Though my doctor prescribed Sprintec (a generic brand of OrthoCyclen), the pharmacy gave me Mononessa (another generic) instead. So far it is going very well for me and I want to continue to take this brand instead of Sprintec. I know they're the basically the same but out of comfort I would like to keep using Mononessa. Is it possible for me to ask the pharmacy for this brand instead?
Can I ask my pharmacy to change from one generic brand to another generic brand?
- Asked
- 14 Aug 2017 by Bc1797
- Updated
- 15 August 2017
- Topics
- mononessa, sprintec, birth control, contraception, pharmacy, generic, doctor, prescription, brand
4 Answers
chuck1957
14 Aug 2017
Bc1797; The only reason they would not if it's a big chain and the big guys at the top say they can't buy that brand. But yes tell your pharmacist that this new brand really seems to help you and make you feel much better and is there any way they can keep it in stock for you. We did this all the time for customers that preferred the one brand. Remember to do this a head of time to make sure if it is not in stock they have time to get it. And if they won't You can call a few stores in your area and ask if they carry it in stock Then just give them the prescription number to the other store and their phone number and they can transfer it if the other store does not want to work with you. Good luck this really is not a big problem most of us at the pharmacy want to have the customer happy.
Bc1797
15 Aug 2017
I'm going to start calling around tomorrow. Thank you for your help!
crazygirl66
14 Aug 2017
Yes you can, just give them a few days notice before you need a refill just in case they don't have the one you want in stock because what they carry may change from month to month.
Bc1797
15 Aug 2017
Will do, thank you!
Beingillsucks
15 Aug 2017
You absolutely have the right to ask for whichever generic works best for you, however I have experienced that it is up to the particular pharmacy to do that for you. I have to take several different pills a day/night, and have for 20+years. I can tell you first hand that there is definitely a difference in the generic brands, as pointed out from the "fillers" that make it big enough to take, because the actual size of the medicine in some pills are the size of a pin. Especially if you are prescribed pain medicine. I have weaned myself down after 5 surgeries to about 3 or 4 oxycodone a day. After my life altering car wreck, I was on SO much more and frankly I had to be; because I would not have been able to live through what I had been through if not for the pain medicine.
I went from 40mg OxyContin 3x a day and 1200mg gabapentin (neurontin) a day and 30mg oxycodone (2x every 4-6 hours) AND celexa AND lyrica and it was SO exhausting. So I decided to wean myself down a few weeks after each surgery to something I would be able to handle that would not have me rely on medicine every time I took my wheelchair to my medicine cabinet. I am now on 4x oxycodone a day and that's it for pain. It was tough, because of the constant pain, but so worth it. My brain is less foggy and I can remember what I did earlier that day... lol. Anyway, I digress, as my point was that I have definitely noticed a difference in generics. Any HONEST pharmacist will tell you so. HOWEVER, as I said, not all pharmacies will order your preferred brand. I found a way to handle that: Call or go to different pharmacies a couple of weeks at least before you get your prescription written. Tell them that you need a specific generic brand and that it is the one that works best for you. Ask them to order it if they do not carry it. If they will not, that's because they are CHOOSING not to do it for you. After all, pharmacies always are busy doing something. Once you find a pharmacy that is willing to order it for you, make sure you tell them you will be a constant customer and notify your doctor of your change in pharmacies. Then stick to that pharmacy. I am always honest and look for the same in a doctor and pharmacy. It's not easy, but it is your LIFE. It is your HEALTH, which is the most important thing, especially if it's something you can take control of. You deserve what works for you, what helps you be healthier, and definitely to be treated with respect. Don't ever forget that!
Bc1797
15 Aug 2017
I heard similar things about fillers and side effects. That's why I wanted to stick to the brand I'm currently taking. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I wish you well and I really appreciate the advice. Thank you!
chuck1957
16 Aug 2017
Beingillsucks; there I got your name right this time, I just wanted to say I am so sorry for all you have had to deal with. YOU HAVE HAD MORE THAN YOUR SHARE. And also on the Generic's It is crazy that the companies can't share the inert ingredients to make them work even better many do just fine but it all depends on the person, and the Ingredients in them But as normal the DEA just does not care and sadly it comes down to money to all of them. thanks again and all the best of luck for you
FMTaherDO
15 Aug 2017
In my experience, the only large chain pharmacy that has worked for me in successfully ordering my preferred brand of medications has been CVS and a rural Walmart. Most pharmacists are very understanding and know that inactive ingredients play a role in absorption and as a result the effects. If you talk to a pharmacist, especially during non-peak times, I do not see why they cannot help you out. All the best.
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