Fiorinal With Codeine #3
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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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I am in McKenzie TN and I need help locating a pharmacy to fill Fiorinal with codeine #3 (ACTAVIS). I HAVE A PRESCRIPTION FOR 150 X 2. Can you please help me find a drug store that carries it or will order it for me? It is the only brand that works.

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Re: Diana (# 17)

Diana, what type of doctor will also give you the extra codeine with nothing added I'd like to know thank you

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Re: Diana (# 2)

Wow 30 years? How can u take 4 and function after all those years? U can ask for the 4, or, increase the milligrams. 6 is way to many. Did u try the name brand instead of generic? Will b outrageous in cost though. Hope I helped you.I have exactly the same problems you do also. I get it!! These are the only things I can also take because of the mixture. Others make me sick!!!

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JSP versus Watson generic 'Fiorinal 3' - Does anyone have a comment on the efficiency of either of these generics?

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Re: Diana (# 61)

I'm looking for a new Dr in PA. Mine has gone out of network and I worry about finding a new Dr to fill fiorinal #3 rx.

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I'm allergic to acedemophine (sp) it makes me disoriented and have hallucinations.
I was prescribed Ascomp with codeine several years ago and it seems to work for me so far.

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Doesn't the codeine mess up your stomach? Ever since Watson became Activis, none of the formulas seem the same. Probably no one oversees it. FDA seems useless. No one listens to the patients that take this stuff. I like the Fiorinal tablets that worked the best, but they stopped making them (Activis) in 2013 and never warned us so we could have stocked up. I think stomach bleeding might be a problem. It's an old drug, but it's the only one that works.

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One additional thought. I have tension headaches and fiorinal and codeine is only approved by Medicare for tension headaches. I noticed many respondents here have migraine headaches. There are a number of products that were primarily for other things but have been effective in preventing migraines. If you suffer from migraines, you might want to see a neurologist. One example is neurontin. Developed to control epilepsy, it prevents migraines for some people. But there are about 1/2 dozen drugs designed for other purposes that have prevented or reduced the number of migraines. The most recent is the use of Botox. But if you want try to see if any of these can prevent your migraines, I'd definitely recommend that you work with a neurologist.

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Hi Diana. I'm a PhD, not an MD. When I first started taking fiorinal and codeine in 1975, the prescriber included the strength of the codeine. #1 had the least codeine and every other number was a doubling of the amount of codeine while the other ingredients stayed the same. I noted that someone wrote that they thought the amount of the active ingredient in one of the Meds (don't remember which one) may have been reduced. The more likely answer is when you take something long term, you reach a point where you develop a tolerance and you need more to get the same pain relief. I started with one fiorinal and codeine (they all seem to be number 3 now, so docs don't put a number on prescription.) Some years ago I reached a point where that didn't work, so I've had to take two pills to relieve my tension headaches since.

I have been at the maximum dose almost every day for a number of years. I've also discovered almost by accident that this works best for me as a general analgesic. I have been prescribed oxy and hydro codons, Vicodin and other drugs considered more potent for other acute conditions (shingles, bruised and fractured ribs). And those more potent medications never did a thing for my pain, so I stopped taking them within a couple of days.

I've learned, being a cancer patient, that how we react to Meds varies a great deal. I've seen someone in the chemo room, react so badly to a chemo drug, that an ambulance was called to take them across the street to the hospital. And other patients on the same chemo went through it with minimal side effects. And I think my body's response to fiorinal and codeine as an effective pain reliever while not responding to newer, more potent, drugs is an example of that.

So since the codeine with fiorinal also seems to lower the back pain caused by the effects of cancer in my spine, I had the thought that if it was still available in #4 strength, it would be worth trying to see if it provided more spinal relief. The standard, which is what used to be labeled as #3, is perfectly acceptable for my chronic headaches. I suspect the medication is no longer made with different amounts of codeine.

I'm seeing a pain management doctor now as well as my oncologist and radiation oncologist. My cancer isn't curable and I know that as the cancer grows, it will continue to create more issues with my spine. But there is a positive note here. When I was first diagnosed, the chances of passing the 5 year survival rate were very low. But thanks to new treatments that didn't exist when I was first diagnosed, I've already passed 7 years and I'm not yet even close to the end point. So I remain an optimist.

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Hi DrJohn! First, are you really a doctor?? LOL. Anyway, I have never heard of Fiornal w/Codeine (Butalbitol, Aspirin, Caffeine & Codeine 3mg) referred to as 1, 2, 3 or 4. I have heard Tylenol w/Codeine 3mg referred to as Tylenol 3's. Also, Percocet 5's (5mg codeine) or Percocet 10's. So, it makes me wonder if the numbers you are referring to may also coincide with the mg's of codeine. To my knowledge, they (Fiornal w/Codeine) has only ever had 3mg of codeine, but I'm sure it's possible. I'll do some research. What exactly does your prescription bottle say as far as the medication name and who is the manufacturer? Also, I'm so sad to hear of your illness...I just can't imagine. Thanks so much for your comments...we have to all stick together!! Talk to ya soon, DrJohn.

Peace, Love and Strength ~Diana

QUESTION FOR EVERYBODY...Have any of you heard of DrJohn's description of Fiorinal w/Codeine offered as #1, #2, #3 and #4??? Thanks!!

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I've been taking fiorinal and codeine for over 40 years for severe tension headaches. I also found it provides general anesthetic relief for other types of pain. Right now I am working with a pain specialist for back pain due to cancer metastasis to my spine. I have been on the maximum dose of the medication for about 20 years and it is still adequate for headaches. It does also bring down the spine pain a notch. It used to come in 4 strengths codeine #1-4. I have been taking #3 which seems to be the standard now. I have been trying to find out if the stronger #4 is still made, but can't seem to find an answer. I just want to see if that would help more with spinal pain. If it is available, it might help more with spine pain without having to increase the other ingredients like adoring and caffeine. If available, it might help if your body has acclimated to #3 and you feel you need more for headaches. Over the years no other opiate has helped me for any kind of pain. The more powerful cotons, vicaden and others have touched pain I've had for other reasons. For some reason this is the only effective med for headaches and helps with other acute pain situations. Even taking similar meds when I had to be off anything containing aspirin before surgery (like Tylenol and codeine) wouldn't help headaches.

If #4 F with C is still made, it might be the answer for you and me. But my searches don't show any evidence that is still available in that strength.

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Thanks. Unfortunately they did not. Then I was switched to Kaiser via work and they aren't allowed to prescribe it. So I am at a loss. The imetrex does not work. Thanks....

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Hi Christopher! No, I'm sorry, but I have not investigated any labs or costs involved. My plate has been quite full lately and my energies have been focused on some legal and financial issues for my disabled son. Maybe when I get out of the weeds, I'll have some extra time to investigate getting a lab, samples from different manufacturers and costs. Hope all is well with you!! Peace and Love...

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Hey Diana! Just checking in. Any luck on finding info about a lab that would analyze a capsule for us and what costs would be? ( I'm quite sure that we'd have No trouble finding an attorney that would love to represent!)

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Hi Spencer! Unfortunately, I am in Pennsylvania, so I can't be of any help. Hopefully somebody else will see this thread and be able to help you. When your doctor passed, did they refer you to another doctor. Usually when one takes over patients from another practice, they continue with the same treatment you were already receiving. Good Luck!!

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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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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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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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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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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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