Hi Mrsd

I was wondering if you can tell me anything about the reports that generic oxycontin will be pulled in January 2007 due to a patent issue.

Is this true? In your opinion, is there any big differences between the generic and name brand?

I ask because I take 60mg-80mg a day of the generic. I took the name brand years ago, but I have been on the generidc for quite a while now - and I have heard from some patients that switching from the generic to the name brand has caused an increase in their side effects.

Anyway, I generally try not to worry about any difference between generic and name brand, but in this case with so many patients reporting negative effects from the switch - well, now I am a tiny bit worried and was wondering if you would be able to share any info you have about the discontinuastion of the generic, and any difference between the generic and name brand.

Thank you!
Liz

This is a patent infringement issue, similar to the one surrounding Plavix.
https://www.fhsc.com/news/ClinicalAlerts/CA_2006-09.pdf

If all the generics do go off the market, your insurance should switch back and pay for the brand. I do not believe a RECALL is in place however. Existing
supplies may still be available, for a short time.

As to effectiveness...this is very hard to predict. CPers really have specific
responses to things. I have read the most and heard the most confusing
claims over the years.

I can't predict what will happen for you, Liz. Perhaps nothing at all?
Sustained release products are dependent on the GI tract and speed of
transit thru can affect rates of absorption. Rates are allowed to vary according to the FDA within certain % limits, and faster dissolving products usually give a faster onset.
This is true with Watson vs Mallincrodt controversies. Watson's tabs are very soft, and M's are harder. So there are subjective perceptions of effect due to dissolution.

I am not working retail now, but our narcotic department at the facility where I do work does not have advance letters yet on this. This leads me to think existing amounts are enough to last for a while yet. Only the SALE is ended by Dec 31st by the company to wholesale distributors...all product sold before that can be used. As regions use the generic up, reports will come in
if any subjective effects are common. You might be lucky and get to see those.

It is all terribly confusing ..all the jockeying around. So I can understand you are concerned. If I hear anything, I'll PM you lickety split.

Thank you very much!

I never had problems with the name brand when I took that years ago, so I think that I will have no problems with going back to the name brand... but seeing patient reports of having difficulties had turned my anxiety up a bit....

.... if this was any other time of year I could/would have ignored that slight anxiety rise fairly well, but during the holiday season my anxiety skyrockets, and this tiny bit extra anxiety due to worrying about my meds was really bothering me.

So, now I can put that medication anxiety to rest, and focus on just the holiday stress

Thank you Mrsd! I hope you have a happy holiday season