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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 21:23:51
In reply to Re: Generic Ritalin Too, posted by Mark H. on October 9, 2001, at 18:45:50
> I have noticed a large difference in potency between different makers of methylphenidate, the generic equivalent to Ritalin. How do you tell who made it (it's not shown on my prescription label)? The last two batches have been called "Methylin," and they have a capital "M" in a square box on a white pill, 20mg strength.
>
> While it's not a big deal for me to simply take more, since I have good insurance, it would make a huge difference to someone on a limited income paying out of pocket.
>
> Anyone else have this experience with generic Ritalin?
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Mark H.I guess a simple thing to do would be to ask your pharmacist what lab makes your pill. My pills had the whole word Mylan written on it. The Greenstone version have a G and some numbers.
Posted by Elizabeth on October 12, 2001, at 10:16:04
In reply to What I learned today about alprazolam, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 19:55:56
> The lab that made the alprazolam I used to get is Greenstone and my pharmacist said they are owned by Upjohn (who makes Xanax) and therefore are very similar, if not identical in formulation.
They are identical, except for the markings on the pills. As such, you can expect Greenstone alprazolam to be reliable.
Whenever I fill a prescription for alprazolam, I make sure I'm going to get the Greenstone generic. If the pharmacy doesn't carry it, I'll go somewhere else.
Generics are *supposed* to be equivalent to the brand-name drug, but I think that there are some cases that slip through the cracks where, because of different inactive ingredients in the pills, the generic has poor bioavailability relative to the brand-name stuff.
Just my $0.02...
-elizabeth
P.S. Ever since the lorazepam thing, I've made a point of boycotting Mylan drugs.
Posted by kid_A on October 12, 2001, at 10:21:38
In reply to EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!!, posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 3:45:50
This may be just me, but I've also seen posts that others have experienced this, I feel that Geneva pharacuedicals generic Xanax is somewhat weaker than Upjohn's brand version...Geneva has their own plant, so I dont know what process they go through to make it, and it has a bioequivalency rating of AB, which I think, Is slightly under an A rating...
I'm thinking of having my doctor write, brand name only on my script so my insurance will cover it... Otherwise its a bit expensive to get the brand name for Xanax...
Posted by Collete on October 12, 2001, at 10:33:57
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by Elizabeth on October 12, 2001, at 10:16:04
> > The lab that made the alprazolam I used to get is Greenstone and my pharmacist said they are owned by Upjohn (who makes Xanax) and therefore are very similar, if not identical in formulation.
>
> They are identical, except for the markings on the pills. As such, you can expect Greenstone alprazolam to be reliable.
>
> Whenever I fill a prescription for alprazolam, I make sure I'm going to get the Greenstone generic. If the pharmacy doesn't carry it, I'll go somewhere else.
>
> Generics are *supposed* to be equivalent to the brand-name drug, but I think that there are some cases that slip through the cracks where, because of different inactive ingredients in the pills, the generic has poor bioavailability relative to the brand-name stuff.
>
> Just my $0.02...
>
> -elizabeth
>
> P.S. Ever since the lorazepam thing, I've made a point of boycotting Mylan drugs.I am boycotting Mylan as well and telling EVERYONE I know about it too. Be sure you give your pharmacy several days to order the Greenstone for you because if they are like mine (CVS), they are no longer ordering from Greenstone because of their new contract with Mylan.Also, as mentioned above, this is taking place in many of the large chains, such as Walmart, as well.Take notice when you refill your next script if the price has gone up....I am not sure, but I think mine went up. Collette
Posted by abajo on October 12, 2001, at 21:48:46
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Elizabeth, posted by Collete on October 12, 2001, at 10:33:57
Hey Collete.....I'm really pissed at Mylan. I've been taking xanax for over 10 years and know how it affects my body. When I got my refill from Mylan yesterday I still had some xanax from Greenstone. So I didn't notice a big difference yesterday. But I sure as hell did today. Had several panic attacks and some pretty intense anxiety. I had to take twice as much mylan xanax as greenstone's just to make it through the day. It was like taking candy. I emailed mylan tonight and asked them for a refund. I was pissed off. I told them that if they didn't refund my money I was going to send one of my tabs to an independant lab to analyze it. I wonder how they will respond to that. This xanax is just not right. Either it got to hot in transport or it is an old lot # that has lost it's effectiveness. I really tore into them with my email. I paid good money for a bad product. I may contact a lawyer on monday to see if anything can be done legally.
Posted by madeleine on October 13, 2001, at 13:02:19
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by abajo on October 12, 2001, at 21:48:46
I never expected that there would be any difference between the generic and the brandname version of lorazepam until I tried them both--not only was the generic version a poorly made product (tended to crumble, which was a big problem for a medication that I needed to carry around in case I needed it) but it was not nearly as effective as the brandname product. Don't quote me on this, but I read somewhere that a generic is only required to demonstrate 80% effectiveness in clinical trials when compared to the original brandname product. I try to get the brandname whenever possible--in my state the doctor has to specify at the bottom of the prescription 'DAW" (dispense as written), otherwise the pharmacy automatically dispenses the generic (even if the brandname is written in the body of the prescription).
This is not to say that there aren't good generics out there, but my theory is that their manufacturers are not necessarily as invested in quality control/effectiveness as the original patent owner.
I don't take Ativan anymore, but I have to say it was a stroke of brilliance to manufacture them in the shape of a capital A . Instant recognition, great product design.
madeleine
Posted by Collete on October 13, 2001, at 13:20:56
In reply to I had a similar experience with generic Ativan, posted by madeleine on October 13, 2001, at 13:02:19
> I never expected that there would be any difference between the generic and the brandname version of lorazepam until I tried them both--not only was the generic version a poorly made product (tended to crumble, which was a big problem for a medication that I needed to carry around in case I needed it) but it was not nearly as effective as the brandname product. Don't quote me on this, but I read somewhere that a generic is only required to demonstrate 80% effectiveness in clinical trials when compared to the original brandname product. I try to get the brandname whenever possible--in my state the doctor has to specify at the bottom of the prescription 'DAW" (dispense as written), otherwise the pharmacy automatically dispenses the generic (even if the brandname is written in the body of the prescription).
>
> This is not to say that there aren't good generics out there, but my theory is that their manufacturers are not necessarily as invested in quality control/effectiveness as the original patent owner.
>
> I don't take Ativan anymore, but I have to say it was a stroke of brilliance to manufacture them in the shape of a capital A . Instant recognition, great product design.
>
> madeleineI am pretty sure that I just read that the culpret in the case of Ativan was Mylan Labs also. I think generics can be useful for those who don't have insurance, provided they are from labs with a proven track record for making the generic. At lease, when trying a new generic, those of us who are now aware, will know what to watch out for! This is such a wonderful board, I only wish I had looked for it sooner! Collette
Posted by Elizabeth on October 13, 2001, at 16:50:50
In reply to Re: I had a similar experience with generic Ativan » madeleine, posted by Collete on October 13, 2001, at 13:20:56
> I am pretty sure that I just read that the culpret in the case of Ativan was Mylan Labs also.
Me too. They're pretty sleazy. :-)
> I think generics can be useful for those who don't have insurance, provided they are from labs with a proven track record for making the generic.
I think that if you're trying a new generic, it's probably a good idea to take note of which company makes it so that if it's less effective than what you're used to, you can avoid it in the future.
> This is such a wonderful board, I only wish I had looked for it sooner! Collette
You've made some great contributions. I'm glad you're here.
-elizabeth
Posted by Gracie2 on October 15, 2001, at 0:50:18
In reply to Fake Xanax by Mylan Labs!, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 13:37:34
Walgreen's gave me a generic brand of Xanax by Purepac, a round peach pill. If you have to buy a generic brand maybe this one is better than Mylar.
Unfortunately, this is my first prescription for Xanax so I have nothing to compare it to myself.
I sleep a lot more.
-Gracie
Posted by Ted on October 15, 2001, at 10:39:57
In reply to Re: I had a similar experience with generic Ativan » Collete, posted by Elizabeth on October 13, 2001, at 16:50:50
I have generic ativan (lorazepam) that is made by Purepac (white, round, scored tablets). It seems fine. My previous prescription was a different generic (white, 5-sided tablets) and it was fine also.
Ted
> > I am pretty sure that I just read that the culpret in the case of Ativan was Mylan Labs also.
Posted by Joy on October 16, 2001, at 21:07:20
In reply to Alprazolam by Purepac, posted by Gracie2 on October 15, 2001, at 0:50:18
> Purepac genric Xanax is a good one; I've had it a few times, and it works fine.
Joy
> Walgreen's gave me a generic brand of Xanax by Purepac, a round peach pill. If you have to buy a generic brand maybe this one is better than Mylar.
> Unfortunately, this is my first prescription for Xanax so I have nothing to compare it to myself.
> I sleep a lot more.
> -Gracie
Posted by Cardio on December 5, 2001, at 13:08:18
In reply to Re: EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!! » Abajo, posted by Collete on October 11, 2001, at 18:04:51
Where did you get your script filled? Interestingly enough, I've run into the same problem with CVS here in Tampa, FL, and if I could get your Pharmacist's name and number, maybe he could talk to the pharmacist here.
Thanks,
Chris
> Your informative posts have been terrific and thank you. I will contact Mylan Labs now ( I wasn't planning to) because it just MIGHT help. I definately don't want a freeie from them though! Basically what I have done is notified my GP as well as my Pdoc so that they are aware. Also, of course, the CVS drugstore that special ordered my new script from Greenstone knows and the pharmacist said he'd notify the managers. Still, I will WRITE them a letter as well. I hope people see these posts here so that they don't have to experience what we have described. This has been quite an education. I never even THOUGHT about who made my drugs before this! Collette
Posted by Snowie on December 7, 2001, at 20:13:18
In reply to Re: EVERYONE TAKING GENERIC XANAX......!!!, posted by Cardio on December 5, 2001, at 13:08:18
I'm in Tampa, Florida also, and I get the Greenstone brand at certain of the Eckerd Pharmacies. You might have to call around to see which ones carry it though.
Snowie
> Where did you get your script filled? Interestingly enough, I've run into the same problem with CVS here in Tampa, FL, and if I could get your Pharmacist's name and number, maybe he could talk to the pharmacist here.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris
>
>
> > Your informative posts have been terrific and thank you. I will contact Mylan Labs now ( I wasn't planning to) because it just MIGHT help. I definately don't want a freeie from them though! Basically what I have done is notified my GP as well as my Pdoc so that they are aware. Also, of course, the CVS drugstore that special ordered my new script from Greenstone knows and the pharmacist said he'd notify the managers. Still, I will WRITE them a letter as well. I hope people see these posts here so that they don't have to experience what we have described. This has been quite an education. I never even THOUGHT about who made my drugs before this! Collette
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 8, 2001, at 2:16:20
In reply to Fake Xanax by Mylan Labs!, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 13:37:34
Hi...I am almost affraid to post here...but here goes...
I have now been on the 'Greenstone Labs' version of Alprazolam for 5 days. I had been getting Alprazolam from Mylan for over a year now (handled 'my' anxiety/panic attacks very well). I had heard all of this before on another thread here, so I decided to check into it for my own sense of wellbeing.
My WalMart pharmacist was MORE THAN willing to order from Greenstone Labs for me. I have to tell you all, that I feel NO DIFFERENCE from the Mylan batch of Alprazolam and the Greenstone Labs batch of Alprazolam.
I hear what you are saying, but..for me the two generics act the exact same way in 'my' body.
Sorry to be the sour grape here in the bunch!
P.L.
> Are there any others out there besides MickRock and myself who have recently refilled their perscription for alprazolam and been given the new generic by Mylan Labs? It is a round, white pill and it is NOT effective. Maybe there is a little bit of drug in there, but nothing that you can feel. I didn't even realize this was what caused my problem yesterday morning, until I read MickRock's post and put it together. I woke up yesteday just filled with anxiety and within a few hours had a panic attack. I don't have panic attacks! I take Alprazolam to help me sleep and with the help of Mylan Labs, I got to go off it cold turkey! I am so furious and just want to warn others who may be refilling their perscriptions soon, that the Mylan Labs version on Xanax is not good. Collette
Posted by gilbert on December 11, 2001, at 10:54:24
In reply to Re: Fake Xanax by Mylan Labs! » Collete, posted by Pamela Lynn on December 8, 2001, at 2:16:20
P >L >,
Well I have read your posts and enjoy them thouroughly. I know we had that little tete et tete last week over the mylan xanax. It is possible that my mylan xanax was just as good as regular. I have sent them back today and if I was wrong and the strength and dosage bioflav. is up to snuff I will owe you and others includding Mylan a huge apology. I promise to post the results....not sure how long before they get back to me but when they do I will let you know. Don't be afraid to post upstream....LOL it is was makes this board so significant.....we are all not just a bunch of sheep. So I am glad you have the courage to go against the grain. We got off on the wrong foot and for that I am sorry. Good Luck.
Gil
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 11, 2001, at 11:14:46
In reply to Re: could have just been my lot number, posted by gilbert on December 11, 2001, at 10:54:24
Thank you very much for your words Gil. As for us getting off on the wrong foot...no harm, no foul, ok?
P.L.
> P >L >,
>
> Well I have read your posts and enjoy them thouroughly. I know we had that little tete et tete last week over the mylan xanax. It is possible that my mylan xanax was just as good as regular. I have sent them back today and if I was wrong and the strength and dosage bioflav. is up to snuff I will owe you and others includding Mylan a huge apology. I promise to post the results....not sure how long before they get back to me but when they do I will let you know. Don't be afraid to post upstream....LOL it is was makes this board so significant.....we are all not just a bunch of sheep. So I am glad you have the courage to go against the grain. We got off on the wrong foot and for that I am sorry. Good Luck.
>
> Gil
Posted by Mr. Roboto on April 13, 2003, at 17:43:21
In reply to Re: could have just been my lot number » gilbert, posted by Pamela Lynn on December 11, 2001, at 11:14:46
I have been on Xanax (1mg four times a day) since September 2002. I'm taking the brand name and had no problems until yesterday when I got my script filled again. I get mine in blister packs, complete with LOT/BATCH # on it and expiration date.
It seems like this latest batch isn't working hardly at all. I'm going through withdrawal and had a panic attack yesterday. It isn't that bad, but I suspect a problem with the bioavailability.
I have a blister pack with a different lot/batch number on it and just took one. I'll let you know if that works any differently.
I never went to this particular pharmacy before either, so that could be the problem too. I live overseas in Indonesia and can't get generic Xanax here. Only one available is made by PT Upjohn Indonesia. 1mg tablet is purple, scored, with XANAX 1.0 stamped on it. The US version is more bluish than it is purple.The cost here is 41 cents per 1mg tablet.
Doctors here easily prescribe Xanax if you have panic disorder like I do. I've tried over a dozen meds prior to resorting to Xanax and I've found that over time, Xanax is the best and it has knocked out all my panic attacks successfully since I've been on it...although it took a few weeks for it to really break down the agoraphobia and panic. I was feeling great until yesterday..
From now on I'm going to get my script from the previous pharmacy.
Mylan sucks... I used to take diazepam (Valium) and also have had clorazepate (Tranxene). I tried Watson's generic for Tranxene and it was definitely stronger.
Generics can be off by 20% in bioavailability.
This is a fact. If you are within 20%, you are within USP guidelines. I suspect though that Mylan just sucks and is probably right at minimum or even out of spec.
Posted by TampaJoe1 on May 12, 2003, at 11:26:43
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by abajo on October 12, 2001, at 21:48:46
Can you tell me the markings on the Alprazolam from Greenstone for 0.5 mg.? I cannot find it in the PDR nor can I find it anywhere. If you can, please post.
TampaJoe1
Posted by Rayray on May 12, 2003, at 18:44:24
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » abajo, posted by TampaJoe1 on May 12, 2003, at 11:26:43
The tablets are a pale orange color, about 1/2" long, and oval in shape. One side is scored and the other has "G3720" embossed on it.
Hope this helps!
> Can you tell me the markings on the Alprazolam from Greenstone for 0.5 mg.? I cannot find it in the PDR nor can I find it anywhere. If you can, please post.
> TampaJoe1
Posted by MattD on May 13, 2003, at 19:43:01
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam, posted by Rayray on May 12, 2003, at 18:44:24
I noticed a definite difference between my Geneva alprazolam and PurePac. The latter didn't work well at all. I chose my pharmacy because it carried Geneva. I've noticed (and I've heard of a number of others who have too) definite differences between various generic Klonopin and brand.
I even noticed a difference between my 80mg brand Prozac and generic. The latter made me feel highly agitated.
With Klonopin and Prozac, I started with brand both times. When trying generic I noticed definite differences. I started with one type of generic xanax and noticed a difference between it and another generic. I think that one's reaction to changes has much to do with what you've started with; this is natural to expect given the variability that the FDA allows between generic and brand.
Matt
Posted by mu-receptor on December 30, 2003, at 23:35:20
In reply to Generic xanax, klonopin, etc., posted by MattD on May 13, 2003, at 19:43:01
Whose brand are mine? They are peach, oval, and scored on one side with "GG 257" on the other.
Posted by Phillipa on February 21, 2005, at 10:10:15
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Cam W., posted by Abajo on October 10, 2001, at 19:01:23
Here is the company link that you can direct to ask about the drug and also the board of directors are listed if you want to single them out!:" http://www.mylan.com/contact/"
Posted by sm100378 on March 23, 2006, at 16:56:28
In reply to Re: What I learned today about alprazolam » Collete, posted by Cam W. on October 10, 2001, at 0:28:01
My Xanax says the pharm is "Sandoz".
Posted by crimsonvik on September 21, 2007, at 23:06:20
In reply to What I learned today about alprazolam, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 19:55:56
Mine is Greenstone. Very good.
Vicki
> The lab that made the alprazolam I used to get is Greenstone and my pharmacist said they are owned by Upjohn (who makes Xanax) and therefore are very similar, if not identical in formulation. So now I have to have my Dr. specifically request that the generic Xanax I get be ordered from Greenstone Labs. Whatever Mylan Labs is putting in their version of Alprazolam, for MY BODY, it is so close to ineffective as to cause me to inadvertantly go cold turkey after taking this pill for two days! Maybe it's just that this formula doesn't work in my body, but I just find that so hard to believe ....it's either alprazolam or it is not. Whatever...just be aware if your generic company is switched on you! My doc got me some Xanax to see me through until my order of alprazolam from Greenstone labs comes in. I don't get any insurance coverage, so getting a good generic is pretty important to me. Collette
Posted by rizer1320 on July 13, 2008, at 9:24:47
In reply to Fake Xanax by Mylan Labs!, posted by Collete on October 9, 2001, at 13:37:34
It is all in your mind.I personally believe the mylan 2 mg tablets are the strongest generics on the market.Now if you have been prescribed a lesser milligram, their potency level, is in fact less, however for a pill to be a generic it has to be only 80% real alprazolam, and the rest a filler.But as far as being fake, i have random drug tests from my employer, and in fact, alprazolam triazlo benzodiazipine shows up every time.So you should stop thinking so hard, and maybe have your doctor prescribe you a higher milligram.I fully understand anxiety, but don't be a dope fiend.Thanks, Eric.
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