Adderall (brand) v. Barr (generic)

[lvesq1906]

As many of you know, Shire sold Adderall (instant release) to Barr for 63 million dollars. Now, Barr manufacturs both the brand and a generic for Adderall.

This seems a bit odd to me. Given this, does anyone have any insight on what the potential difference would be between the brand and generic, which are both manufactured by Barr? I have heard many complaints about Barr, and most people who can afford the brand version of Adderall, swear by it. Is the brand still superior, now that it's manufactured by Barr?

[amnorvend]

I'm taking Barr generic. Haven't had any problems.

[spunkysmum]

I posted this in another thread yesterday - I went back to Barr this months after three months on the Eon, and even though it looks the same, it's not the same product. Little to no Adderall rage most days, and smoother and more effective.

[butterfly67]

So the Barr generic is blue and oval and say's b 972 on one side then other say's 10?
I think I got the generic unfortunately. I hope it works the same. The script said "DAW".
If Barr own's both,Generic and Brand, I would think they'd be very simular.

[HighFunctioning]

Originally Posted by butterfly67

So the Barr generic is blue and oval and say's b 972 on one side then other say's 10?
I think I got the generic unfortunately. I hope it works the same. The script said "DAW".
If Barr own's both,Generic and Brand, I would think they'd be very simular.

Either that, or the pharmacy didn't follow the instructions carefully.

But yes, your description describes Barr generic 10mg MAS. I believe the number is correct also, but it's been a while since I've taken 10mg.

[butterfly67]

Can I call and have them change it to right one? Or is it way too late,as I already got my prescription? I will call the Dr Monday and tell them and see if they can rewrite it, because I'd like the Brand for the first time at least. And tell them the Pharmacy messed up.

[HighFunctioning]

I'm not sure.. (I've never tried it). If your prescription had the word "Adderall" written on it, along with the dispense as written instruction, then I'd think that you'd be entitled to an exchange, as the pharmacy gave you the wrong pills. I wouldn't think that a new prescription would be necessary as it was the pharmacy that didn't dispense the correct pills (they would have to look up your filled prescription). If you've taken any of the generic pills, then the story might be different. But then again, I'm not sure as I've never have been in this situation.

[butterfly67]

I only took 2.5 mgs. (cut up like 6 pills to get them to a lower dose) today. They could maybe give me a new script or what do you think? The script did say Adderall, DAW on it, i read it first to make sure, but i didn't read the prescription bottle, should have, now I am mad at myself!

[spunkysmum]

Originally Posted by butterfly67

So the Barr generic is blue and oval and say's b 972 on one side then other say's 10?
I think I got the generic unfortunately. I hope it works the same. The script said "DAW".
If Barr own's both,Generic and Brand, I would think they'd be very simular.

Can't help you on that one - mine are orange.

[butterfly67]

I called the pharmacy and the pharmacist said that the Dr had typed DAW on there but didn't there wasn't a line and his name signed on the line under DAW? So, she couldn't give me Brand Adderall. And also, they don't carry Brand Adderall there, they'd have to order it and it'd take a week. I told her next time I will ask the Dr. for Brand. But I have to make sure my BC/BS covers. Does anyone here know if BC/BS cover's Brand name Adderall? And how much it cost's? I can't compare the two as I am taking 2.5mg a day right now, and don't know how they affect a person differently- meaning which one is better.

[darius]

I work in a pharmacy. Unless the doctor writes out "Brand Medically Necessary" in his hand writing, the pharmacy will not fill them with brand name. Having worked at different pharmacies, I know that it is the same everywhere. There is pressure upon the pharmacy and pharmacy staff by the district manager to fill as many generic prescriptions as possible, because the pharmacy makes more money off a generic script. You can always request brand name, that is your right, however if you request brand, they will input a "2" (patient request brand) into the system instead of a "1" (BMN from doc), and a lot of times with the "2", the insurance will charge you more or be more likely to have you wait for a prior authorization than with a "1" being in that place.

Also, pharmacy's are not allowed to take back medications once they have left, but like a lot of things at the pharmacy, it is up to the on-duty pharmacist's discretion. The nice/push over pharmacist's will most likely do it. The stiff ones will not. It just depends on your relationship with them and their nature. It's not supposed to be like that, but thats how it is. I will have customers come in and say that the "other pharmacist" let them do it, when I deny them their request. This also goes for getting controlled meds filled earlier than the allotted time they are supposed to be used in. Some pharmacists don't check, some let it slide by a few days, and some will make you wait till THE day. Again, its up to the individual pharmacist.

[t-bird]

How do you know what kind of generic you have? The brand name is not listed on my bottle.

[JRayV]

The brand name is usually abbreviated on the bottom right of the label somewhere around the date. For example, "BRR", "EONL", something like that. If not, ask your pharmacist what brand it is. They'll know.

[lars]

Originally Posted by t-bird

How do you know what kind of generic you have? The brand name is not listed on my bottle.

You can always do a Google search for "drug imprint ID code" and there will be several drug imprint code finders to help you identify whatever prescription medication you might be trying to ID.

Here's one that I have used before: http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/ar...ticlekey=79140

There are probably others out there that are more comprehensive, or have more bells and whistles, but this one has always worked OK for me.

[butterfly67]

The pharmacy (not my regular pharmacy), I went to today ( my usual one didn't have the Adderal XR 5mg 60 tabs, in stock), I went to today called BC/BS for me to see if Brand Adderall XR was covered by them and it was ( $15 copay). I was suprised she called them and gave me Adderall Xr form Shire,as my Dr. didn't write DAW on the script. hould have gotten generic, but glad I didn't!