Morphine Sulfate - Generic For Avinza (Page 2)

I was in an auto accident 8/21/96 and ever since then I have been dealing with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). For the last 11 yrs I have been on Avinza 270 mg (2 120mg, 1 30mg once a day) by King Pharmaceutical and now my ins company is insisting that a generic is made and sold in the US by Acatavis Elizabeth. I cannot see anything current that it has been released. There is a legal suit between King and Acatavis because it states a generic cannot be released until 11/2017. Generics do not work for me and right now I'm fighting it, but would like to know if it is true about Avinza being made and sold in the US by Actavis. Please let me know if you're able to, I would surely appreciate it. Thank you!

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I take 90 avinza and no longer can get it generics don't work I had a allergic reaction to it why can't they continue to make name brands for those who need it or choose it

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Hi Yanni, how are you making out on the embeda? I went to my dr yesterday and requested the embeda. I'm usually on 270mg of the Avinza/morphine sulfate, but since there is no 270mg he gave me 200mg. I'm not sure if this is going to be strong enough, but tomorrow it comes in to my pharmacy and I start taking it. I hope it works, I'll let you know how it effects me. Thanks for everything! I sincerely hope it is working for you!!!

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Hi Lorraine. I'm honestly not sure about the Embeda yet. If I stay with it, the dose will need to be increased. The humidity in Pa has been horrible over the past two weeks and the unsettled weather has always affected my pain levels. I'm hoping for a few consecutive nice days before I ask the Dr. to increase the dose. I've noticed a few side effects that I'm not happy with, but they could be because the dose isn't correct yet. What I have found is that I am very tired, some nausea, sweating, and a dull headache. These symptoms seem worse about every three hours. So after taking the Embeda, in about three hour increments, these symptoms increase. I'm thinking that the drug is releasing about every three hours. If that's the case, the Avinza released more evenly.Even on the Avinza, I would have similar symptoms when my pain would increase. So the symptoms are not new to me, and I'm not sure yet if they are present because the dose isn't correct and my pain is increasing, or if it's the Embeda. I will say that I am thinking it's the Embeda because of how tired I am. Increasing and constant pain definitely makes me tired, but this tired feels different. This is why I hate changing my pain meds. There are too many variables that come in to play and there is always an adjustment period for me when my meds are changed. Even after all of my complaining, the Embeda is still better than the generic Avinza and that is a very good thing. Please let me know what you think of the Embeda after you get started. Good Luck!

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Hi Lorraine. I am curious to know what you think of the Embeda. I hope it is working for you. I see my Doc this week and I think I am going to ask to try something else. I truly believe that the Embeda would control my pain like the Avinza did if we increased the Embeda to 240 mg per day, which is what I was taking of the Avinza. I can't seem to get over this tired feeling with the Embeda. I am hoping that the Embeda is working for you.

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Hi Yanni, I'm sorry the Embeda is not working for you. I do feel tired also, but not as much as when I was on the morphine sulfate by Actavis Elizabeth. My heart isn't racing or slowing down and beating very hard with the Embeda. I'm also still in pain all the time too. Living in Jersey I know what you mean about the humidity, it's a killer. I was on 270mg of the Avinza and morphine sulfate, but only 200mg on Embeda, it's not enough. I have to thank you again for letting me know about the Embeda, because my doctor certainly was of no help. I'm going to see if he will up the dose also, because I'm taking more of my breakthrough meds to cope. I feel like I'm constantly tasting salt in my mouth and it's partly from the Embeda and I know it's from the oxycodone. I cannot take this certain generic oxy from Rhodes Pharm. I get the severe headaches like you're getting, feeling very sick to my stomach and very salty taste in my mouth. Ask your doctor about the ingredients in the generic because when I checked online one of the fillers was a type of sodium. I also hate being changed constantly with these meds. What they don't seem to understand is by changing constantly the generics the fillers are different and I definitely see that they do not agree with either Avinza or Embeda. Have your pressure checked too because of the sodium content I think that's why we're getting the headaches, nauseousness and I'm feeling like someone is dumping a pound of salt in my mouth. Good luck, I hope your doctor either ups the Embeda or changes it for you! Feel better and please let me know how you make out!!!

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Hi Lorraine. Thank You, but there is no need to thank me as I am happy to pass on the information to people who really need it. It sounds like the Embeda is helping you even though you need it increased. I am happy to hear that. I know what you mean about the different generic brsnds. I also have had trouble with certain brands of oxycodone. I already monitor my blood pressure and take meds for it. High bp runs in the family, but mine tends to climb higher as my pain increases. My Dr appointment was changed until next week. Please keep us updated about your experience with the Embed a. I sincerely hope you continue to do well with it.

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Hi Yanni, I hope you're feeling better. I've never had high blood pressure until the pain level goes up, mine is usually low. Only this morning, I checked the Embeda bottle and noticed that it was from King Pharmaceutical, same manufacturer of Avinza. I can't believe I let that one slip by me. I'm still tired at times on it and still in pain, some days are better then others. I'm going to try and stick with the 200mg, but I'm not sure I'll be able to keep it that way this winter. Hot, humid days are killers, so taking it one day at a time. I have to thank you, because my dr would not have suggested anything. I really do need to seek a dr who knows RSD really well and not afraid to treat me. Hope your days are painless or at least bearable. Please let me know how you make out at your doctor's. Take care and good luck!!!!

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Same out of stock issue here in the North Atlanta Area. Driving 50-60 miles to fill my monthly PX. Now it seems I'm at the end of the road on 60MG pill. None left so I guess it's time to see if this generic will give me a satisfactory result. Scared but it's time to bite the bullet. Been on Avinza since 2005 and I can't say enough good about it. This silly littl epill seems to know when to release more pain relief when you need it. Strange, I know but it's since 2005 I haven't missed work and remain about 90% active. I still remember the days before I started Avinza....Heating pad, Ice packs , more Roxi....ugh!

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Hi Eric. Everyone here understands exactly what you are up against. Hopefully the info on this site from the rest of us will help you as you move forward. Most of us here were in love with the brand Avinza as well. I sincerely hope that you do well with the generic version. Keep us posted and GOOD LUCK!!

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Hi Eric, hope to hear you're feeling better! We definitely know how you're feeling. I know what you mean about the Avinza. I was on it since 2003 for RSD. Several months ago the pharmacy told me King Pharmaceutical was no longer producing the Avinza. The pharmacy replaced it with a generic form morphine sulfate from Actavis Elizabeth, with horrible results. Yanni is the one who told me about Embeda another form of Morphine produced by King Pharmaceutical. I'm on 200mg instead of the 270mg of Avinza. I may need it upped, but I'm trying to deal with it. I also take oxycodone for breakthrough pain. The mgs are different with the Embeda and that's why I'm not on the 270mg, why my dr didn't get a little closer to what I was taking is beyond me, but I'm dealing. I would ask the your to try the Embeda, it can't hurt. Good luck and keep us posted!

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Hi Lorraine. I saw my Doc on 7/13/15 and after talking about the side effects that I felt from the Embeda, we decided that I should stop the Embeda. I requested MS Contin because I took it 2005 with pretty good results. At some point in 2005, I changed Doctors, and the new Doc wanted me to try the patches. (I was seeing a very good pain management Doc in Pittsburgh, Pa, but it was a monthly two hour drive to see him. When I first started with him, he was with West Penn Hospital and I only had to go every three months. When he switched Hospitals, they required monthly visits. Since I am not able to make a two hour trip on my own, my wife had to take off work to take me. Even though she said she didn't mind, she was using all of her vacation time to take me to Doc appointments. That really bothered me and I decided to try a Doc who was closer to me. Believe me when I tell you that she has earned her spot in heaven for going through this with me.) The new Doc put me on the Duragesic patches, Fentanyl is the generic patches. These were the best pain control that I have ever had, but they made me sweat terribly, and my body absorbed them way to fast. After the patches, he put me on the Avinza, and you know the rest of that story. Back to the present, I requested the MS Contin, and he put me on 120mg (2 ea. 60mg tablets) twice daily. That gets me back to the 240mg daily that I was on with the Avinza. It's only been a few days, but the results so far are better than what I expected. The pain control is equal to the Avinza, just not as smooth of release. I'm not sure if the brand MS Contin is still being made or not, I may have to look into that. My pharmacy is very good with me and is already ordering a few different generic's for me to try. Enough about me, how are you making out with the Embeda? I think it's been about a month for you, are you going to see if you can get the dose increased? I sincerely hope that you can get back to the pain control that the Avinza provided you. It seems like we have another person, Eric, who is also suffering because Avinza is off of the market. I'm hoping that the generic works for him if that's what he decides to try. Please keep me updated with your progress.

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I know what you're going thru and have been thru. In the beginning we were my husband was taking me to Philly and Jenkintown, PA, took about three hrs one way. I could no longer take the trip. The dr then tried me on duragesic patch, but my throat started to close up, no good. I'm having horrible trouble right now. The pharmacy screwed up big time attempting to fill the Embeda on Friday, had to go to my dr and get another script for something else until Embeda comes in today (I hope). The dr's office spoke to a pharmacist, who doesn't know me, but should have had my file up, and told them give ms contin, 100mg twice a day. Problem is have to take it every 8 to 12 hrs, so I'm taking only 100mg at one time. Going thru horrible pain and withdrawal. I really can't take much more of this. The withdrawal is so bad. The medical profession needs to get their act together. I'm so happy to hear you're doing better and that the ms contin is working for you. I'll keep you posted on what happens later on today. I'm praying they get it right this time!!! Take care!!!

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Hi Lorraine. I'm very sorry that you are having problems. I can't believe the similarities that we go through regarding meds. First the Avinza, and now the Embeda, I'll explain the Embeda similarity. As you know, I was taking Embeda for about two months. The first prescription was filled with no issues. The pharmacy didn't have it in stock, but they were able to get it later that day. I picked it up the next and started it as well. When it came time for the second prescription, it was a very different experience. My pharmacy still didn't stock it and wasn't going to keep it in stock because of the price(by the way I'm used to that with the name brand only narcs). My pharmacy usually gets its meds from a local wholesaler that is very good. It turns out that because of the cost of Embeda, they were only willing to stock one bottle of the 100mg Embeda, which is only 30 capsules. My prescription was for 2 capsules daily, for a total of 60 capsules for the month (2 bottles). The pharmacy tried a wholesaler in Pittsburgh, Pa, wasn't willing to keep any on hand. They told the pharmacy to order the 2 bottles one week in advance so they could have them when I was going to need them. The problem with all of that was that I needed the Embeda in 2 days. Somehow, and I don't know how they did it, the pharmacy was able to find one bottle for me so that I wouldn't be without. The second bottle showed up 10 days later. I don't know how it would have worked out if I had stayed on it, but I completely understand where you are at right now. My pharmacy makes a lot of money from me every month and I believe, that if I was going to be on it long term, they would have kept at least one bottle on hand for me. I hope that you can get it figured out for next time. Maybe a different pharmacy? I know that you are in a bad spot right now, and I wish you the best. I have been where you are and it sucks. I hope you get it solved very soon. Take care and I will be thinking about you. Keep us posted.

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Hello Yanni & Lorraine- what you are going thru is awful! I have been on Avinza since 2003 (I think) started with 30mg daily, now taking 180mg daily ( 3 x 60mg caps) - I have been struggling with the generic for over a month. Good to know its not just me.

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Lorraine, we have not heard from youI am becoming concerned. I completely understand if you are not feeling well. I just wanted to check in and get an update on your Embeda situation. I hope that you have resolved the issue. I don't remember whether or not your Doc increased the Embeda? When you are up to it please give us an update.Thanks

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Hi Lorraine. I am becoming very concerned about you because we have not heard from you. I am praying that you are doing okay and getting your meds straightened out. Please post when you are up to it. I hope you are doing better.

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Hi Yanni, first and foremost thank you so much for your concern, I truly appreciate it. Things have been horrible. Ever since the pharmacy screwed up my medication and gave the doctor the incorrect info on what morphine I should take, I cannot seem to tolerate the Embeda. When they put me on the MS contin for 4 days, it totally messed me up. It wasn't the correct dosage and I had a horrible time. I started the Embeda immediately again, several weeks ago, and now I become extremely tired (comatose to be exact) for several hours; having the racing heart again, severe stomach pain, not to mention it's not working on the pain like in the beginning. I cannot believe how by not taking the Embeda for 4 days would make such drastic changes to my body. I'm still staying on it, I'm determined, and I'll have to wait and see this fall/winter if I will have to ask the doctor to up the dosage. I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you to let you know, it's not that I didn't want to, it's my body just shutting down. It sounds like things are going pretty well for you, thank God, and at least you have a pharmacist and pharmacy who cares. I have gotten so many different stories about why my meds didn't come in; it sounds like a cover up to me. My husband keeps checking with the pharmacy to make sure this doesn't happen again, but I'm very leary. One problem, I do not know the laws enough on getting my scripts. I do know it changes a lot, but I also know that the insurance company does not want to put out the money. Generics are not the same, I don't care what anyone says. Paying $3.00 for a narcotic vs. my co-pay of $50.00 is a big difference. Other then a lawyer there has to be an advocate out there to help people in our positions. I will keep you posted on what happens next. I'm basically taking it one hour to the next. Will be praying that things are going well with you too! Wishing you nothing but painless and healthy days! Sincerely......Lorraine

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Hi Tina, how are you making out with the morphine sulfates? I did try and am on Embeda, which is also manufactured by King Pharmaceutical. This is my second month of being on it. The first month was a breeze, but because of a major screw up with my pharmacy I was not on it for 4 days and was given ms contin until the Embeda came in. Unfortunately, since this happened I'm having major issues with the Embeda, but I'm determined to stay on it and work through the side effects. It worked the first time around so I'm hoping my body adjusts to it again. I was on 270mg of the Avinza, but cannot get that with the Embeda. I'm on 200mg. It doesn't take away all of the pain, and a lot of days of worse then others, but I'm waiting to see what happens this fall/winter. If it gets worse then I'll request the doctor to up the Embeda to 260mg. That would be the closest to the Avinza without going over. My neurologist isn't too swift, so I had to tell him what to give me and even with the Avinza I had to take two 120mg and one 30mg to get to the 270. Good luck and please let me know how you make out!

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Hi Lorraine, thanks for checking in. I had a feeling that things were not going well for you, and it sounds like I was right. No need to apologize for not responding. I completely understand what it feels like to be held prisoner to the pain. I also ran into supply issues with the Embeda and I think it's because of the cost and nobody wants to be stuck with it on their shelves. I think I told you already that the wholesaler's that my pharmacy uses don't want to keep it on hand. I also think that more people are realizing (and suffering) that Avinza is no longer an option, and this would make the Embeda have an increased demand. I really hope that you can get back on track soon. I'm not sure if you are taking the Embeda once a day or twice a day. It is labeled that it can be used every 12 hours or every 24 hours. I think you said you are taking 2 ea 100mg a day. You may want to consider taking 1 ea 100mg every 12 hours. I have spoke with a few people who were also tired taking the dose once daily. They also said that the pain control they felt from the Embeda was only lasting 12 to 14 hours. It seems that for some people the Embeda released the full amount in 12 hours. If your body is dissolving the Embeda every 12 hours, and you are taking it once a day, you are essentially taking 200 mg in 12 hours and it's supposed to last 24 hours. That might explain why you are so tired. I am hoping and praying for better days in the near future for you. When you feel up to it, please let us know how you are feeling and if you got the supply issue resolved.

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Thanks to all of you for informing on what I need to do since I can't get the brand Avinza. I will ask my doctor for embeda. I take 40mg of the Avinza. Should I ask for the same strength?

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