Why Did The Stop Making Fioricet?

Anybody know.. why they stopped manufacturing fioricets?

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The original Fioricet tabs were manufactured by Watson, but Activas Pharm took it over so I called the company and spoke to them directly regarding the new formulation of the capsules. I spoke to the head of Pharmaceutical Engineering and he explained that, while the main compounds have remained the same, except for the acetaminophen levels going down, the INACTIVE ingredients have changed and there is a SULFA ingredient in this capsule that could render it ineffective if someone (like me) can not metabolize sulfa compounds! Though the website states their change in formulation is due to FDA requests for Tylenol levels, this is not true... they only decreased by 25mg. That was a convenient excuse! Their pharmacy rep explained to me their changes in ingredients were made for "business" reasons and when I asked if that meant because it was cheaper to manufacturer (overseas!) - he only answered "it was a business decision." I also asked if they had tested these new capsules on patients to see if the formulas were as effective and told him that as a long time migraine sufferer who depended on this medication, but he said there was no need to since the compounding of the formula had not change -- I assured him it was never good to change something that was not broken - never a good "business decision" in the eyes of those who mattered most!!

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I have taken the brand Fioricet for 20 years and it always worked well on my migraines. The generic does not keep my migraines under control. Is there anywhere that I can purchase the original Fioricet. The quality of my life has gone down hill since the original Fioricet was taken off the market and I am unable to take most other migraine medications.

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The best thing to do is to file a complaint to the FDA that your generic is not working. The only generic that I know that works (ironically is also blue like the original tabs), is the Westward brand blue "787" generic, but they too were being discontinued last year (11/13) when Fioricet tabs change formulation. When I called Westward directly to ask why, they said they said they may bring them back in a few months, but they gave no specifics at the time. You could possibly try to call them and ask what the deal is now (then post for the rest of us :-) - they are the only ones with the original "Fioricet" compound used in the generic tablet formulation. Reporting adverse side effects like rebound headaches to the FDA however, will help point the FDA in the direction of investigation of what ingredients are actually going into the new versions of these Activis Fioricet Capsules (as well as any generic versions) that don't work. The more we complain (fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm) the more likely they will have to bring them back on the market. This was the reason they supposedly changed their formula in the first place: fioricet.com/Formulation.aspx
Hope that helps! Migraines suck :-(

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Sorry to hear about both your experiences with the Actavis brand of Fioricet. Unfortunately once a company stops manufacturing something, it's probably safe to assume that it'll be gone for good after previous stocks run out.

Based on details from the first post, it sounds like any differences found in inactive ingredients is where the real problem lies, and not necessarily in the drug itself. Hopefully other manufacturers will start taking a hint as well from all the heat Actavis has been receiving lately.

Have either of you been able to locate an actual list of binders/fillers that they use in those particular pills? I was thinking there might be a compounding pharmacy who can make it without having to use sulfa-based ingredients, but you may have to contact one of these types of pharmacies directly just to inquire about it.

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I've been taking Fioricet w/codeine capsules forever. I've tried generics but the bonding agents make it not as effective or an option for me. My pharmacy just recently told me they were no longer available. Anyone out there found an effective alternative? Totally bummed out

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