Fiorinal With Codeine #3 (Page 3)

I've been taking 4 capsules per day for migraines and pain control. I've been taking this drug for 30 years and it seems like the only thing that works yet allows me to be productive. Since the unavailability issues about a year ago, it seems like they are now not as effective. It feels like they don't have the same amount of active ingredient. I agree that Watson was the best generic I tried. Does anybody know which manufacturer may be better to get from? I find I've been needing more like 6 per day and still am not getting the same relief. Any ideas?

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Greetings! What brand are you taking?

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Hi Chris! So sorry to hear about your situation. Migraines can be so debilitating. It seems all of us have had better results with Fiorinal #3 w/Codeine by the manufacturer "Breckenridge". Unfortunately, about three years ago, the generics were changed (I can't even find a "name brand" anymore) and the formulation is just not the same. Most of us are experiencing reduced effectiveness and more side effects. For me, I'm finding I need to take two at a time to get the same relief. Also, some brands like Watson and Lannett really seem to cause stomach nausea. So, almost any pharmacy will order them for you from Breckenridge if you ask. Good luck and I hope you find this manufacturer helpful. This change has affected so many of us who have been taking this medicine for 20-40 years. It's a shame the drug companies have to mess with a good thing. Peace and Love...~Diana

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FIORINAL WITH CODINE #3.. blue & yellow capsule. Diana...Thank you for your response. We are in similar situation, however I use fiorinal w/ codeine #3 for two separate issues (and it is the only thing that relieves pain for me after having been thru numerous pain clinics, including the Univ of Wash.) Around 35 yrs ago it was concluded that this was the one....two at a time 3 times a day. It allows me to lead my active life without being shredded in pain 24/7 as I'm sure the same with you and others participating in these conversations. Now a frightening dilema: my current insurance thru AARP (united) declines to provide coverage.... except out of pocket...which is in the hundreds ($$$) per month... I can't do it.....they suggest substitutes which dont phase my body...I'm trying to figure out how to go about shopping for a plan and new company that will cover this med affordably....Any suggestions? Recently I mistakenly left my retiree employee group insurance and went with AARP....OOHHHH, how could I ever have listened to that advice... My previous co pays (AETNA) were affordable -($8.00 for 3 months supply). unlike AARP (now) which jumped it to $90.00 for the same supply. And, now, a few months later, they inform me they're not going to cover any portion of it. Diana, you seem to have a good concept of this latest health/meds situation and I thank you for your time.

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Watson is the brand . They all have been weakened, but somehow we have no control of what's going on in this ole world.

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Hi....you ask for help as I am also....pls explain. Is it financial or your health program won't insure??

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Hi Chris. Boy...what a dilemma! I'm thinking you probably are already on Medicare, since you talked about retirement. I'm not involved with that system yet, but my Mom has had to checkout many supplements to her Medicare. I'm going to talk to her and also one of my friends to see if maybe I can at least find you a lead or place to find your answer. At one time, I paid $360 each month out of pocket, for three months. Then for about two years, I paid $80 per month. Mine now are $8.00, but I am fortunate to have good insurance through my husband's work. Let me check on this...I'll get back to you in a day or so. I just hate this crap from insurance companies and drug companies. They make decisions without even a thought as to how it will affect so many people's lives...it's just not fair. Oh, when I had no insurance at all, I got them from Rite-Aid with their in-store discount/pharmacy card and only paid $80. If there is a Rite-Aid close to you, check them out. Also, call at least 4 or 5 different pharmacies...ask them about discounts or "hardship" programs. You can work on that...I'll check on supplements to Medicare. Meanwhile, try to smile, and be extra kind to others...it will make you feel better!
Peace and Love, ~Diana

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W h a t ?? DIANA, I get it ! you saying I need to get married and on husbands ins again to get on a great program? That might be a thot, huh?,
Thank you for your time and talking with mom and friend . I sinerely appreciate it
And, your info about Rite Aid. Good lead,besides the fact of the pharmacy discountcard ( never ever thought I'd be in need of help) BUT , you know what? Besides writing appeal letters and your thoughts, Im confident I'll come across something again...hopefully find another supplement to medicare that does work with "quality of life" customers.....
Hey! Again thank you. Hope you are experiencing good things and your physician is understanding about the necessity for an increase due to the weeker formulas.

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Hi Chris. No, I'm not saying you have to get married, all I said was I didn't have the problem anymore because I have insurance now because I got married. Anyway...the only way you are going to be able to know for sure if the medication is covered is to call each insurance company you are thinking about. Everybody is telling me to go to Healthcare.gov for comparison shopping, and answers to all questions. By the way, you are aware that your physician has to submit a special form once each year because the drug isn't on most of the lists, right? I think it's called something like, "Exception for Non-Formulated Drug". The doc has to complete it and give the reasoning why you need it. Mine does it every year and there is never a problem. Good luck...sorry I couldn't be more help.

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Oohh, just teasing about getting married....just became a widow and am adjusting to this lifestyle at this time. Yes, I do now remember the fabulous coverage offered when we were all on husbands coverage....yep. Thx for info on healthcare.gov....that's something I haven't tried...and yes, the form "exception for non formulary....." is filed annually and for some reason they declined any coverage this year....actually, that's where I am at at this juncture (looking for an ins company that will cover it and that 's why I joined this discussion, getting ideas). All your info is most helpful, Diana, and your time spent is sincerely appreciated. thank you again.

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Hey Chris...I am so very sorry for your loss. I just can't imagine. I've been thinking about this, and here are a few more thoughts:

#1 - If the Exception form was accepted by your insurance in previous years, I don't think they can refuse it, all of a sudden. Unless, it's the first time it's been submitted to this particular insurance. I would definitely appeal that decision, either way, because you can prove you have been using the medication for many years. Sometimes, you just have to push a little bit, and as long as your doc is willing, I would do that first.

#2 - At the same time, you can investigate on Healthcare.org. You will have to do some research, ask questions and contact different insurances to ask specifically about your medication.

#3 - If all else fails, you can contact one of the manufacturers (Watson, Lannett, Breckenridge) and they will almost always work with you to get the medication at a reasonable cost, if not free. You can find contact info just by searching the internet.

#4 - In the meantime, if you are in dire straits, you can get over-the-counter aspirin with caffeine. Then your doc can prescribe Codeine Sulfate, which is just codeine. You would be missing the Butalbitol part of the med, but you may at least find some relief.

Good Luck! Peace and Love

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Me too Mickey! I have had a running script of Fiorinal with codeine since I broke my back in 2010. (it's the only pain med I've ever been able to take that doesn't make me nauseous due to the addition of butalbitol) I take two caps 3 times daily to manage the pain and lead a normal life. Like you, this med has always been a complete Godsend until about 3 months ago. My wonder drug now makes me sick, cloudy headed, and does 1/2 of what it previously did for the pain at best. I too am at my whits end. Last month I was able to procure a fill of the Breckinridge brand. Side effects went away. (although still very weak compared to a year ago). I just refilled my script from Breckinridge 4 days ago and this fill is now making me sick just as the Watson did previously. Someone has got to blow the whistle and find out what has been added as filler to cause these new side effects. As a forum, I would happily donate with others like you to have a capsule properly analyzed and then propose litigation. This HAS to stop.

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Christopher, I would also be willing to pitch in to have the recent capsules analyzed. I have no idea how we would go about that, but I'm in! I wish I had one or two left from three years ago when they were the real deal. It's incredible and should be unlawful for these drug companies to change medications at their whim. Maybe someone in this forum is an attorney or knows one who could steer us in the right direction? I'm going to do some research and see if there are any labs that do that type of thing. Great idea!!

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I too had to have my doc submit a special form in order to cover the quanity I am rxd each month. It's crazy but a once a year deal, thank God I know have descent coverage. I will say that most med sub drug providers will not even cover this med. I had to stick with traditional medicare, then go with cigna the only one who would cover this medication.

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Just a fyi. I have even tried Tylenol 4, with seperate script for plain fiorinal. That is not near as effective as well. I wonder if there is a way to get the meds with out any fillers?

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Diana hello.
I got some great ideas from you and thankyou. I'll keep watching posts to keep informed.....and hope you, too are getting answers. Christy

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DIANA: Have you ever tried the Fioricet? The butalbital and Tylenol W/O the codeine? That's what I take for migraines and it works for me. Also, I take something called Midrin which is isometh/acetaminophen/dichlor. Those work well for my migraines too. So I take the Midrin first, and if that doesn't work, then I go to the Fioricet.

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Hi KKH! Yes, I have tried all varieties of the compound. Unfortunately, I can't take acetaminophen. Also, the compound doesn't work at all for me without the codeine. After 35 years, I feel I've exhausted all efforts of finding a different medication. The only thing that has ever worked is Butalbitol/Aspirin/Caffeine/Codeine. Unfortunately, the drug companies have decided to mess with the production and include additives and I fear less of the effective compounds. I am SO glad you have found something that works for you. Thanks so much for your ideas!! We have to all stick together. Peace and Love!

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These can get weaker and less effective over time on their own. Maybe it has nothing to do with the manufacturer. Your body builds up a tolorance and they don't work as well. Making it seem like they are "different". That was my experience with them.

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I am looking for a physician in the San Francisco area who prescribes fiorinal. Does anyone have any suggestions? My old physician passed away. Thanks. spencer

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Hi Purple 210! Understandably, you can build up a tolerance for medications and they may feel weaker. However, I have been taking them regularly for 35 years and when the manufacturer changes happened about 3 years ago, I heard from at least 50 people who had the same problems at the same time. There was a definite difference in the process and the additives. Thanks for the idea though!!

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