Generic Concerta: Let's Talk About Manufacturers/Where to get your preferred manufacturer

The FDA has deemed that Mallinckrodt generic Concerta is not the same as brand Concerta and cannot be prescribed as a substitute.

I'm currently on 18 mg + 27 mg of Concerta. I've taken Mallinckrodt, Kremers, and Watson generics. I'm first going to give you a brief rundown of the three followed by my reactions to them all. These are NOT the same drug! Finally, I'm going to tell you differences in pharmacies if you're looking for a place that will work with you to get you the drugs you need.

Differences between the generics

Generic drugs can and often do vary in delivery system and non-active ingredients from their brand-name equivalents. You should always make a note if your meds look different, and always check the bottle. The manufacturer's name will be printed right there. This way, if you feel any different, you can specify which generic manufacturers work for you.

Never let anyone tell you that generics are the same thing as the original unless they are. The only generic concerta that is the same as brand concerta is manufactured by Watson/Actavis. The key difference is the OROS delivery system. If the pill does not use the OROS delivery system, it is Methylphenidate, but is NOT the same as Concerta. The only Generic that uses OROS to my knowledge is the Watson/Actavis generic.

The Generics (in the US, at least)

Mallinckrodt AKA Mallinckrap. It's an oblong horsepill with a big letter M on it. The FDA is investigating this generic as it is NOT bioequivalent to Concerta within approved limits. You should NOT be getting the Mallinckrodt generic unless you specifically ask for it.

Mallinckrodt makes me tired and hangry. It simply doesn't work for me. It's worse than being unmedicated.

Kremers Urban

Kremers Urban makes a generic Concerta that does not utilize the OROS system. However, it seems to work better (for me) than Mallinckrodt. The 27 mg pill is small and oblong with the 18 mg a small red sphere. The dosage is the only thing written on the pill.

I find the Kremers pill to be moderately effective, but it wears off fairly quickly and doesn't provide the '4 PM Bump' OROS Concerta does. It works in a pinch.

Watson/Actavis Concerta

This is the real stuff. You know it's real if the pill has 'Alza' printed on it. The OROS system provides a smooth release of the drug over the course of the day so you don't get any 'up/down' feelings. I get a noticeable 'bump' of effectiveness as the day wears on, usually around 4 PM for me. This is the best generic, and (AFAIK) the most expensive to pay for out-of-pocket.

Which Pharmacies Stock What

Rite Aid Gave me Mallinckrodt before I realized I could specify the generic manufacturer I want. I never asked them to order another nor have I been there since the FDA yanked Mallinckrodt.

CVS My branch will only stock Kremers. Refuses to order Watson/Actavis at my request.

Wallgreens My branch stocks Watson/Actavis by default. SCORE!

If you need a specific generic manufacturer, let your doctor know. My doc referred me to a local pharmacy that would work with me. Unfortunately it is way out of the way for me. Luckily, Wallgreens would work with me!

If you take Concerta, please post anything regarding the generics you have taken AND your experiences getting specific generics.

edit: It's my cakeday! Too bad I don't want cake as I'm properly medicated and I just had dinner;)