duexis 800 mg . Look on the bright side if u can, you have insurance. These are quite expensive but cud offer some relief I pray! Since I can no longer teach, I'm w/out insurance. I have 18 screws 2 titanium rods & 2 cages in neck & lumbar which is causing pressure & more stenosis in middle. I get a type of cortisone injections every 5 -6 mos just to keep walking.
Have u considered them? I wud be happy to give you some info to the only doc I will ever trust for them. They get patients from across the pond. God speed my friend
jlow
12 July 2013
Pissedoff- call another pharmacy until u get one that has it in stock.
Cool4me
13 July 2013
Yes, Watson sold out to Activas pharmaceuticals.. I really hope you can find relief in the name brand norco, but unfortunately Watson (now Activas) makes them too lol., When you switch, please give me an update on if they work better for you or not. I would be perfectly okay with paying a higher co-pay to get name brand if they work better.. I really feel for all of you that aren't getting any relief from this medicine anymore. Life gets sooo frustrating when the pain gets bad.
krisinua
27 July 2013
REFILLS?? where do u live that allows refills??? that was outlawed w all the new stupid laws for pain meds.
ROMANBEAR
31 July 2013
This is a partial repost, after my own personal hell over this very controversial issue. Short answer; 1) demand yellow, or white pills with red particles and give those solid white pills back, they don't work for lots of people. 2) if you must find another pharmacy, do so, and refer to number one.
I decided to do some research on this subject before jumping to conclusions. Anyone out there that think BIG Pharma (the drug companies) have your best interest at heart, raise your hands. I didn't think so. No one? You're correct. As for white & yellow hydrocodone/APAP being different, you bet they are. The new white pills do one thing. Make Actavis money. They are moving from Jersey to Ireland as fast as they can. If you aren't feeling ripped off, you should. They will take their tax dollars with them. Refuse this improperly compounded medicine.
Their OWN employees admit "Kinetic Imbalances" which is no different then mom using margarine in the cookies instead of butter. Or leaving out 20% salt. If you are so out of your body you can't feel the difference, God help you. REFUSE those white "Watson" 853 pills, people won't think it's so funny if a batch comes through with 325mg hydrocodone and 10mg acetaminophen.
FYI:Watson quietly bought Actavis for $5.9 Billion last year
Rose Alice
18 Nov 2016
I agree. Big difference. I'm on white ones and I'm in pain now. It's so upsetting but nothing we can do about it but suffer. I can stand generics.
lyndiejo
12 Dec 2016
I have often wondered if perhaps the yellow dye that is used in the hydrocodone is turmeric. That would explain the yellow color, and that would explain the reason it works better. turmeric is an natural inflammatory herb. It is used to make mustard look yellow... and I have read that mustard is good for people with inflammatory disease. I am not an expert however... it is just a theory... because yes there is a difference between yellow and white hydrocodone... the yellow definately works better ... the white does hardly anything for my pain. I would suggest you take turmeric pills... with your hydrocodone... in mho
N2fishn
5 April 2017
I have a brain tumor and have been taking the Watson 853 yellow for over 4yrs, until 3 days ago, my pharmacy filled my prescription with the white ones. They do not relieve the pain as much or last as long as the yellow ones!!! Also First two days of taking them, my skin was itching like crazy, was restless, trouble sleeping. Not sure what inactive ingredients are used in the white ones, but they don't relieve the pain as well for me!!! Going to request the yellow ones or change to a pharmacy that carries them.
klafave
9 May 2017
They aren't leaving out ANY if the acetominophen (tylenol) if that changed the 325 would change, it has to by law. Most people don't even realize how to read this medication. The 10/325 means 10mg of the medication that makes up narcotics and 325 mg of acetominophen or tylenol. I have read on these threads of people who have bevome tolerant to this dose, and it's the highest offered in norco, and taking 2 or 3 pills at one time. This is incredibly stupid and dangerous as 2 pills equals 650mg of tylenol, 3 pills equals 975mg of tylenol etc. And acetominophen is TOXIC to the liver. You don't die from a tylenol overdose, you die from liver failure from the tylenol overdose and liver failure is an extremely painful way to die. In my state if you purposely take too much resulting in liver failure, you don't get on the transplant list. Doubling up on this med is a disaster waiting to happen.
I do agree, however, that different manufacturers put out products that although they are supposed to be identical, they are not and can work very differently. I had my spouse not tell me which pills he was giving me, as I had the white and the yellow, closed my eyes and took it. Within 20 min I knew which one I had taken. The yellow work in 20 min or less to start easing off the pain, they don't bother my stomach and I get more complete pain control. The white ones barely touch the pain before 40 min or so and it's only about 40 to 50% pain reduction and after 2 hours or less the pain is back full blown. Everyone's metabolisms are different and we all breakdown med's differently, what gives you total relief for 4 hours may only give me partial relief for 2 hours. Other med's we take, foods, environments etc all play a role as well.
Bootsy55
15 June 2017
I've had both and both work 4 me. I was just curious. What's the difference between Vicodin & Hydracodone?
Bootsy55
15 June 2017
I've had both and both work 4 me. I was just curious. What's the difference between Vicodin & Hydracodone?
Manosteel
8 Sep 2017
None of you have kept in mind or even stated that you probably built up a tolerance especially to the person that said that they've been taking Norco for 10 years. Your mind likes to play little tricks on you when it sees different colors especially when it's a pain relieving medication that you are depending on. The only difference is your frame of mind
Cy H Smith
8 Jan 2018
I couldn't get Brand name 'Watson' from my RX for Norco 10-325mg. Hydrocodone/apap 10-325mg. at Walgreens and it seems others are having the same problem. Maybe I should ask the doctor for Oxycodone instead. Walgreens sells brand name 'Amneal' instead. I don't want that from a valid prescription for Norco.
Oklahomanotstupid
10 Feb 2018
There
is alot of difference doesn't work. Makes heart hurt makes eyes feel like matting up makes you irritated feels you feel sick to stomach then knock you out so yes different
Automesky
29 June 2018
I TOTALLY AGREE!! Leave things alone if they work. Personally, I much prefer the yellow. I don't see as many side effects. With the white ones, my ankles and hands swell, like I'm retaining water. Ugh. SO FRUSTRATING!! Anyway, I hope we can all find a solution soon. God bless.
repaint1
30 Aug 2018
Yes, I agree I am to itching more from the white ones plus they just don't seem to be as strong, does everybody agree??
ssgriff
31 Aug 2018
I know these are old but I wanted to post this to help anyone who might be experiencing the same problem with the white Norco not working. I have been on yellow Norco 10/325 for three years because of a collapsed C-Spine. During that time, the yellow Norco was replaced with the white three different times. It was hell for those three months because they did not work. So when I found out in August 2018 that the yellow pills were on backorder until the end of September 2018, I was in a since freaking out. I was getting low, so I called everywhere and no one had the yellows. I have a good relationship with my pharmacist. He thought it was in my head like others. However he ordered a different brand for me to try. These worked, but they were different. These white Norco's don't have the clear coating. They are coarse and some of the white comes of on your fingers. After talking with my doctor, he said he has seen this before.
He explained the fillers (non active ingredients) can coat the medication to where your body doesn't absorb it. It would seem that was the case. I understand we are all different, but being a fellow pain suffer any information helps. The manufacture of white Norco that worked for me was Par.
Related topics
Further information
- Norco uses and safety info
- Norco prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Norco (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.