Mallenkrodt Brand Fentanyl patches Vs others

[Richb69]

I have been using the patches for over 2 years now.  all seemed to be working OK.  This week however my Phamacy did not have the full amount of patches I need so I had to go elsewhere.  I usually get the Mylan brand but this pharmacy had the Mallinkrodt only.  I also used another brand once Teva I think it was, large Pink patches and had no problem. After about 18 hours after switching to the Mallinckrodts I started to feel badly and the pain was increasing.  I checked the adhesion of the patch and it was fine.  I actually have a call in to Mallinckrodt to ask about this.
I seached this topic on the web and found several post about the same problem with the Mallinckrodts but no real answers at all.  Does anyone have any info on this?  I will comment again after I speak to the manufacturer.

[Richb69]

Thanks for input.  I don't think the Doc was implying that a different dose was given just that he is sayiny there IS differences in generic Meds. After this experiance I now believe him. Manufacturer took my info and said it would be reported to FDA.
Next time I will for sure check ahead with drug store to assure I get the brand(s) that work for me.

[bravesfan]

I totally agree with the poster that suggested you keep in touch with your pharmacy and make sure they will have what you need in stock on the day you need it.  I used to do that.  There was one med I took and only one manufacturer worked well for me.  I would always call them at least a week before my due date for refill to make sure they would order enough if they didn’t have plenty in stock.  They received 3 shipments per week so that was plenty of time for them to order if need be.  Just keep on top of it even if you feel like a pest.  It’s worth it to have a good month.  Take care.

[Mother2710]

If I use mylan I have a month of pain. Alvogen works best for me. Mallinkropt is fine. For whatever reason I can use Mylan and besides pain I also have restless legs which to me is an indication of withdrawal as if I’m not getting the same amount of medication. Generics can vary by as much as 20% of active ingredients. I am on the lowest affective dose. After the roller coaster ride of cutting my meds in half and finally getting back on the same dose I’d been on for over a decade I got my strength increased by 12mcg. We should have a choice in brand clearly some work for some and not for others. The dea cuts in production have interfered with our choices. I think Mallinkropt is not producing for some reason maybe in protest at lawsuits. By the way Alvogen costs the pharmacy $150 more for 15 patches than mylan. Mylan is manufactured in WV and Alvogen in California. Imho mylan is junk at least for me. I also use hydrocodone for breakthrough pain and one manufacturer of that generic makes me sick to my stomach. We are all different and should be able to get what works best for us. I’m fed up with everything I have gone through in past several years.

[tmobley0524]

I have alot of problems with this brand. mallincodt brand these don't work as well and I have a big problem with adhesion. If I get hot they stick to my clothes and come off. You can only get a 30 days at a time. So if one falls off I have to hurt until my next patch is due.  I have complained called and written but they are not caring. I have horrible back pain after my disc failed and I was injured my spinal cord during surgery. My PHARMACY won't change brand.    I    don't know what to do. I have called but no reply. Any suggestiog8g

[backhurtz]

You can apply tegadwrm or opsite patches over the fentanyl patches. These help ensure they don’t fall off.
It is EXTREMELY important not to let the patches get overheated to avoid dumping of the fentanyl into the tissues .

[Pierce380]

Walgreens sales a tape called by Nexcare that tape stays on even in the shower.  Much cheaper than tegaderm.

[Weathergirl21]

I politely disagree with the Dr. above in that I can't imagine any Pharmacy would substitute an entirely different dosage of patch just because they didn't have the one your normally take. That would be deadly and cause for a lawsuit....

The laws in the US are very specific for generic medications before they are approved and available to the public.


The generic must have the same active ingredient or ingredients and the same labeled strength as this reference product. It must have the same dosage form-tablets, patches and liquids are examples of dosage forms. It must be administered the same way, for example, swallowed as a pill or given as an injection.

They may have different "inactive" ingredients or "fillers" but this must not interfere in any way in the administration of the medication.

Some of the fillers can cause stomach issues which can cause discomfort...

You can read all about this on the FDA website. I have used generics for most of my 11 years as a CP patient as I haven't had insurance for the last 7 years. I have found no difference in the quality of the meds minus a bit of nausea in some medications but this subsided within a few weeks.

There is a lot of misinformation out there on the internet about certain generic manufacturers but you have to take things with a grain of salt as people come online to complain about a medication, product, or pretty much everything about 90% of the time in relation to about 10% of people coming online to say how good something is working.

It may just take some time for you to get used to the new patch or work it out with your Pharmacy to find out when their deliveries are of the patches that you prefer. I always call my Pharmacy first and they are kind enough to keep in stock the amount that I need of my medication as they know I have been using them for the past 11 years.

Good luck..

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
If you have changed the brand of the patch due to non-availability of the one you use, please inform your doctor about this. The brands can differ regarding the strength of drug released from unit patch area.
The Mylan Fentanyl Patch is usually available in five different sizes. The 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 18.75, 25 cm2 patches deliver fentanyl at the rate of 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 micrograms/hour, respectively. The Mallinckrodt patches are available in the following strengths: 25, 50, 75 and 100mcg/hr. Since both are generic alternatives to branded patches, they can differ in their effectiveness even if you buy Mylan and Mallinckrodt patches with same release rate. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.