What Medication Next?

flowergirl2day

I was asked to try a generic form of the CCB for thirty days. With great reluctance and against my better judgement, I agreed. I now know it was a mistake (because of my reaction to it) and will ask to be switched back to the brand name version. It will have to be ordered especially for me I was told. I don't care. I'll go somewhere else if I have to.
I was unsuccessful in my search for information about the makeup and bioavailability of this generic drug. The pharmacist who had convinced me to try it either did not know or would not say how to obtain more information.
As you say, some of the fillers not found in the brand name medication could cause us to have bad reactions. I feel differently somehow and still believe the pain I experienced was caused by the change in drugs. I know the generic should be as effective as its brand name counterpart. It is required to have the same active ingredients. I'll have to do some reading about our government's regulation of these meds. I am not willing to take any chances with my heart. What really bothers me is that after going back and mentioning what could be a potentially dangerous reaction I was told the drug shouldn't and wouldn't do that. (Of course!) I happen to be the only patient experiencing any difficulties (= it's all in my head). I wonder if this is true.
How do I get more information? Try to track down the manufacturer? In the absence of a package insert it's going to be quite difficult. Other than the name of the drug and a pharmacy printout (very basic) I have zero information.

flowergirl

famnd

Hi FG,

What is the name of the generic drug? I'll try to get the package insert at my pharmacy next week. The name & phone number of the manufacturer should be at the pharmacy. Pharmacists are reluctant to give out this info but will at least in the US if requested.

Although the actual drug is the same between generic & brand name, I've found there can be differences in the inactive ingredients.

With Thyroid meds especially Synthroid, most Endo's insist on the name brand because there is a difference in effectiveness with this drug when a generic is used.

I have to have my Labetalol special ordered from one manufacturer because I had a problem after several yrs with two different manufacturers. My b/p just kept going up for no reason. Plus the new pill made my stomach hurt even though I was following my heartburn plan to the letter. Only one drugstore in town is able to order the drug from a particular manufacturer. The rest buy the drug from the cheapest source. FAM

flowergirl2day

Fam,

The medication is Sandoz-Felodipine. There are many Sandoz-something or other drugs. I guess that's the manufacturer's name or is somehow associated with it.
I am not saying that the generics are bad at all! Just that this one is not agreeing with me. I am hoping I'll get used to it (would not want to inconvenience the pharmacy!).

I know the information must be obtainable. I should check out the government websites. Maybe I'll start with the government adverse reaction website. I don't have the time to deal with it now but could send off an email tonight if there's an address provided. I know I could also simply go back to my doctor for a new prescription and then another pharmacy.

There is a good chance this discomfort will clear up on its own. I feel I should give it a couple of days. I had the pills with me when making my inquiries. I was told by all three pharmacists that these pills should work as well as my regular ones.

FG