When I fill my monthly generic prescription for oxycodone, I sometimes get pills made by different manufacturers. It seems like some work better than others, same dose - same drug! Does anyone else have this experience?
Oxycodone - Is there a difference in manufacturers of generic drugs?
Question posted by Anniebananie12 on 1 July 2013
Last updated on 30 April 2025
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.
79 Answers Page 6
JimmyJones
15 Aug 2014
Sorry but IT IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD.
NO Mnf. Co. Can deviate the EXACT DRUG.
only binding agents may differ.
That Is the Tried, Tested, LAW.
OncNP
20 Oct 2014
Sorry, but you are incorrect. They can, actually, deviate from the inert ingredients (binders, colors, etc), which can also cause side effects.
Gregory Gabel
18 March 2015
Bull!! I Notice that the Carico make my stomach burn and also urinate frequently and also burns!! I had better luck with the Zydus. Going to try the Rhodes generic
phorque
21 May 2015
Oh boy Jimmy Boy. You are really confused. While it is true that the FDA does require rigorous testing of both name brand and generic drugs, they only apply to domestic manufacturers. There are many foreign manufacturers of generic drugs which have no FDA scrutiny at all. With Percocet, or its generic clones, you will find that there are many dispensed by many top of the line pharmacies OSCO, CVS, Rite Aid, etc which will, from time to time, substitute a foreign manufacturer's product without knowingly being aware of that drug's composition or efficacy. I became aware of this through personal experience.
VimanaPilot
6 Aug 2015
It is not in our heads, I have been taking oxycodone for the last 7 years, and there have been at least 3 brands that do not work as well as the others. They do not give the same relief, and they don't last as long. I think there is a minimum amount of the drug they can use, and there's also a little leeway to add a little more, also the fillers may be reacting with the drug in a way where it hinders the effectiveness. I am not alone, I know many people who are convinced of this, as I am. Can I ask if you take the drug? Or are you talking from a legal point of view?
Ellixx
14 Feb 2016
Afraid not my friend pharmacist here and they are now selling generic - for the generic brand oxycodone.
Let me explain, the original generic for Percocet is as we all know Oxycodone.
Now we've been misled to believe that generics are the exact same as the name brand, in fact they went as far as making Oxycodone a Brand Name.
So here is what's happened in the last eight years.
1. First Percocet replaced with the generic and that (gen) was called Oxycodone/Hydrocodone and the Manufacturing Companies were allowed up to (30% less active ingredients) that's why they're Gereric.
Then five years ago the generic manufacturers were allowed to call their Oxycodone a Brand Name, (Remember - with 30% less original A/I).
Now "Oxycodone" has its own Generic brand which is again up to (30% less Active Ingredient) and new manufactures like Rhodes, and others so let's do the math.
100% - 30% = 70% - 30% = 40%.
Which means we are getting cheaper, less effective Medications in generic form by 60% of the original version and original brand name 8 +\- years ago, and know one thinks anyone would notice or care.
But They did and they are noticing.
So now they need to lie to us and blame it all on the one in pain saying its in their heads, or they're just getting acclimated to their medication.
Sorry to Rain on your Parade, but those are the Facts.
Thanks Ellixx.
Ellixx
13 April 2016
Okay so do you read what you write? If they can change binding agents, and be up to 30% less in opioid strength, then that's an incorrect information statement correct?
Ellixx
13 April 2016
Thank you Greg.
SpineAccidentGuy
3 June 2016
I agree that you are incorrect. For all our sakes, please complain when you find one manufacturer that consistently seems to be weaker or give more side-effects. Please read the following from the Food and Drug Administration.
FDA encourages consumers and health care professionals to notify FDA of any adverse side effects when using drugs and devices the agency regulates, by reporting them online to MedWatch, FDA’s safety information and adverse event reporting program, or by telephone at 1-800-FDA-1088. Visit FDA’s Drug Quality Sampling and Testing Programs website to learn more.
biggyjames64
14 June 2016
In my opinion some r better than others.
HashTag86
11 July 2016
This reply is for Ellixx,
I have doubts you are actually a pharmacist. While I agree with some of your response, some of it is BULL. First, and this is what tipped me off that you are not an actual pharmacist, is when you mentioned that they came out with a generic called Oxycodone/Hydrocodone. I just cannot see a real pharmacist making a mistake that BIG. There has never been a drug with both of those together. Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are two completely different drugs!
Second, how could a "pharmacist" make another mistake and think oxycodone is the generic for Percocet. I just do not believe a pharmacist would make those mistakes, especially for such common medications. I will let you figure out the difference between Percocet and oxycodone.
Finally, your math regarding the generic drugs is WAY off. If you think that ANY generic medication can have only 40% of an ACTIVE ingredient, you really need to go back to "pharmacy" school lol.
May I ask why you are posing as a pharmacist? Many people trust this site and when a user or member attempts to deceive others it can cause real harm. The less educated may actually believe you are a pharmacist!
Paws Love
28 Aug 2016
It is not. I asked my doctor and he said legally they can fluctuate 10% in either direction -/+ of the Hydrocodone(or othe Med)/Tylenol(or other Med)/filler. So find another pharmacy. Told to me by two doctors and one pharmacist.
Bellabecca
25 Sep 2016
Sorry, but it is not ALL in their head!!! The Mnf. Co. does not have to deviate from the exact drug for someone to get sick or for the drug to have less of an effect on the patient. The binding agents alone can make someone sick because different Mnf. Co. use different fillers and some Mnf. Co. use a lot more fillers in the tablet then the active ingredient itself for example the Oxycodone TAB30MG MFG:Rhodes. One of their tablets are the size of 10 of the tablets I normally get. I have taken Oxycodone for several years for my illnesses and have tried several different brands including generic the generic brands always have given me a few slight sight effects due to to fillers but I dealt with them because my pain outweighed the side effects of the medicine. It was not until I tried the generic Rhodes tablets that I decided to ask my Dr to tell my insurance company that name brand was medically nessary.
The Rhodes medicine put me in the hospital because I had a severe reaction from the fillers in their tablets. My throat started to swell shut and my face doubled in size and I couldn't breath. To make things worse I wanted to make sure that it was indeed the medicine and not something else that put me in the ER so I tried the same Rhodes medicine again 30 days later after my first reaction and sure enough within 20 min back to the ER I went so I know for a fact that it makes a difference what mfg you get your Meds from so Plz don't ever say it's in someone's head again unless you are in their shoes. Everyone reacts different to certain medications so I'm not saying the Rhodes brand is going to not work for everyone but the fillers do change the way the active ingredient works. My Dr told me that many of his patients told him that some of the generic brands did not seem to last as long as the brand name but the active ingredient is the same but some of the fillers could buffer the effect some. It depends on the person. I'm a chronic pain sufferer so I would never tell someone it's all in their head and I would never wish this pain on anyone so if the medicine is not working for you then it is your right to ask and to be able to get the medicine that works best for you!!! Good Luck To All !!!
Bellabecca
25 Sep 2016
Sorry, but it is not ALL in their head!!! The Mnf. Co. does not have to deviate from the exact drug for someone to get sick or for the drug to have less of an effect on the patient. The binding agents alone can make someone sick because different Mnf. Co. use different fillers and some Mnf. Co. use a lot more fillers in the tablet then the active ingredient itself for example the Oxycodone TAB30MG MFG:Rhodes. One of their tablets are the size of 10 of the tablets I normally get. I have taken Oxycodone for several years for my illnesses and have tried several different brands including generic the generic brands always have given me a few slight sight effects due to to fillers but I dealt with them because my pain outweighed the side effects of the medicine. It was not until I tried the generic Rhodes tablets that I decided to ask my Dr to tell my insurance company that name brand was medically nessary.
The Rhodes medicine put me in the hospital because I had a severe reaction from the fillers in their tablets. My throat started to swell shut and my face doubled in size and I couldn't breath. To make things worse I wanted to make sure that it was indeed the medicine and not something else that put me in the ER so I tried the same Rhodes medicine again 30 days later after my first reaction and sure enough within 20 min back to the ER I went so I know for a fact that it makes a difference what mfg you get your Meds from so Plz don't ever say it's in someone's head again unless you are in their shoes. Everyone reacts different to certain medications so I'm not saying the Rhodes brand is going to not work for everyone but the fillers do change the way the active ingredient works. My Dr told me that many of his patients told him that some of the generic brands did not seem to last as long as the brand name but the active ingredient is the same but some of the fillers could buffer the effect some. It depends on the person. I'm a chronic pain sufferer so I would never tell someone it's all in their head and I would never wish this pain on anyone so if the medicine is not working for you then it is your right to ask and to be able to get the medicine that works best for you!!! Good Luck To All !!!
Davedraper693
17 Nov 2016
Hi I'm 66 years old and have been taking pain medication for over 30 years. I'm sorry to disagree with the comment stating that there's no difference in the composition of generic oxycodone but there's a huge difference between brands. About 6 years ago I sent 4 different to a laboratory the police department I worked with had there medication convenscated in drug busts tested. They were not only different but the active ingredient varied by up to 18 percent to the negative side.
Davedraper693
17 Nov 2016
Hi I'm 66 years old and have been taking pain medication for over 30 years. I'm sorry to disagree with the comment stating that there's no difference in the composition of generic oxycodone but there's a huge difference between brands. About 6 years ago I sent 4 different to a laboratory the police department I worked with had there medication convenscated in drug busts tested. They were not only different but the active ingredient varied by up to 18 percent to the negative side.
unseenbunny
29 Nov 2016
Actually they don't even have to put the same amount of oxy in each pill. The FDA has parameters, like when a bag of chips says "6oz", it's impossible to make each and every bag exactly 6oz, so they say "well it has to be between 5-7 oz", same applies to most things the FDA regulates. So if a pill is marked as 20mg, the parameters may say "an oxycodone pill labeled as 20mg must contain between 18 and 21mg", or something like that. It's virtually impossible to make every single pill contain the exact same amount of each ingredient, unless the pill is individually manufactured, which oxy isn't.
cmk111
7 March 2017
Wrong... The fillers do affect acting agent & side affects. U disrespect our intelligence, like docs when tell u this horrible pain all in ur head, 2 yrs later u hv cancer & dying. You dont know everything & my pharmacist confirmed my experiences
cmk111
7 March 2017
Rhodes is best i hv had
annykat
7 March 2017
The pharmacist also told me if I'm itching from the one percocet, it's because of the filler they use.
Rhastus
14 April 2017
It's not in my head. I am quite disturbed that you might push this notion out here on a very painfully dangerous subject. I have been doing this for quite a few years and have come to the conclusion after reading so much and talking to so many of pain management following that it is not in so many people's heads.
Dillydally75
24 April 2017
Sorry, but you are suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, for which there are very few effective treatments. When a person finds that their symptoms are now uncontrolled, when they previously were under control (and that it happens every time that brand comes around)... this is all the evidence one really needs. There is a large margin of error allowed in generic manufacturing that (when added up throughout the month) can result in major losses in function and general value (20%). There is no reason why the limits currently set on acquisition AND inquisition (pertaining to this matter) are so strict. They are making the already compromised lives of the patient even harder than they already are. They are forcing the patient to leave their care to chance. I feel bad for you if you feel that this matter is to complicated for you to handle without the help of a medical professional, because its simply a matter of trial and error.
The "inert" substances used to produce these drugs, are far from inert and have an effect on how the drug works in one way or another (the medical rhetoric contradicts itself... while they say that these substances play a major role in effectiveness in one article and then say the opposite when they want you to shut up and get out of the way of their profit margins) . Caraco and Epic brand oxycodone (for instance) are the only two brands to use silicone dioxide ... while at the same time being the only two to be significantly less effective and make people sick. This is not a coincidence and you are helping none by continuing to be a "yes man".
Mandy_R
13 May 2017
Nope you are spot on OP! I've been on oxycodone acetaminophen 10/325 for 3 years now. The old pharmacy used to use one that always helped then switched to Amneal and it was like taking pez, pretty much. Just moved and switched pharmacies... they have Mallinckrodt ... I'm buzzed so much its almost scary . I mean I wanted relief not a psychedelic journey! If it doesn't stop I'm calling 911
Blueironoxide
22 May 2017
Tried and tested yes. But they have a +/- mics I can tell a strength in every category of drug available. Same manufacturer even has stronger and / or weaker batch occasionally. Noticed this for years never said anything until I shared a bottle of a drug and a girlfriend she said "whew" these seem stronger I noticed and didn't mention anything due to power of persuasion.
Bstonmike1
13 March 2018
You’re wrong .. the main ingredient cannot change OxyContin is OxyContin. BUT the amount can and will fluctuate as much as 20% !!
kp602
14 March 2018
Jimmy Jones. You live in a perfect world! The fact is pharmacuetical companies have been busted lately for selling bad drugs and laboratories measuring the quality of drugs are scammers, who just appear to be testing, when inspected... nothing going on! so the world has evil. Wake up dude. I am sick of people telling me bull crap. I am in pain due to listening to a doctor who was only interested in money! I suffer everyday.
Who else to trust but your thinking, body, and effects from drugs. Side effects are main effects. I see this as if a side effects is negative, then You know your body! You know what is effective to relieve chronic pain!Be your own advocate! Wake up! Its your well being were speaking about.
Be your own judge. Become your own advocate. Speak up when it is not right. Fire the doctors who do not care about you. You know the ones. We all think they are same! NOT! bad and good. So if you never have a bad response with pharma then you are lucky. I have been on these meds for years, and when I take and get no relief, then read of others experiencing same then it may be the quality is poor.
SpineAccidentGuy
20 Oct 2018
It's not in our heads. After a few years of the same brand the pharmacy gave me a new brand and it was almost completely ineffective.
Tammytrehan1
19 Nov 2018
No it is not
Krissyeb66
26 Nov 2018
I am a retired RN who has been living with debilitating chronic pain for 15 years and have taken many different meds and all of them have been generics and yes they have the same active ingredients as the original but they are allowed to be 85% to 125% the strength of the brand name by law. So it is not in your head and you are not crazy. When you find the one that works best for you do what you can to find it and do what you can to not buy the ones that you do not like. And if your Dr. Gets upset about it, find another Dr who supports you. It took many tries to find the dr. I have now and it was so well worth the wait! I hope you all find peace and some semblance of better quality of life but you have to fight for it for yourself and don't ever feel bad about advocating for yourself. Who else is gonna do it? Or at least who is gonna do it the best. Stay strong and hang in there.
wcb1952
27 Dec 2018
Your wrong, there can be A 17% +- in the active ingredients. Get the facts right. You must work for a Pharmaceutical company pushing propaganda.
Hiezzi
4 Jan 2019
It is not all in your head I have had several abdominal surgeries 2 knee surgeries a double hernia that the mesh is a sheet of paper big and is now recalled and have had pain in my abdomen since 2015 no doctor wants to fix the issue so I'm stuck with just treating the symptoms "PAIN" so I take 20 mg oxycodone and yes there is a difference in the way each manufacturer's pills work. So they should all have the same main ingredient but the other directives can cause it to not work the same so think of it like this; when you choose an acetaminophen there are different types like long lasting, fast acting, time released and the main drug is acetaminophen but the directives are what controls the release times. So if you get a brand that is one that releases slower than other you might not get the full dose before you expel the remainder out of your system.
I know this because I suffer from it because like I said my issues are abdominal based and my body processes my food fast and I have seen undigested pills in my bowel movements. So find the one that works for you and talk to your pharmacy to see if it can be ordered for you if they say no tell them you will shop around for a new one and take the rest of your families prescriptions with you when you leave. Unfortunately for me I'm stuck with CVS because that's who my work has a contract with and they are always shopping around for the cheapest stuff.
Bk Boggs
4 Feb 2019
You sir are either a puppet or you work for one of these rip off companies. You've been brainwashed by the big corps if you don't think they do the legal bare minimum just to barely pass meeting the standards and use fillers that might affect other people differently. Until you've been in someone else's situation you shouldn't speak on their behalf. You sound ignorant and ridiculous
Bk Boggs
4 Feb 2019
You sir are either a puppet or you work for one of these rip off companies. You've been brainwashed by the big corps if you don't think they do the legal bare minimum just to barely pass meeting the standards and use fillers that might affect other people differently. Until you've been in someone else's situation you shouldn't speak on their behalf. You sound ignorant and ridiculous
Bk Boggs
4 Feb 2019
You sir are either a puppet or you work for one of these rip off companies. You've been brainwashed by the big corps if you don't think they do the legal bare minimum just to barely pass meeting the standards and use fillers that might affect other people differently. Until you've been in someone else's situation you shouldn't speak on their behalf. You sound ignorant and ridiculous
Lee27
28 Feb 2019
Do your homework. You are 100% wrong. Never mind this website or that website, what so and so said. Research with an NDC# on FDA.gov. They are not the same. It is not just the fillers, either. If you don't believe me, take it up with the FDA because this is what they state, along with all ingredients in each brand.
NY_nightowl
15 July 2020
You are 100% incorrect sir. Generics can indeed deviate with fillers and stabilizers, to the point of these ingredients being agitators to some patients intestinal health and well being. You telling people its psychosomatic is way off base.
jeanie2
25 May 2021
It is NOT all in your head... or anyone's that can tell a difference in generic brands. It happened to me and I started looking up different pharma companies and talked to pharamacists and found out some do work differently than others. For me Rhodes manufactured oxycodone/ acetaminophen was the worst... like taking one aspirin! The pharmacy's I talked to were willing to order the brand the worked the best for me. Just call your pharmacy up and let them know and they should work with you.
catsrus
6 March 2014
I have this exact same problem! Most generic brands of the 5mg oxycodone cause me a lot of problems... mainly itching and sever heartburn... I asked my doctor about this and he explained that it' s most likely not the oxycodone in it but the inert added ingredients that these generic manufactures put in as filler. I also asked why I can not always get the brand that does not cause me any problems or side effects, I asked my regular pharmacist and was told that the "big box" store where I get my prescriptions filled, is constantly shopping around for the cheapest deal on the scripts that they carry! So far the worst brand I have found is Caraco.
It makes me as sick as a dog, but I have no choice but to take it, if I go to a different pharmacy, my doctor gets upset and threatens to dump me as a patient! Also some of the cheaper generic brands use a whole lot of extra inert fillers, to make their product cheaper therefore the pharmacies will buy from them more often, even though the drugs are supposed to be identical... we all know they are not! And no, this brand does not work as well as some others do, all drugs are not created equal!
Sassyinaz
15 April 2014
I have the same problem! Trust me we are not alone. I know people personally and have talked to others in my pain management waiting room who have the same problem. Two out of the three generic manufacturers that I have used are just fine, but that third brand doesn't work as well and runs out sooner. I have also talked to a couple pharmacy workers about this and they told me that it is not on my head that they have had several people say the same thing.
bobstreet1
8 Oct 2014
I just got done a 30 day supply of Caraco, 30mg., and looking for another pharmacy today, which I've found! The Caraco brand is not as good as MD generic ones. They don't last as long and give me stomach problems.
annykat
30 Dec 2014
I am having the same problem. Itching is driving me crazy! They gave me a different generic. It's oblong & not the round one I am used to.
Another time they gave me a different one & it was not as effective
cmk111
7 March 2017
Total truth. Crap they fill it wth.
annykat
4 Dec 2017
I find the same thing. The round ones work fine. The oblong ones make me itch & are not as effective. The pharmacist said the same thing. The filler can be different & cause that.
etm567
22 Dec 2017
If some brand makes you itch, you are probably allergic to the binder. And there has to be SOME BINDER in there to hold it together. I know I've always taken mallinckrodt because it does not have corn starch, and I am terribly allergic to corn. So anyone who tells you there can't be a binder and it can't be making you itchy does not know what they are talking about. Different manufacturers do use different binders.
Inactive
2 July 2013
I read on WebMD recently, that manufacturers of generic drugs have to have the same "main ingredients" as Brand name. They can add coloring, or change size and shape, but, otherwise have to work like the Brand. I have been taking meds for over 28+ yrs and some Brands feel better, but, most generics work just fine. Generics have to pass same regulations that Brand names do. Basically there is very little difference, and from what I read, must "act" in the same manner. WebMd is a pretty good source of info. Look it up there if you can for more info. Its not as personal as this site, but, they do have updated info on most anything you can think of. I like it here best because not only do I get information, I get ideas, reactions, personal experience, and so far, the people are really nice and smart. Still, basic Information is good to have too. Ta ke care and be well as can be...
Anniebananie12
3 July 2013
Hi ChelleKay!
Thanks for your response! I will take your suggestion and look this up on WebMD. I am familiar with their website, and I believe they have good information.
From the information you shared with me, it sounds like there is no difference between the different generic drugs. It could very well just be me!
:-)
Anyway, thanks again!
Annie
Inactive
3 July 2013
Annie, thanks for writing back. I am new here and still finding my way around. Will you add me as a friend?? I still haven't figured out how to do that 1st :-(
I wish you the best of luck, and by the way, I think some generics aren't as good either. Glad you were familiar with WebMD. They really do have good info, but certainly are missing on the personal touch. Be well...
Anniebananie12
3 July 2013
:-) I'm new here too! Sure I'll be your friend! Let me figure out how to do it...
Web MD has support groups and other good things as well, BTW!
Bellasboi01
29 Oct 2015
I have been prescribed every different generic roxicodone 30mg. I've taken this drug for the past 10 years due to CRPS neck and back. In my opinion there is a difference between the generic versions. The one that works the best for me is the A 215 activas brand. I have the least side effects with this brand. Also, I get the most pain relief from this version.
VimanaPilot
17 Nov 2015
Yes, the same "main ingredients", or "active ingredient", however, each manufacturer can choose what fillers to use to make it unique to their brand, this is where the problem is as some fillers have different reactions with different people, therefore making them less effective in some cases. I gave my pharmacy a list of manufacturers that I cannot take, and the list has grown over the years, in fact, there are more brands I can't take than there are that I can. It's not in your head, there is a definite difference due to the different fillers and how they react in your system.
Ellixx
14 Feb 2016
Don't forget they can be up to 30% less Active Ingredient.
ChaCha3
27 Aug 2016
OK, Generic Valium as opposed to the real deal is approx half the strength
Get the real VALIUM... and U will see (I did, there is a big difference)
Oxycodone varies... My new RX is horrible, almost had to double for relief
Someone ain't checkin like all "Pay offs"
Its BULLSHT
Iv'e been taking these since 1978... Better, Years ago
Today the pain relievers of this caliber are compromised!
paulcohoat
3 Dec 2016
Wrong. Many generics only require a fraction of active ingredients- a window or buffer of error. Thus, its common to hear patients complain about varying generic brands. If there's a gen u like - do your best to stick with it.
Whatshuditb3
18 Nov 2017
So most of what I read so far is pretty much in line with what is factual. I see now that this thread is a couple years old however it is brand-spanking-new to me LOL. In case anyone comes across this thread from here on out I'll sort the facts from the fluff... all Pharma companies regardless if it's generic or brand-name have to stick to the main ingredients milligram (PERIOD) I.E. (Xanax most popular is 2mg alprazolam so all 2 milligram alprazolam regardless of company will have to mg of Alprazolam in there xanax)... However, this in which I'm about to explain is why I presume obviously why the effects are different for different people.. aside from the obvious biological makeup reason, I'm sure it's not that hard to comprehend that (sticking with the Xanax 2 milligram alprazolam example) that Alprazolam is not the only let's just say ingredients in the pill.. there are sometimes quite a few other ingredients in a pill AKA medicine..
now I'm sure as some of you know that the for lack of a better word company that regulates all of this is the FDA AKA Food and Drug Administration... And FDA has rules when it comes to this obviously and we all would hope so as well that clear cut and dry obviously again the main drug alprazolam 2mg is a must when it comes to all the other ingredients for every single drug out there the FDA sets a let's call it a range from minimum to maximum whatever the form of measurement is for that ingredient that the company can put into the pill... And there you have it why some are felt more or less or weird or different than others because of the other ingredients and how it coincides with each and every person's biology which would make a million different kinds of possibilities and outcomes for how it is felt because of the biological makeup. The end
taylor123456
22 Aug 2018
When you say "Brand Name" what are the numbers? I'm pretty sure I know, what is brand name?
taylor123456
20 Nov 2018
What helps the pain? Spondylolisthesis! Is what I live with. Euphoria or pain relief. Stop the talk about the that "feels" better than the other. I want pain relief! No euphoria. I here the talk of the ingredients. Pain relief not what feels better!
Lee27
28 Feb 2019
Not true. Dig into the FDA website. Don't even believe you're getting a generic made by the company noted on the bottle or by using a site to identify it. It's all in the NDC#. In my case, the manufacturer is listed as K... The NDC# is issued to A... It is on the last bottle of generic Oxycodone I received. It does NOTHING other than cause diarrhea. It is per the FDA "K... generic Oxycodone is usually made with a substance similar to Oxycodone. It should release 60-80% of the active ingredient to... and then a molecular breakdown and very long list of articial colorings and 12 substances I did not see in other brands. I also see that it will be dropped in 2019, which we are in, but does not state which month. I find a doctor asking why generic pain meds seem to give 50% less pain relief for his patients. I find others on higher doses went through drug withdrawals when they received this brand.
Dig deeper and find this garbage is being bought inexpensively by pharmacies due to this. I already knew that it is legal to use up to 20% less of the active ingredient in generics, but thought the real difference was in the fillers used that caused some to work better or not as well with each individual. What we are allowed to call generics in the U.S., are so sub-par that it is not legal to do so in other countries. There is also both or either a "formulatory" and "biologic equivalent" to a name brand. There is a little something called the Orange Book. Mention that to your pharmacist and see the look on their face after they try to tell you a generic is the same. Most doctors are not aware of any of this. It absolutely is not the same unless it meets the two above approvals. I learned far more than I was even remotely aware of. If you dispute any of this, go to FDA.gov and see for yourself. It is a bit difficult to navigate at first, but it's all there. Once you know the NDC # it is easy. As far as a generic for Percocet or Oxycodone, the way only two that meet the criteria are Endocet or Roxicodone, that per insurance coverage, are not generics and cost a fortune. That being said, I have never had an issue in the past with generics previously and do not with other generics I currently use.
MacIntosh12
2 July 2013
Hi Anniebananie,
I don't feel any difference betwixt my generic oxycodone, but hang in there, others will agree with you I'm quite sure.
Do you've a preference of manufacturers? If so, talk to your pharmacist to see if they'll order your favourite just for you, it may work!
Best wishes to you,
Lara
Anniebananie12
3 July 2013
Hi Lara!
Thanks for your speedy response! I've been given generic oxycodone from at least 3 different manufacturers. The ones I like the least are made by Qualitest Pharmaceuticals. It might be that there is no difference, and that's why I'm asking the question here. I don't want to complain to the pharmacist if it's all in my head! LOL!
I've already received one other answer to my question, so we'll see what others think...
Anyway, thanks again and enjoy the holiday (that is if you're a US citizen)!
Annie
cpin_nc
29 July 2015
Hi Annie
I live witg chonic pain daily and also take oxycodne. I also noticed when the pharmacy changed brands to Qualitest that tgey were NO where near as effective. I spoke with my doctor, and she said "the different Pharasutical companies have to "tweek" generic a little due to patens on a drug. And each ARE different unfortunately. Therefore, ask your pharmacy for the brand that has worked best for you and tgey can order that brand; if they want, find a different pharmacy because I know even Ingles pharmacy can and will do this for patients."
Therefore that is what I did. However, I live in a very small town with only two pharmacies, and CVS told me "we can't order specific brands of narcotics for people; you get which ever brand they senf us." So the following month when I saw my doctor again, I told her what had been said. She suggested since there are very limited pharmacies neat me, and the fact I have a contract with all my doctors stating I will only use one pharmacy for all my medications (even non-narcotics) that I cal the corporate office snd explain my situation. After doing so I know recieve the "Amneil" brand , and it does work much better for me.
ayjeezy465
21 March 2016
Best 30mg oxycodone manufacturers are the blue ones: "M" inside a square, stamp is the best one, and the "V" stamp are 2nd best
katanaguy
13 Sep 2016
In regard to a pharmacy ordering a brand you desire... good luck with that one... Pharmacies in my area WILL NOT order a diff brand for you because the contracts they have specifically forbid them to do so. This goes for the large box store pharmacies mainly. That mfg gives them such a great price on a med but then says ... hey to sell it to you at this price we will not allow you to order another brand for any customer.
Now, the smaller independent pharmacies may be able to order per your request, but still dont count on it. Also some pharmacies are starting to NOT TELL who the mfg is prior to filling your oxy script. They fear some sort of danger... robberies, etc by telling who mfg is... at least thats their excuse byline. Its all a bunch of BS. We have the right to know what we are buying. Politics and greed again, folks. A friend of mine is married to a pharmacist and she says the things that go on in the drug mfg-big pharms world is getting downright scary.
Foreign drug mfgs are ruining the qualities of many former American made drugs she said. She said no doubt deaths have happened over all this but proving it is almost impossible she says.
Jwolf11508
2 Feb 2017
ive talked to both DR and Pharmacist and Dr puts only a certain kind to dispense and about Dec they changed again and i right away said WTF and was told the pharmacy gets the cheapest brand avail to give to patients and nothing he can do. i called every pharmacy within 40 miles and was told no by all of them and my medicare provider humana pharmacy and was told no time and time again as the ones i like are now 2xs as expensive. the worst of them all i think comes from a company called Zodous the 30s feel like a 10 or lower
annykat
7 March 2017
I have to go to Walgreens to get my meds. Their pill is round. Anywhere else, the generic to my oxycodone (percocet) is oblong & makes me itch!!
Chronicpainnashville
18 March 2017
Hello I've been in pain mngmt 17 yrs & yes I thought I was crazy & researched, asked pain Dr, pharmacist, insurance company. Yes different manufacturers put different buffers & fillers in there meds. That's why some help better than others. All are supposed to have the same active ingredient but if you take 30mg oxycodone & pharmacy's out so they give double 15mg & you take 2 at a time to make your 30mg that still doesn't give as good pain relief I've found. Each person's different bc DNA. Malinkroftd works best for me & I call my pharmacy 2-3 days ahead & they make sure my meds are in for me. If your a regular monthly customer at same pharmacy they should do the same for you. I use lidocaine 5% cream also & there's definitely a big difference in those! Hope this helps.
I don't know your location but I'm in Nashville & my Dr just closed & looking for caring Dr to continue writing my scripts ASAP b4 3-24-17. If you know anyone plz let me know. Thanks & hope you have a pain less day bc as I know chronic pain patients are never totally outta pain.
Tammytrehan1
14 April 2017
The 15 milligram oxycodoneHCL qualitest Work great for me recently they substituted it with mallinckrodt brand and they suck, almost no pain relief and, headaches dry mouth very, got my qualitest back yesterday, feeling so much better after just one pill
Blueironoxide
22 May 2017
I have been on and off oxycodone three times over 15 years. Indeed I have noticed some "batches" of this drug is either pressed tighter or the ratio is off, etc. I'm usually the guy who only speaks up when I don't feel they work. Or don't "feel " them. However this refill has me concerned. 1 pill 4 times a day. I take
2 x 2 a day. The first dose had me calling asleep standing up. I thought it was pack of sleep per weekend partying. But today I took just 1 10 mill and have the horse nods. Have been completely doped all day long. I take amphetamine 3 x day also
eSO YES. MANY TIMES MANUFACTURERS ARE INCREDIBLY STRONGER THAN OTHERS.
SAME WITH GENERIC ADDERALL. AND EVEN SAME MANUFACTURERS PRESS OF A BATCH IS REMARKABLY MORE POTENT THAN IT'S VERY OWN PRESS LAST TIME.
But I digress , this manufacturer ACTIVIS is frightfully strong. This coming crime a seasoned pharm prescribee
Hope this helps. Sometimes be wary of wishing more because this time I felt I think like someone nodding on Horse
annykat
22 May 2017
How do u know the manufacturer. Do u have to ask? I found that Walgreens is the only pharmacy that carries the generic that doesn't make me itch! All others plus the grocery store pharmacies carry the itchy one!!
tapstart2
13 July 2017
Hello Anniebananie,
Stumbled upon your comment browsing for other info... I totally agree. However Im not well informed on all the makers of the generics. But I deffinately tell a difference.
Your not alone hun.
Therese
lifer000
27 Oct 2017
You people don't realize the damage your doing to your Body, including but not limited to kidney failure,Gastrointestinal problems, your liver,and teeth to mention a few. That's the problem with treating chronic pain, You might want to look into the Butran patch it's (buprenorphine) a much safer alternative. Although there are no SAFE NARCOTICS . This one is reasonably safer than most. Good luck ..
ken kaliski
15 Jan 2018
I have been getting oxycodone blue in color for the last 4 years at CVS. Now they give me a whit in color and the pharmacy tells me there all the same. There all approved my the FDA. I disagree with him. I can feel the difference on how they take care of the pain. The blue is much better. If our government of the US is corrupt why cant the our drug company's be also. They can not talk to me like I am stupid because I am not. I change pharmacy's and now getting the blue in color. Don't let know ne try to talk to you like your not intelligent do you home work like I do and have all your facts in order and prove them wrong. Just because I am 71 I am still very intelligent and worry about the seniors who doesn't have anyone to help those who are less in there education.
kp602
14 March 2018
I feel empowered to report the ineffective meds which don't take pain down a few bars. If we go to pharmacists who don't listen, then we end up with the garbage they buy cheap. I demand to be valued as a customer. As a business woman, it is incredulous that we allow to be treated as if we do not matter!
Take your business and money elsewhere. The pharma industry is ripe for fraud. Many companies been busted. It is shame we can't put our experiences into a database to show pharmacies and companies we are ranking their drugs. I am into it. I am sick of having pain for a month, leaving me without any quality of life, due to generic of poor quality not effective in use. Report them. Call the
BTW, the brand or manufacturer name is located under name of drug and dose on your prescription bottle. It is usually in all CAPS and small but located on left bottom of label. The color and numbers printed on pills is useless, need to know who manufactures them. That is who ships these to or pharmacy and without using the name of company responsible, nothing to be done.
RHODES Oxycodone 15 mg is worse and sucks. No effectiveness at all. White oblong. I ask pharmacies to share which manufacturers names in stock, generics prior to filling. I will not waste another month in pain. Once pharmacy believes someone is noticing reporting or sharing their poor customer service, it changes. They told me to return within a couple of days to refill with another brand. Call first, so they have others in. Lots of work but if change is to come, we must be willing to stand up and shout the truth and experiences no one should go through.
Thanks everyone who share the manufacturer name with us all. I'm keeping a list of good and bad brands, so I knowingly ask for quality brands. Won't be stuck unknowingly again with poor quality!
Peace.
HypnosisWorks
20 June 2018
I believe the Rhodes brand I had was a mistake in production. I had Rhodes in the hospital and it was perfect. The FDA is looking into that very certain batch I got that did not work at all. All of the others have been perfectly fine except one batch from Rhodes. Thankfully, will soon be off it OxyContin.
taylor123456
20 Nov 2018
What helps the pain? Spondylolisthesis! Is what I live with. Euphoria, or pain relief. Stop with the one that "feels" better than the other. I want pain relief! No euphoria. Talk about pain relief. All the dumb crap. What makes people "feel." Take the pain away!!! Screw the feeling.
Related topics
oxycodone, chronic pain, generic, prescription
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- Oxycodone uses and safety info
- Oxycodone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Oxycodone (detailed)
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