MLACHAKE
03-14-2005, 06:00 PM
Hi Everyone,
I went to pick up my Rx last Wednesday and my Pharmacist stated that he only had the Generic Patches(Mylan). Figuring that they were the same as the Janssen Patches I told him to go ahead and fill my Rx. However, I have noticed that I am having withdrawal Symptoms: some fever, headache, nausea etc... and when I did some research found that Generics are allowed to have 20% less or more medication than the Brand Name.
Is there anyone else who has experinced withdrawal symptoms while taking the Generic Duragesic Patch? I am starting to feel really sick and have been thinking about calling my PM Doc but do not know what to tell them as it was my decision to get the Generic and not the brand name.
Anyone have any suggestions? I would really appreciate it. I have been on the Patch since October 2004, I started on the 50MCG which was not working so they moved me to the 75MCG. I was taking the Oxycontin 10 mg x 3 a day for a year previous to the patch
I went to pick up my Rx last Wednesday and my Pharmacist stated that he only had the Generic Patches(Mylan). Figuring that they were the same as the Janssen Patches I told him to go ahead and fill my Rx. However, I have noticed that I am having withdrawal Symptoms: some fever, headache, nausea etc... and when I did some research found that Generics are allowed to have 20% less or more medication than the Brand Name.
Is there anyone else who has experinced withdrawal symptoms while taking the Generic Duragesic Patch? I am starting to feel really sick and have been thinking about calling my PM Doc but do not know what to tell them as it was my decision to get the Generic and not the brand name.
Anyone have any suggestions? I would really appreciate it. I have been on the Patch since October 2004, I started on the 50MCG which was not working so they moved me to the 75MCG. I was taking the Oxycontin 10 mg x 3 a day for a year previous to the patch
Sponsor
SheSparkles
03-14-2005, 06:39 PM
[QUOTE=MLACHAKE]but do not know what to tell them as it was my decision to get the Generic and not the brand name.
Hi there,
If you are insured, it was not your decision to get the generic patches in all probability...it was the insurance company's. There is, however, another generic patch that is made by the same folks that make the Duragesic patch and distributed by Sandoz. That is the generic to ask for and use, in my opinion. I use the patch and switched from the brand to the Sandoz and have had no problem and have heard of no problems. Folks on the Mylan patch seem to have similar problems to you. Next month, know where you are going to be able to buy the Sandoz patch and for now, ask yr Dr. if you can use a higher amount of rescue meds for this month. The pharmacies are getting in the Mylan patch but all you need to do is gently insist on preferring the Sandoz version and most smaller pharmacies will be happy to oblige.
Sparkles/ShineOn
Hi there,
If you are insured, it was not your decision to get the generic patches in all probability...it was the insurance company's. There is, however, another generic patch that is made by the same folks that make the Duragesic patch and distributed by Sandoz. That is the generic to ask for and use, in my opinion. I use the patch and switched from the brand to the Sandoz and have had no problem and have heard of no problems. Folks on the Mylan patch seem to have similar problems to you. Next month, know where you are going to be able to buy the Sandoz patch and for now, ask yr Dr. if you can use a higher amount of rescue meds for this month. The pharmacies are getting in the Mylan patch but all you need to do is gently insist on preferring the Sandoz version and most smaller pharmacies will be happy to oblige.
Sparkles/ShineOn
Kaylbe
03-16-2005, 01:02 AM
I've just finished my first box (#5) of the 100mcg Mylan generic patches. I haven't had any problem with them. In fact, I'd say they may be working a bit better than the Duragesic brand patches. The Mylan brand are made differently than the brand and Sandoz versions. They have no "resevoir". The entire patch consists of a thin plastic backing with the fentanyl in the adhesive next to the skin. I don't know about the other strengths, but the Mylan 100mcg's are about 1.5 x 2.5 inches. I think any increase in it's effectiveness might be due to the fact that these Mylan patches really do stick to the skin and stay stuck (without the use of the Bioclusive.) My upper arms are already thanking me! I haven't tried the Sandoz generics. But right now, if I had to choose between the brand Duragesic and the Mylan generics, I'd go with the Mylan. They also save me $20 a month on my co-pay.
Just my opinion.. YMMV!
--Kaylbe
Just my opinion.. YMMV!
--Kaylbe
SheSparkles
03-16-2005, 11:27 AM
[QUOTE=Kaylbe]But right now, if I had to choose between the brand Duragesic and the Mylan generics, I'd go with the Mylan. They also save me $20 a month on my co-pay.
This good to hear...I was hoping the Mylan patch wasn't a total flop since many people have to go on them if the others are not ordered. I'm glad for you and happy you can report good things for others here.
SS
This good to hear...I was hoping the Mylan patch wasn't a total flop since many people have to go on them if the others are not ordered. I'm glad for you and happy you can report good things for others here.
SS
tbmbjm
03-28-2005, 08:38 AM
Hi,I'm a newbie here! I am almost finished with my second prescription of the Duragesic made by Mylan and will have to call my doctor today as I am running out early again! I am having to apply them every 2 days or the severe pain returns,uncontrolled by my breakthrough medicine of Vicodin. The 1st time I ran out early he increased my dosage from 50 to 75,to allow me to get them before scheduled time. Now,I am in the same predicament! With the name brand Duragesic at 50,I was able at times to go 4 days before replacing. I have insurance,and the generic costs me $5,versus $75 for the name brand. Since I am tight on money being on disability, I was trying to go with the generic. When I call today, I am going to see if he can prescribe the generic in 50,every 2 days,instead of 3. Does anyone know if they are allowed to do that,since they are supposed to last 3 days? Thanks for any input!
SheSparkles
03-28-2005, 10:46 AM
[QUOTE=tbmbjm] Does anyone know if they are allowed to do that,since they are supposed to last 3 days?
I just happen to know the answer to that question......the Dr. is allowed to write for the patch change to occur every 48 hrs. ; mine does as well as many others. A few Drs. are stubborn about it...most are fine.
SS
I just happen to know the answer to that question......the Dr. is allowed to write for the patch change to occur every 48 hrs. ; mine does as well as many others. A few Drs. are stubborn about it...most are fine.
SS
Director
03-28-2005, 01:26 PM
Mine too. When I was on the Duragesic patches about two years ago my doctor wrote the script to be changed every 48 hours. Like SS said, most docs don't have a problem with it, but there are a few that feel that if the instructions say every 72 hours, that's what it needs to be. Most people can't go 72 hours and need a change at about 48 hours, some can go a little longer.
SheSparkles
03-28-2005, 03:21 PM
Mine too. When I was on the Duragesic patches about two years ago my doctor wrote the script to be changed every 48 hours. Like SS said, most docs don't have a problem with it, but there are a few that feel that if the instructions say every 72 hours, that's what it needs to be. Most people can't go 72 hours and need a change at about 48 hours, some can go a little longer.
Hey Director,
Are you still on the patch? If so do you like it? If not why the change? Just nosy :):)
SS
Hey Director,
Are you still on the patch? If so do you like it? If not why the change? Just nosy :):)
SS
Director
03-28-2005, 03:40 PM
I'm not on the patch any longer, mainly due to increasing tolerance and also the need for BT meds. My doctor switched me over to Methadone and although I'm at a high dose, I seem to be pretty much stabilized at the 180 mg per day. I'm also not taking any BT meds. The long half life of Methadone allows me to sleep through the night and you aren't waiting for the time you can have another dose of medication. Since it works good with nerve pain, I've found it to be pretty good in my case.
surgicaldisaster
03-28-2005, 04:57 PM
I hope it's o.k to kinda butt in here, but SS you said you had a spray you used with the patch if needed for irritation from the adhesive(?)...I was wondering what it was, because i was on the patch once and it was WONDERFUL. The best pain relief i EVER had...but I became terribly sensitive to the adhesive and when I'd take it off, bled. My Dr. didn't think there was anything he could do, so i went off it. I would have loved to have gone back, and maybe could if i could find a way to keep the skin under control. Also, now that there is a generic, it's a real possibility, cuz my insurance won't cover a drug unless it's generic(even if it has NO generic!). So, if you don't mind sharing I'd appreciate it....this could be a good option for me at this point...but, also, do you like to hang in the sun? I DO ...i love to lay out in the sun and did not know if this would be a big deal(but i wouldnt think so...no more thanjust being outside(?)) . Any input you could give me would be so much appreciated! When I read your posts about the patch, I remember that being the best pain relief and I miss it a lot!! Thanks in advance my friend.....Love, Surg :wave: :angel:
SheSparkles
03-28-2005, 05:52 PM
Hi Surg,
I am off to see my Dr. for my 3 month appt. but will be happy to fill you in on "patch particulars" when I get back later this afternoon. I think the generic is a really good option to consider now, as there are at least 2 generics available; different adhesives as well. Will write more later.
Sparkles
never on time :):)
I am off to see my Dr. for my 3 month appt. but will be happy to fill you in on "patch particulars" when I get back later this afternoon. I think the generic is a really good option to consider now, as there are at least 2 generics available; different adhesives as well. Will write more later.
Sparkles
never on time :):)
cpapp31
03-28-2005, 10:13 PM
I am on my second generic Rx for Duragesic. My first Rx was the the Sandoz, which were great. I do need to change the patch every 48 hours.
My second Rx was the Mylan generic, very very bad!!! I change them every 48 hours and still I am having problems. The are not as good as the Sandoz. On the secand day I feel like I am having withdrawals. I have three more weeks until I can refill for the Sandoz generic! I hope I can last!
Take care,
Cpapp31
My second Rx was the Mylan generic, very very bad!!! I change them every 48 hours and still I am having problems. The are not as good as the Sandoz. On the secand day I feel like I am having withdrawals. I have three more weeks until I can refill for the Sandoz generic! I hope I can last!
Take care,
Cpapp31
SheSparkles
03-28-2005, 10:46 PM
[QUOTE=surgicaldisaster]I hope it's o.k to kinda butt in here, but SS you said you had a spray you used with the patch if needed for irritation from the adhesive(?)...I was wondering what it was,<
You kin always butt in...just because you are you...:)
Nasarel is one of the sprays but essentially any spray with a topical steroid. Betamethasone...any steroid. Should help lots.
> because i was on the patch once and it was WONDERFUL.<
Yep, I get sounding like a broken record but I must give your sentiment a high 5! I have never imagined such efficient relief. I hope you try again and this time go for the Mylan generic. It is quite different in structure from the Duragesic and the Sandoz generic.
SS
oh and you MUST let us know how you do!
You kin always butt in...just because you are you...:)
Nasarel is one of the sprays but essentially any spray with a topical steroid. Betamethasone...any steroid. Should help lots.
> because i was on the patch once and it was WONDERFUL.<
Yep, I get sounding like a broken record but I must give your sentiment a high 5! I have never imagined such efficient relief. I hope you try again and this time go for the Mylan generic. It is quite different in structure from the Duragesic and the Sandoz generic.
SS
oh and you MUST let us know how you do!
bryan25503
03-29-2005, 01:44 AM
the spray is called nasonex nasal spray, you spray it on the area where you are going to put the patch on and let it completly dry, you then apply the patch where you sprayed and it keeps away the irritation, blisters and sores, this nasonex is a script meidication so you will need your doctor to write you a script for it. also my wife use's the Durgesic 25mcg/hr. patch and my father use's the Durgesic 50mcg patch and both have a medicade card, which is the state insurance(through the welfare office- Dept. Of Health and Human Resources) and when they went to get their refills they thought they would be getting the generic because most insurance would rather pay the generic price, when we went to pick them up the pharmacy filled them with Brand and not Generic, they said the insurance would not pay for the generic but only pay for the brand name Durgesic Patch....Has this happened to anyone else and does anyone know why they are only paying for Brand....I know it has something to do with money as always but I thought this was so odd...... let me know if you have had this experience.............
Brian
Brian