[dolly]

Has anyone been able to tell the difference between the generic brands, Watson, Qualitest, or Mallinckrodt? I and my husband has been forced to use pain medication and My husband has to for the rest of his life. Watson seems to have taken over the market and when we take them, it works for one hour and then the pain is back and with a vengence! I have had and been using the Mallinckrodt and has had good luck with them. We use them as directed, My husband loratab and I the vicodin. Many years ago the qualitest were used but I cannot remember so do they work? Don't tell me that they are all the same, they are supposed to be, but they are not!!!!!! There is something wrong with the Watson quality control with it not working like it should. I found a web site that said 97 lies watson is not telling you". I know that reguardless it is all dangerous and addictrive but I will get away from this after my surgery, but in the meanwhile, qualitest or the mallinckrodt? Thanks to all that answer.

[Mr. M.]

I agree, Often the Rx will switch to generic brands because of insurance or they make more $ on them. I was switched to a gen. morphine . ,Ive been on the extended release 12hr. tab. I found that the gen. was not as effective and wore off after 6 hrs. I complained loudly to my pharmacist and insisted he give me the name brand. He did.and yours should too. If they say they cant ,then talk to your Dr. and tell him/her note your script"No Gen. Substitutes"and the Rx will have to give you the name brand. Most Pharmacists will do what ever they have to to keep you buying from them,so Speak up!

[doclakewrite]

I am not familiar with those brand names, but they are probably a generic brand of the original medication which holds the registered patent..Most generics can't be 100% the same as the original, because of differences in quality assurance, production, etc,I would stick to the manufacturer who produced the original if it works for you. Sometimes the clone has different salts added to it, which will alter it from the original.Some people build up a tolerence to this type of medication also, after a long time use.If you are doing this until you recover, then get the real stuff for now and be comfortable without the pain.As far as your hubby, I would do the same for his meds... if you are not getting relief from the original as well, then perhaps it is time the doctor switched the medication to something else.

[gillianprowe]

You do not state what the health problem is or are, let alone why you are being'forced'to use pain medication. If you are in pain, you need to see a Doc, both of you, get the diagnosis and then the Doc will take it from their. You mention surgery, so the Doc should be giving you relief until the surgery. Good Luck