I used to get them at eckerd. now the pharmacist said since the acquisition by rite-aid, they can only get barr. does anyone know of a chain/grocer/retailer that carries the malls or do i need to shop around more.. so far i am not finding anything. i did try emailing malinkrodt on the website. i also might make some inquiries at various pharmacies but it seems like a lot of work.

huh?? what on earth does that mean???

huh?? what on earth does that mean???http://www.mallinckrodt.com/

best generic version of dex. at least equal if not better than brand.

in OZ we have no malls..or mallinwhatever...

I'm right behind you, Trace...

Age wise, too..

I'm getting too old for this *rap....I swear...

I do not know of any of the big chains that carry them in my area anymore. Kmart pharmacy was special ordering them for me up until this January or Febuary, and then they told me that the Kmart corporate office contacted them and told them not to order them for me anymore. Turns out that they were not as profitable as the Barr generic. It really hurt my feelings as I have found the Mallinckrodt to be superior to the brand name after all these years. I was also sad because I could not find a pharmacy that could order them.

As a result of not being able to get the Mallinckrodt, I decided to switch back to Desoxyn for the summer (with my Dr's approval of course). It was nice since I had the summer off, but the Desoxyn made me a little too relaxed, and I knew that when school started back up that I really would need the superior mental stimulation I get from the Mallinckrodt dextroamphetamine. Well, I finally decided to contact a small privately owned pharmacy here in town that I had been avoiding for years due to a belief I had that they charged way too much (based on a price quote they gave me about 12 years ago), and it turned out that their distributor did indeed carry the Mallinckrodt version, and they were happy to order them for me. They also charged the same price that Kmart was charging me too. So far I have had a fresh supply each month, and all is well.

To make a long story short, I suggest that you try calling the privately owned pharmacies or compound pharmacies in your area. They usually have more options available to them as to what they can and what they can not order for you, compared to the big chain pharmacies who have to do what the corporate office dictates that they do. Hope this helps.

Thanks. Yes, i did call a private pharm today and the guy basically said he would get them but i might have to pay more (even with insurance)... it sounded like my insurance wont reimburse him enough. so i offered to pay the difference and he said he would probably do that. i dont have my new script yet so he said to call a few days before i get it.. sounds promising but i hope he doesnt try to milk me too hard...

It has been my experience that when paying out of pocket without having any insurance, that most pharmacist will take mercy if they can get away with it, depending on the drug. If we were talking about Desoxyn, or brand named Dexedrine then this would not apply.

There are no price controls for prescription drugs, and the pharmacies are allowed to charge what ever their market is willing to pay. That being said, they are obviously in the business to make a profit, and will not be selling themselves short. However, since most of their business comes from people with insurance, and most people with chronic conditions (like ADD) usually are insured, they tend to make enough profit charging insurance companies as much as they do to allow them a little freedom to offer deals to people in need from time to time. It's a great way for them to insure good word of mouth advertising in the community, and it is also a way for them to really help others in need. Even though they are in business to make money, it's important to remember that most people who work many so many years to get a career in a given medical field usually have a sincere interest in helping other people whenever possible. This has been my experience, and I have been paying out of pocket for prescription stimulants since 1992.

Hey barrtha, I'm not sure what dosage you are prescribed, but I have found that two of the 5mg immediate release Mallinckrodt tablets are actually stronger than one of the 10mg immediate release Mallinckrodt tablets.

The reason for this IMO is because the 5mg IR tablets are a generic version of the brand name Dexedrine, while the 10mg IR tablets are a generic version of the 10mg IR Dextrostat tablets. As you probably know, when it comes to immediate release tablets the brand name Dexedrine is only available in a 5mg IR tablet.

Generic drugs are allowed by the FDA to be as much as 20% above, or 20% below the bioavailabilty level of the brand name drugs. As a result, some generic drugs (most in fact) are near, or below the bioavailabilty of the brand name drug. Since Dextrostat is a "brand name generic drug," and is available in a 10mg immediate release tablet, it has been my experience that the 10mg immediate release generic tablets (i.e. Mallinckrodt, and Barr) are actually generics of the 10mg "brand name generic drug" Dextrostat.

Over the years I have taken the 10mg IR Dextrostat, and the 10mg IR Mallinckrodt, and the 10mg IR Barr tablet. I can say without a doubt that the 5mg version of the Mallinckrodt is by far the best. I find it to be better than the Dexedrine IR 5mg tablet too. In fact, Mallinckrodt partnered with Glaxo Smith Kline in 1999 to comarket the brand name drug Dexedrine. It turns out that since 1999 Mallinckrodt pharmacueticals has been manufacturing the chemicals that GSK uses for the production of Dexedrine. Some have theorized that the reason the Mallinckrodt tablets are better than the Dexedrine tablets is because the product is coming directly from the source (Mallinckrodt), and as a result it is a fresher product. I am not sure if that is why they are better or not, but I do know that I really like how the Mallinckrodt IR tablets do not have any dyes in them like the dyes that are used in making of the brand name Dexedrine tablets, and the Mallinckrodt tablets are actually a little smaller than the Dexedrine 5mg IR. It would appear that Mallinckrodt is using less fillers, and or binders to make their tablets than are used in the brand name Dexedrine, and slightly more active ingredient, IMO.

I spoke with a pharmacist at Mallinckrodt on the telephone about all this last December, and I was assured that the same active ingredient was being used in the Mallinckrodt tablet that is being used in the brand name Dexedrine. I told this person that is not what I was asking since I already knew that, but they would never give me a direct answer to my question. I kind of felt like they did not, or could not answer me directly on this issue. If I am correct in my opinion, then I can certainlly understand why they would not be able, and or willing to give a direct answer on this particular issue.

Oddly, many pharmacies across the country charge the exact same price for the 5mg Mallinckrodt IR dextroamphetamine generic tablets as they charge for the brand name Dexedrine IR tablets. I am fortunate to be able to get mine at about half the cost of the brand name. I get 400 of the 5mg Mallinckrodt IR tablets each month for $89.00, and the price for 400 of the brand name Dexedrine would cost me $180.

The only thing safeway had was dextrostat or barr so i went with the dextrostat and tried to get them to order the mal generics. The pharmacist just said "ill ask my wholesaler". He didnt seem pleased by my change from adderall to d-amp and sighed and looked sad when handing me the bottle.

Went by Target today and I can scratch them off the list as well. So far I only have costco, but i am already a member at 2 priceclubs and cant fathom joining a 3rd. i might have to go with the independant option and see what that guy will work out for me. its really scary how limited our options are now with all of the consolidation in the retail pharm industry. im starting to think i have a duty to drive a ways to go private out of moral duty alone.

i can scratch harris teeter off the list too...

anyone know about wal-mart, Sams Club, or BJs? i am tired of calling and getting shot down.

albertsons has them. but i don't know if that is just a northwest grocery chain ?

albertsons has them. but i don't know if that is just a northwest grocery chain ?yeah i saw that. unfortunately, we don't have those in my area.

Thanks. Yes, i did call a private pharm today and the guy basically said he would get them but i might have to pay more (even with insurance)... it sounded like my insurance wont reimburse him enough. so i offered to pay the difference and he said he would probably do that. i dont have my new script yet so he said to call a few days before i get it.. sounds promising but i hope he doesnt try to milk me too hard...

Nothing to do with the insurance...


The private, non corporate, pharmacy does not make as much money on a script because they do not have the drug company and insurance contracts a huge corporation does. The huge corporate pharmacy refuses to buy a different generic because it is not their contract brand and they lose profit by buying/selling non-contract items.

Every product is sold to different pharmacies at a different price, no pharmacy pays the same price for the same bottle of pills. The drug companies give HUGE breaks to pharmacy chains who sign contracts to stock their item. Pharmacies sign different contracts for different items: The same place may have a Barr contract for Dextroamp and a Mallinckrodt contract for Methylphenidate.

It breaks down like this:

AWP = Average wholesale price. This is what your insurance bases its reimbursement rate on and Pharmacies base their price on. Your insurance has no clue what your pharmacy actually pays for a bottle of pills, they only know the AWP.

Acquisition Cost = This is what your pharmacy actually pays for that bottle of pills.

Insurance Reimbursement Rate = This is based on your pharmacies contract with *your* insurance company. The insurance never pays the cash price for a script, they pay a lower negotiated cost (which is actually quite a bit less, 30-50% in some cases depending on the drug). It’s the cash paying customers that really get screwed, they pay the highest cost per pill compared to any other customer.

All pricing rates are based on AWP, *not acquisition cost*. Pharmacies pricing varies a little, but the formula is typically something close to: AWP x 2 + 5%. So if a pharmacy buys a non-contract (AKA: non-formulary) generic they pay more for the pills, but get paid the same amount for the script.

Example, Dexedrine:

http://llatikcuf.home.comcast.net/dex.jpg

First item, *brand name* Dexedrine 5mg tabs, 100 count bottle.
Acquisition cost: $45.05
AWP $58.01
(As you can see by the available quantity, they are on shortage from the manufacturer at this time)

Second item, Mallinckrodt Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs, 100 count bottle.
Acquisition cost: $9.32
AWP $27.83
Oddly enough, this is the pharmacies contract item. Not typical from the posts I read here.

Third item, Barr Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs, 100 count bottle.
Acquisition cost: $19.42
AWP $27.78
This generic is not a contracted item, it’s a non-formulary item at this pharmacy.

A customer buys #100 of *Mallinckrodt* Brand Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs. Pharmacy pays $9.32(acquisition cost) for the bottle of pills. Pharmacy charges (AWP x 2 + 5%) or (27.83 x 2 + 5 %) = $58.44 customer cash price. Minus the acquisition cost, the pharmacy made $49.12 profit.

The next customer buys #100 of *Barr* Brand Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs. Pharmacy pays $19.42(acquisition cost) for the bottle of pills. Pharmacy charges (AWP x 2 + 5%) or (27.78 x 2 + 5 %) = $58.34 customer cash price. Minus the acquisition cost, the pharmacy only made $38.92 profit on this sale - Effectively losing $10.20 profit or ~20% on this sale!

The two generics had almost the same AWP, yet lost the pharmacy 20% on the sale!

The next customer buys #100 of Brand Name Dexedrine 5mg tabs. Pharmacy pays $45.05(acquisition cost) for the bottle of pills. Pharmacy charges (AWP x 2 + 5%) or (58.01 x 2 + 5 %) = $121.82 customer cash price. Minus the acquisition cost, the pharmacy made $76.77!! profit on this sale, we love you brand snobs!!

Selling non-formulary products can make a big cut in the bottom line, hence the reluctance to order a different generic product.

-nate

Nothing to do with the insurance...


The private, non corporate, pharmacy does not make as much money on a script because they do not have the drug company and insurance contracts a huge corporation does. The huge corporate pharmacy refuses to buy a different generic because it is not their contract brand and they lose profit by buying/selling non-contract items.

Every product is sold to different pharmacies at a different price, no pharmacy pays the same price for the same bottle of pills. The drug companies give HUGE breaks to pharmacy chains who sign contracts to stock their item. Pharmacies sign different contracts for different items: The same place may have a Barr contract for Dextroamp and a Mallinckrodt contract for Methylphenidate.

It breaks down like this:

AWP = Average wholesale price. This is what your insurance bases its reimbursement rate on and Pharmacies base their price on. Your insurance has no clue what your pharmacy actually pays for a bottle of pills, they only know the AWP.

Acquisition Cost = This is what your pharmacy actually pays for that bottle of pills.

Insurance Reimbursement Rate = This is based on your pharmacies contract with *your* insurance company. The insurance never pays the cash price for a script, they pay a lower negotiated cost (which is actually quite a bit less, 30-50% in some cases depending on the drug). It’s the cash paying customers that really get screwed, they pay the highest cost per pill compared to any other customer.

All pricing rates are based on AWP, *not acquisition cost*. Pharmacies pricing varies a little, but the formula is typically something close to: AWP x 2 + 5%. So if a pharmacy buys a non-contract (AKA: non-formulary) generic they pay more for the pills, but get paid the same amount for the script.

Example, Dexedrine:

http://llatikcuf.home.comcast.net/dex.jpg

First item, *brand name* Dexedrine 5mg tabs, 100 count bottle.
Acquisition cost: $45.05
AWP $58.01
(As you can see by the available quantity, they are on shortage from the manufacturer at this time)

Second item, Mallinckrodt Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs, 100 count bottle.
Acquisition cost: $9.32
AWP $27.83
Oddly enough, this is the pharmacies contract item. Not typical from the posts I read here.

Third item, Barr Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs, 100 count bottle.
Acquisition cost: $19.42
AWP $27.78
This generic is not a contracted item, it’s a non-formulary item at this pharmacy.

A customer buys #100 of *Mallinckrodt* Brand Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs. Pharmacy pays $9.32(acquisition cost) for the bottle of pills. Pharmacy charges (AWP x 2 + 5%) or (27.83 x 2 + 5 %) = $58.44 customer cash price. Minus the acquisition cost, the pharmacy made $49.12 profit.

The next customer buys #100 of *Barr* Brand Generic Dextroamp 5mg tabs. Pharmacy pays $19.42(acquisition cost) for the bottle of pills. Pharmacy charges (AWP x 2 + 5%) or (27.78 x 2 + 5 %) = $58.34 customer cash price. Minus the acquisition cost, the pharmacy only made $38.92 profit on this sale - Effectively losing $10.20 profit or ~20% on this sale!

The two generics had almost the same AWP, yet lost the pharmacy 20% on the sale!

The next customer buys #100 of Brand Name Dexedrine 5mg tabs. Pharmacy pays $45.05(acquisition cost) for the bottle of pills. Pharmacy charges (AWP x 2 + 5%) or (58.01 x 2 + 5 %) = $121.82 customer cash price. Minus the acquisition cost, the pharmacy made $76.77!! profit on this sale, we love you brand snobs!!

Selling non-formulary products can make a big cut in the bottom line, hence the reluctance to order a different generic product.

-nateGreat post nate! Thanks for providing that great information. I'm grateful to learn more about this subject.

I have asked all the name brand chains, and they will not do it....Barr Barr they said.. I had to find an independent chain who wants my business and willing to order something for me. Sometimes these independent small chains are a lot cheaper in price. I went to CVS one time and was quoted 70.00 for the same drug he quoted me 39.99 for--so go figure....If you want something bad enough, you may have to drive to a neighboring town to get it..Sincerely...Jolie

If you want something bad enough, you may have to drive to a neighboring town to get it..Sincerely...Jolie

Good point.

I had to do that several years ago when I was first prescribed Desoxyn.