Fiorinal With Codeine #3 (Top voted first)

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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Dear Fellow Suffers: I begin taking fiorinol and codeine almost 30 years ago. At that time 30 pills cost around $12.00. The price since then as gone up at least 20 times and the formula is different. I am extremely disappointed in the manufactures of this product, and I have no idea why they would charge a working medicine for a product that doesn't perform as well. My feeling is that they added something that would prevent overuse. Formally, I could take one or two pills and continue working even with a migraine. It was truly miraculous! However, I am now looking for something more effective. I know that oxycontin as gotten a bad reputation, but it worked as well as the old formula of fiorinol and codeine (generic). I plan to ask my doctor about a change of prescriptions. In the meantime, shame on the pharmaceutical industry for their greed and disregard for people who genuinely need help. And extra shame on the industry for not disclosing changes made to existing formulas on medications used my people who depend on them for pain relief and the ability to function in everyday situations.

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Hi headache suffers, I have come to the conclusion that the Fiorinal with codeine made by Watson/Activis, Lannett, Brekenridge and whoever, Brand or Generic, all are being made weaker and with more fillers and are government controlled. That's why they all are not working as well as they used to! Of course, the pharmacists won't agree with this, naturally. They took a good drug that worked well and screwed it up and are making people suffer. What to do? Guess I'll have to ask my neurologist the next time I go, but I just hate to start changing to other medications and start over again. Any suggestions anyone?

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Hi Diana and everyone! I am at a standstill. For 20 years, Brand Watson fiorinal with codeine was working great until the last year when here and there they were making me feel sick. (Maybe bottom of the barrel). Anyways, as I stated last month, I tried generic "Breckenridge" and at least they didn't make me feel sick .. BUT, I've noticed they work 50 percent relief. Now I don't know what to do. Can anyone tell me what manufacturer works for them, and are they "brand" or "generic"? Has anyone tried "Qualitest" manufacturer? I am thinking of maybe trying the brand by Watson again. I am so confused. Any suggestions from anyone please?

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Hi Alexi, I agree with what you are saying about the manufacture of fiorinal with codeine. Years ago, you took one pill and it worked perfectly with no side effects and made you feel productive. They were a Godsend. For the last 2 years I would say, they are definitely different. Either they don't work, make you feel ill, etc. I read somewhere that government cut the strength, but the pharmacies won't admit to that fact. For many years I have used the Watson Brand until they actually made me feel SICK. I then switched to Watson generic and they hardly worked and made me feel sleepy after about 1 1/2 hours. I won't take Watson / Activis anymore and switched to Brekenridge generic. They seem to work the best out of all the other manufacturers. The strength is not like it used to be but to me at least they give relief without lousy side affects. The last 2 years have been hell between the changes in these pills and the BS with the pharmacy. I am a senior with other problems and don't need all this stress over pills that I need to function. Hope I helped you in some way as you are not alone.

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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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I have been taking fiorinal with codeine capsules for 20 years made by Watson and get "Brand". For the past 6 months, about 3 of my refills have been making me feel "worse" after I take them. I get dizzy, pressure in my temples, and feel sick until they wear off. It seems like manufacturer changed the formula or added or deleted something. I told my pharmacist, and he suggested to try another manufacturer. Can anyone tell me what brand works for them? I would also take a generic if it works. I have tried "Lannett" , but they didn't work AT ALL. HELP!

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Hi Diana - Thanks sooo much for your answer. Yesterday, after taking another Watson Brand capsule and feeling lousy again, I waited 3 hours and took a "Breckenridge" generic that I had from last year and it CLEARED my head up after 15 minutes. I went to the pharmacist today, told him I couldn't take the Watson anymore, and suggested "Breckenridge" which he ordered for me, coming tomorrow. I'm going to try them again. Any relief is better than feeling sick. I will let you know the outcome. Over the years, I have been given other manufacturers and didn't really pay attention, but did notice over the years that some worked better than others. The past year or two, they have been getting weaker and less effective. I will keep you posted with the results, and THANKS for answering.

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Diana, oh, and by the way, the pill is a blue and yellow capsule with "B074" on the yellow part.

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Diana, the pill is blue and yellow with "B074" on the yellow part.

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Hi Diana, (again), ha ha. We are not the only ones with this problem. My cousin is having the same problem also. She has taken Watson generic for over 30 years and said they are not the same anymore. She has to take two at a time the last year. What a shame for us women sufferers. I definitely think these headaches are caused by hormones, or lack of. I might give the Watson Brand one more try and then the Brekenridge generic after that if I can. The Lannett did not work at all. Thanks and let me know if anything changes for the better.

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Hi Ann, Diana, and Mickey! Hope you all are having a good day, with low pain. Just was doing some research, and seems that the manufacturer, Watson, now Activas, has made a change in all the pain medications they produce, which supposedly keep or reduce ppl that abuse these meds. My issue is that we do not deserve to needlessly suffer, as these changes have obviously affected those of us who use for chronic pain conditions, in their not working the way they used to. What I do not know, is if this affects all other manufacturers. I tend to think not, as I get much better relief with other makers. Hope this is of help to someone. Peace and love.

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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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After my post this morning, I will ask for a generic made by "Brekenridge" which seemed to give some relief after awhile which I tried last year. That's providing Walgreens can get it for me. I don't trust Watson anymore as they were making me feel worse instead of better. All this stress over these pills is giving me a worse headache. Anyone have any suggestions as to what to get at this point. Seems like a lot of people are having problems the last year with this drug. Thanks!

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Hi Ann. I agree...it's so frustrating when drug companies are telling you something is "the same" and you know darn well it's not. I wish I had the money to have the pills analyzed to proved they are filled with other junk, then I'd sue those companies and take the money and manufacture the medication correctly for all the migraine sufferers in the world!! Sometimes I dream of three years ago when they were made properly. Good Luck to you, girl! Peace and Love...

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Hi Diana .. And many hugs to you too. We all have to stick together and give each other advice. I have been taking the Brekenridge for almost a year now, and so far they are the best of the bunch. Not as great as the Watson from years ago, but those days are over I presume do to changes in controlled substances from the government. Last year was a big hassle between getting a script from the primary dr. To getting fiorinal from the drugstores. Nowadays, you have to see the neurologist. .. Then find a pharmacy that will order for you. They always seem to be out of fiorinal. This is the ONLY thing that works, and I just hope nothing changes again. I just can't take the stress anymore. Xo Mickey

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Hi Jobe .. We are all friends here sharing similar problems. You are not alone. I have saved my bottles of fiorinal from years ago ... Watson, Brekenridge, Sandoz, etc. (empty of course) . About 6 months back, I called Sandoz and they told me they didn't make the generic fiorinal anymore. So, the ONLY one that works is the Brekenridge. The Watson and Lanette either do not work, or make you feel sick. So, Brekenridge it is. Have a good day. Mickey

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Greetings Diana and Mickey)
Thank you so much for sharing and your friendship. I can't tell you how much you've all helped take away the fear, anxiety and confusion with the Alzheimer's. My wife is a wonderful advocate, but wasn't sure how to go about with the issues I was having with the med basically not working. The Breckenridge is working, and my doc changed my breakthru med from Lorcet to Tylenol 4, (another cp issue) Maybe this can be of help as adding a Tylenol 4 has made a huge difference.

Peace, blessings and love.
Jobe

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Just wanted to wish all my fellow headache sufferers a pain free day. Hope everyone is doing well.
God bless,
Jobe

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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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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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