Midrin still available?

7/ 9/07 9:04pm

Hello, and welcome to MyMigraineConnection.com!

Thank you for creating a SharePost. SharePosts are a form of blogging, and there are many things you can do with them. You can share an experience, suggest something that's helped you, use SharePosts as a Migraine and headache journal, and many other things.

You are the second person to mention not being able to get Midrin. I'm not sure what is going on, but it IS available. It is not on the FDA database of discontinued drugs, and Drugstore.com can tell you what meds are discontinued if you do a search. Migrazone, as well as Midrin came up but Duradrin did not. It may be time to find a new pharmacy.

We also have a discussion forum that you may want to check out. Especially if you have questions or are looking for information, you may find the interaction on the forum to be quite helpful. We hope to see you there. To get to the forum, just look for the orange box marked "Manage" and click on the Migraine Forums link. Because our forums are maintained by a third party, you'll need to register for the forum. You can use the same information you used to create your community log-in if you like. If you want to go directly to the forum, you can click HERE.

Along with your personal "My Home" page and the discussion forum, you'll find links to a great deal of helpful information on the main page of our site, MyMigraineConnection.com.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them to the forum or send me a message through my profile.

Welcome again,

Nancy Bonk
MyMigraineConnection.com Expert

PS: If you receive this message from more than one of us, please excuse the overlap. Thanks!

angel30

7/ 9/07 9:11pm

Thanks you so much for the information. It was very helpful!

Anonymous

8/20/07 1:27pm

Re: Midrin and its generic forms, I am also unable to find any of them anymore. I have called multiple national pharmacy chains, and they all tell me that they are on back-order from the manufacturer, with no idea when they will come in.

Sim

8/28/07 3:07pm

I live in South Carolina, and I have the same response. I have prescr for midrin, was filled with duradin. I have gone to eckerd, walmart, and target pharmacies and they all say that the drug is unavailable.

two of them told me it is not being made anymore. the others said it is a supply problem.

I looked on the fda website for shortages, this is not on the list...

this is the most effective drug for my pain, and the significant auras that I get.

Is there anything we can do or say to a pharmacist to get this drug or a replacement without another visit to a physician?

thank you.!

Janis

9/28/07 10:20am

9/28/07

Phoned Barr Labs, makers of Duradrin.

It is discontinued. :( !!!!!!

JR

10/ 4/07 10:17am

I tried to refill my Midrin yesterday, as well. (Again, I use the generic form). It wasn't the pharmacy that said it was not available, but rather my Neurologist. If no one is able to get it, maybe you should check your facts as well, before you tell people to change pharmacies.

AriahRossini

10/ 7/07 11:53am

Hello, the same thing happened to me, i went to different places and they said no one had it. IF you have a "Giant Eagle" around your area they may have it.

I got mine at Giant Eagle, hope this helps :)

CKT

10/12/07 4:47pm

wow, that was rude. Maybe one pharmacy has more in supply then the other....... I certainly will be trying different pharmacies in the area to see if there is some still in supply somewhere. I, too, was told the pharmcy I use was unabbe

pharmgirl

10/29/07 3:05pm

I am a pharmacist and own my own store. I was surfing the net trying to find out why we aren't receiving Midrin or its generics. So as far as switching pharmacies, unless the pharmacy she switches to hasn't dispensed it for SOME TIME --don't bother.

I do not know the reason yet as to the shortage but I will get back to this connection when I find out why.

a caring pharmacist

10/29/07 6:13pm

I am a pharmacist with Aurora pharmacies in Wisconsin and we are able to get a generic version made by excellium pharmaceuticals thru our wholesaler amerisourcebergen, as of today they have #50 bottlles in stock. the ndc #64125-0101-01 so have your pharmacist check this item out if they can. Many pharmacies use different wholesalers so it can be beneficial to check around when one pharmacy doesn't have any in stock.

Cholly

11/12/07 2:16pm

When you contacted Barr Labs, did they make any comment regarding Midrin?

Cholly

North Carolina

Jeanne Lunsford

11/17/07 7:10pm

I am presently having the same problem getting Midrin. I am a 57 y.o female who has suffered w/ migraines since I was 12 years old. I took my first triptan at 47 y.o. and all was O.K. for a while. Now the Doctors are so scared of giving me triptans because of my age and I am post menopause on combo HRT. I have no h/o heart disease and my EKG is normal. So Midrin is like my last resort to relieve this headache, which isn't that often but is aggrevated by my chronic sinus condition. Help, I have been waiting 4 weeks for a backorder of Midrin at my ppharmacy. Jeanne, ATL

Teri Robert, Health Guide

12/14/07 4:15pm

Thank you SO much for posting this. Yes, I've just heard about this second product being available again.

I appreciate your taking the time to post.

Thanks again,

Teri

Anonymous

1/27/08 9:05pm

Hi, I am also, 57, and having the same problem as the rest of people. IT is still being manufactured, in fact, for 2008 they have dubled the roduction, yet everywhere in Knoxville, I was getting the same response, it was on back order. I even tried areas outside Knoxville and have someone checking in Chattanooga, TN for me. Well, yesterday, Jan. 26, 2008, I got lucky. I got out my phone book and started calling every pharmacy in Knoxville I had not called (I normally use Walgreens, had already called CVS, Krogers, The Medicine Shop chains, several small independent RX). I got lucky with the Target stores. I totally forget they now have a pharmacy. They said they had heard some of the others were having problems, but so far they were not. So try a Target store near you and I would suggest transferring your RX to them. It is made under 14 diferent names. This one today was Epidrin, which is what I researched was being doubled in 2008. Hope this helps you. Sue in Knoxville, TN

Sue Isaac

1/27/08 9:06pm

Hi, I am also, 57, and having the same problem as the rest of people. IT is still being manufactured, in fact, for 2008 they have dubled the roduction, yet everywhere in Knoxville, I was getting the same response, it was on back order. I even tried areas outside Knoxville and have someone checking in Chattanooga, TN for me. Well, yesterday, Jan. 26, 2008, I got lucky. I got out my phone book and started calling every pharmacy in Knoxville I had not called (I normally use Walgreens, had already called CVS, Krogers, The Medicine Shop chains, several small independent RX). I got lucky with the Target stores. I totally forget they now have a pharmacy. They said they had heard some of the others were having problems, but so far they were not. So try a Target store near you and I would suggest transferring your RX to them. It is made under 14 diferent names. This one today was Epidrin, which is what I researched was being doubled in 2008. Hope this helps you. Sue in Knoxville, TN

Anonymous

11/24/09 2:05pm

I just got a prescription for Midrin and its the generic and they filled it with no problems. Try Kroger thats where I got it

Jodi

12/11/09 4:08pm

I believe we all have to write the Manufacture if you want Midrin back on at the drugstores.............I just tried to get another prescription, it was $450.00 for 16 pills.....My goodness you know it is time for people to say NO MORE. Even if your insurance will pay for other pills for that price, its unacceptable. I think the insurance has to ask More monthly fees if they have to pay for these unacceptable prices. AGAIN write Midrin Manuf. we want it back so we can purchase what WORKS!!! I don't know if the other pill worked, at $40.00 pill the manufacture can keep their pills.........

We need to get our medicine CHEAPER...............please write your Senator.

Teri Robert, Health Guide

12/11/09 5:15pm

Jodi,

Midrin is NOT going to be made again. Please read the later comments here. Caraco has said it is discontinued, and that's the end of it. The alternative medication is Epidrin.

What on earth did you get tha tyou paid $40 per tablet for?

Teri

Anonymous

7/13/07 4:19pm

my pharmacy is out too and said they would not get any more in

lpowers

7/18/07 10:58am

My husband has been on Midrin for a few yrs. and went to refill recently. We were told that the company that makes it has discontinued making it. It's the only thing that works for his migraines and cluster headaches and we are now at a loss for a drug that works that is not a narcotic. Help!!!!

angel30

7/18/07 6:16pm

Have you asked your doctor for a generic brand? I was able to find Duradrin, which is a generic. Hopefully, your husband will be able to procure a generic- That's the only thing besides a triptan or a narcotic that works for me!!

Good luck

Laura

10/21/07 8:50pm

Where were you able to get duradrin? That is what I am having a problem getting from local pharmacy's and my caremark mail order pharmacy all tell me manufacturer is no longer making it. That was the only medicine that would work for my migraines.

Thanks,

tina

11/24/07 8:11pm

I agree, I have been taking Midrin since 1997 and has been the savoir to my cluster headaches. It also works with my seizure medicine. What are we suppose to do. If the manufacture stop making it,I think they are responsible for notifying everyone on it. What do they expect their CUSTOMERS to do? They should be obligated to letting us know. Now what, I am sitting here with a nauseaing headache and nothing to take. Who is the Maker of the pill?

d

7/19/07 1:06pm

I had the same problem at RiteAid. I went to Target and they had Midrin, but did not have the generic version. Both stores said they are having a hard time getting the generic version of Midrin.

angel30

7/19/07 2:51pm

Bad news!! I contacted the drug company directly that makes Duradrin, and the product has been discontinued. I will contact the drug manufacturers of Midrin and any other generic form to inquire about the status of those drugs. I'll keep you posted!!

Anna

11/10/07 3:53pm

From Anna,

Hi Angel20, Who makes Midrin? I've love to write or call them.

Your friend,

Anna

Anonymous

7/24/07 8:04pm

I'm having the same problem refilling Midrin. My pharmacy (a Safeway pharmacy) says they can't get it either. They called my doctor, who apparently wasn't much help--he said I should just take Tylenol #3 instead. (That's not going to do the same thing.) I've done some Googling and haven't found much, but some comments on one blog led me to think it was taken off the market because it was "addictive." At the same time, a study was apparently just released comparing Midrin and Imitrex, and it's favorable for Midrin, which does us no good if we can't get it, does it? (See http://headaches.about.com/cs/druginfo/a/imitrex_midrin.htm for the study.)

Amy y

7/30/07 5:52pm

Hi,

I talked to my doctor today about this- and she said that Midrin itself is still available and that the reason that some of the formulations (generics) of it were discontinued was because the companies making them did not go through the appropriate steps to get it approved through the FDA. It has nothing to do with the safety of the medication. So Midrin brand name (and possibly some of the formulations of generic ones) should still be available.

angel30

7/31/07 9:37pm

Thank you so much for your response. That's comforting information.

JJ

11/28/07 1:26pm

I was told the same thing at Kaiser. The generic is no longer available ut name brand Midrin is...it's twice the price for me, but worth it!

HAs in TX

12/ 4/07 1:08pm

I have worked in the FDA compliance industry for 15 years. I have also been looking for some answers and no official report has been posted to date. However, it usually takes 30-90 days for the information to hit the general medical public. Trust me, the manufacturer's of the off brands of Midrin have known and were told when the FDA found out and shut them down they were out of compliance and they would run out. It looks bad to run out and admit why. I have been told no Midrin or Midrin generic will be avaialable till after the first of the year 2008 at the earliest.

Once a patent goes out on a drug and it goes generic, the original Manufacturer, like Barr, does not usually keep producing the drug after so many years due to ROI, and generics, although comprabale, are not completly the same. Each company/manufacturer must go through the proper channels to gain approval through the FDA for manufacturing. If not, they get shut down, for your protection, so to speak.

Hang in there is all I can say. We are.

cami

8/16/07 7:33am

I too have been looking for 3 weeks in various pharmacies. I have tried many many other prescriptions that has ill side-effects. I only take midrin when it's a really bad headache. I hope this gets all worked out soon.

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

8/20/07 11:31pm

Hi Cami

I'm sorry you are having trouble finding Midrin, but it IS still available. These are are the various names it comes in here in the US;

Amidrine

Duradrin

I.D.A

Iso-Acetazone

Isocom

Midchlor

Midrin

Migrapap

Migquin

Migratine

Migrazone

Migrend

Migrex

Mitride

This info is from www.drugs.com

Hope it helps.

Anonymous

3/18/08 8:31pm

i recently had my midrin generic filled at walgreens, had same problem for a while. generic was called isometh/apap/dichlor capsules by Interpharm. I must admit i didn't think they worked as well as the generics duradrin, migrin-a, or the brand Midrin. Maybe it was just a bad headache those times. But i do know not all generics are the same as the brand name drugs, doctors have told me so personally. Hopefullly their not changing the orininal formula. Been taking this drug for over 10 yrs. now, don't know all i'll survive without it. good luck all. mike

Greg

4/13/08 6:31am

Caraco Pharmaceuticals makes Midrin. A customer service person told me they were just having a problem meeting demand. I think this is a result of a civil court decision (suit by Caraco themselves)which effectively prohibited the genetic versions of this from being made.

Teri Robert, Health Guide

4/13/08 1:35pm

I don't know where you heard this, but it's not true. There was no law suit filed by anyone. Caraco was caught totally off-guard by the other meds being discontinued too. I've talked with people at Caraco.

Midrin has been much easier to get lately. Additionally, another brand of this drug is available, Eipdrin.

Teri

DL021965

7/29/08 9:37pm

I had the same problem...I took Migrin A which was wonderful and now I got a refill for Isometh/Apa/Dichlor and it does not work! Did you ever find out if anywhere sold the Migrin A? so I could ask my doctor to call for me

K

10/29/08 2:15pm

I got a prescription for Midrin filled in September with no problem. It was actually recommended to my doctor by my pharmacist (all in one health center) because it was far less expensive than the scrip that she wrote. However, my insurance company requires that I get generics where available, and I got what is apparently the name brand. So maybe they did take the generics

Anonymous

10/29/08 2:20pm

I got a prescription for Midrin filled in September with no problems. However, my insurance company requires that I get generics where available and I was never offered a generic (and the insurance covered the Midrin). I am assuming they pulled the generics off the market.

Lori

8/19/07 6:59pm

I have spoken with 2 different pharmacies (CVS and Walgreens) and they both told me that Midrin and any of the generic brands are not being made anymore. They are contacting my physician to see what else he wants to prescribe. I have been on it 3 years for my tension headaches and it is the ONLY thing that helps. If they do not continue to make it, I will be in trouble!

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

8/20/07 11:33pm

Hi Lori

I don't know what is up with those pharm. but, here is a list of other names Midrin is called in the US. http://www.drugs.com/

Amidrine

Duradrin

I.D.A

Iso-Acetazone

Isocom

Midchlor

Midrin

Migrapap

Migquin

Migratine

Migrazone

Migrend

Migrex

Mitride

LISA

4/24/08 9:59pm

I WAS RECENTLY GIVEN ISOMETH/APAP/DICHLOR IN PLACE OF MIDRIN. RIGHT AWAY I COULD TELL A BIG DIFFERENCE. THIS DEFINITLY DOES NOT WORK AS WELL. MIDRIN IS ALSO THE ONLY THING I CAN TAKE TO GET RID OF MY MIGRAINES. THERE IS ALSO SOMETHING IN IT THAT HELPS ME NOT TO GET SICK TO MY STOMACH. THE GENERIC SEEMS NOT TO DO THIS. ALSO USUALLY WITHIN 20 MINUTES, THE MIGAINE IS GONE, WITH THIS OTHER ONE 2 HOURS LATER, I STILL HAVE A MIGRAINE.

Anonymous

8/23/07 4:55pm

I went to my local WalMart today and was told the same thing. I went down the road to the CVS Pharmacy and had no problem filling my Rx. Hope this helps.

Anonymous

8/24/07 10:20pm

I was just prescribed Midrin for the first time, and was able to get it filled without any problem at Walgreens. It is in generic form called epidrin.

Anonymous

10/23/07 9:52pm

I take epidrin and have been unable to get it filled for the last 3 months. so that one is out.

Anonymous

10/30/07 11:27am

I just tried torefill my Rx for Midrin the other day and my Dr.'s office called back to tell me that it is "off the market." After happening upon this post and the replies to it, I decided to check with wal-greens. My local Wal-greens tells me that they have a generic form of Midrin, Epredidrin (this is how the pharmacist spelled it) that is availble, and apparently I was not the only one to ckeck with that pharmacy that day as the pharmacist asked me if I was the person she had just spoken with. I still don't know if I will be able to get the Rx as the Dr. who wrote it initially is out of the office today. I agree with everyone who has posted, I was highly distressed when I was told that it is off the market because it is the only medicine that has worked on my migraines (neither imitrex nor fioricet did the trick). I hope that Wal-greens will pan out for this Rx.

Chel

8/30/07 9:27am

I just got off the phone with Caraco Customer Service. The woman I spoke with said that we are unable to get Midrin because the companies that were making the generics before have stopped carrying this medication. Therefore, Caraco can't keep up with the demand. It IS still being made (according to her) but I haven't been able to find it anywhere around here, I'm in Knoxville, TN. Just wanted to pass that along.

AnAngelsMommy

8/30/07 1:13pm

I also called Caraco and got the same story. The lady that I spoke with assured me that they were sending out huge shipments next week and that they expect the shortage to be resolved soon. I also call Barr Pharm. (they manufactured the generic duradrin) and they confirmed that they have discontinued their manufacture of the generic.

I was able to get a 45 day supply today. I think that your best bet is to call the small mom and pop pharmacies and to see if they have any. (every chain pharmacy I called was out) That is how I found mine. Unfortuantly I had to drive to an undesirable part of town to get it, but it worth the risk of getting mugged to have it. (ha ha)

AnAngelsMommy

8/30/07 1:18pm

I also received this email from Caraco:

From: AShah@caraco.com [mailto:AShah@caraco.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 12:46 PM
To: AnAngelsmommy@XXX.XXX
Subject: Re: Midrin shortage

Sandy,

We have not discontinued Midrin. It is available and we are shipping to wholesalers as we make them. It should be in full supply very shortly. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Anand Shah

Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd.
1150 Elijah McCoy Drive,
Detroit,MI 48202
Tel: (313) 871-8400 x 115
Toll Free (800) 818-4555
Fax: (313) 871-8314
Email: AShah@Caraco.com

phred

10/13/07 3:19pm

AnAngelsMommy,

Thanks again for posting this info.

Extremely helpful.

Right now, it's helping Lori in

Oregon.

Mark

9/ 4/07 10:09pm

While I was relieved to see the e-mail above, I had an emergency room doctor tell me (on Monday 9/3/07) that Midrin has been removed from the market. When I thought to check this evening, Midrin isn't listed as one of Caraco's products on their web site (but I don't know whether it ever was). I don't really know what to think at this point.

Pat

9/ 6/07 7:22pm

Isometheptene Mucate, Caffeine and Tylenol.

This is what my pharmacist gave me when I was told of the unavailability of Midrin.

It works well.

socalpharmstudent

9/15/07 8:41pm

I work in a pharmacy and, yes, all the pharmaceutical wholesalers say that Midrin and the generics have been discontinued by the manufactures. We called several other pharmacies including longs and they can't get it either. That makes over 3 wholesalers I know of stating the same thing: manufacture discontinued. In replacement some other manufacture has removed the ingredient "dichloralphenazone" from Midrin and replaced it with caffeine. Dichloralphenazone is a mild sedative. It is not in this new drug "MigraTen." Instead MigraTen includes another sympathomimetic caffeine despite the presence of the sympathomimetic "isometheptene." Hope that helps you guys some.

Kayala

11/24/07 8:18pm

Midrin DOES NOT containe Caffeine that is why it is issued. Fiorcet has the caffeine.

It is interesteting that this one is the one ingredient that the pharmacist issued.

TINA

11/24/07 8:35pm

I THOUGHT THE REASON WHY MIDRIN IS USED IS BECAUSE IT DOES NOT CONTAIN CAFFEINE, ONE OF THINGS THAT TRIGGER HEADACHES. IF THAT IS THE CASE, WHY NOT GO BACK TO FIORCETS?

Midrin has been what has helped me with my cluster headaches and works with my seizure medicine.

Who is the maker of this: CARACO OR BARR?

polar@cfl.rr. com

12/31/07 7:58pm

Yah, I have been on duradrin/midrin and many generics of it for 18 years...it is still the only thing that works...and I have trouble sleeping..so if you don't sleep well, and you get a migraine...then you take caffeine pills and are wired and the cycle goes on....please anyone, let me know what you find out, and where...our insurance is limited so we can't use Walgreens anymore...God Bless us all...I see almost all women with the migraines....maybe the name has something to do with this...."WO- MEN"!

Poor us!

TJDetrixhe

9/13/07 6:19pm

I received a letter from my HMO that I should not take my midrin generics and that their pharmacies will be providing only the actual Midrin in place of any generics.

I am afraid that there has been some issues that the generic manufacturers do not want to disclose.

Darla

9/20/07 4:03pm

Hi Vicki,

I'm having the same problem getting the Midrin. I'm told from 12 different pharmacies in my city that it's on back order and there is NO date as to when it will be available, IF at all.. no reason given. Very disappointing since it's the ONE thing that has actually helped me with my migraines. My "quack" gave me Seroquel today but I'm very afraid to try it because of the things I have read about it. My husband tells me it's what they give to the "loonies" when they get too out of hand.. anyhow, if anyone happens to hear ANYTHING about the release of Midrin, PLEASE, PLEASE let us all know.. Thanks and hope you find something for your headaches..

Darla

angel30

9/20/07 5:40pm

Darla,

I'm getting so many conflicting reports I don't know what to believe. But I continue to have problems getting the prescription filled. If I hear anything definitive, I will be sure to post it.

Good luck,

Vickie

Jessica

10/18/07 4:08pm

Darla,

Don't know if you still come online to this forum? However, I had to comment on the comments you made re: seroquel. Have no idea why you call your Dr. a quack? i surely wouldnt want one i felt tht way about! Anyway, my issue is w/what you relayed here that your hubby said re: seroquel. something to the effect, "they give that to the loonies when they get out of control"?

Wow, kind of harsh isnt it? Thought we were beyond (21st century) Unsure talking about mental health folks & issues like that! Btw, Seroquel is prescribed for Bipolar Disorder sometimes, I know that. I ve never heard of it for migraines, I know it doesnt help me with any headaches! However, it does help me along with an anti-depressant & a a mood stabilzier. (I have Bipolar disorder type 2).

Funny your Dr. would prescribe it for headaches, one of the side effects can be headaches. Maybe hes trying to stablize your moods?! & just not saying?! just kidding! had to say it! Wink

Good Luck, Jess

"SEROQUEL is approved to treat schizophrenia and to treat the depressive episodes and the acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder."

Mark

9/20/07 8:30pm

On the American Society of Health System Pharmacists web site dated 9/17/07 (http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/bulletin.asp?CID=1500&DID=1544&id=275) they say the generics have been discontinued, that Epidrine is being shipped and Caraco expects increased supply by the end of September.

angel30

9/20/07 11:04pm

Thanks Mark!

Gwen

9/25/07 2:17pm

Wow! I hope you found the Duradrin. I see you posted this note in July.

I'm not sure about the generic form but Midrin is still available. I just recently purchased it at Walgreen Pharmacy. I tried four different drugstores and none of them had it in stock. However, Walgreens did order it for me. I picked it up the next day. Hope you got what you needed.

Take good care of yourself.

GAG

Phoenix, AZ

Eileen Davis

9/27/07 10:47am

We had the same problem in Aug. Called around to several different pharmacies in town and found one which did have it. Your pharmacy should transfer your prescription if they can't fill it. Do check insurance info too.

I'm getting nervous, because my pharmacy still can't refill my prescription and tells me Midrin is unavailable from the MANUFACTURER.

Anyone else out there have any information?

peggy

9/27/07 3:50pm

I'm stationed at FT Hood TX and I just picked up my Midrin prescription today, so yes Midrin is still out there, or at least in TX anyway.

Kyle

9/28/07 10:59pm

I had the same experience at walgreen, they were absolutely no help at all, but I went to our local rite aid and they had duradin still avaliable, although apparently it will not be avaliable for long. I am not sure why shortage but is the only headache drug that works for me without fail. Good luck to all!

brad

10/ 2/07 4:22pm

this drug combo can be compounded at a compounding pharmacy

to find look in yellow pages or go to

www.pccrx.com for pharmacies that will make for you

phred

10/ 4/07 12:08pm

Hello from Ohio.

thanks, brad.

Am pursuing this avenue. I have used

a compounding pharmacy here for a

med for my kitty - an arrithmycin.

Have may hopes way up that this

will be successful for me for midrin.

(This sure gave me a shot of hope!)

Currently, the pharmacist is to contact

my doctor.

Will call my doctor's office today to

see what's going on with it.

Have classic grand mal vascular

migraines with tha aura (20 mins.).

Midrin stops the full blown migraine.

Thanks, again.

phred

10/ 4/07 12:34pm

<this is phred again. Am not certain how to edit

that previous post of mine. So I'll just do it this way,

in a response.>

The previously mentioned med for my kitty

from a compd pharm was azithromycin. Just

wanted to be accurate here.

Cincinnati

10/ 3/07 6:16am

Last week when my rx was nearly out I tried to refill it only to be told the drug is on long term backorder with no idea as to when it will again be available. My Pharmacy recommeded contacting my doctor for advice on a different medication.

phred

10/ 5/07 7:52pm

Hey Cincinnati,

It's been a long four days, many contacts

and phone calls and emails. But today,

at CVS pharmacy, I picked up my 30-day

supply of brand name Midrin.

The shortened version:

I called Caraco in Detroit; they confirmed

that shipments of Midrin are going out

to Ohio.

Through our local compounding pharmacy,

I learned the name/company, address,

phone number of the local distributor of Midrin.

I called the distributor. Talked to the customer service rep. She confirmed

that Midrin was on short term back order.

Asked her if _any_ supplies were currently

available for distribution. She said yes.

Called my pharmacy. Took a while for

the pharmacist to understand that I was

_not_ talking generics. (Generics,

I think, are their mental default button.)

So you must say it just like that - brand name Midrin. Asked that he order it for me. He said, what makes you think

it's available?

I told him that the compounding pharmacy

can order it for me from the XXX distributor. He said, that's our distributor!

He said he'd put the order in and the med should be here tomorrow by 2:00 PM if there is any left or available. (That's today.)

I called the distributor back and said that they're going to get an order for brand name Midrin from my CVS Pharm.

She said yes, I see it. I asked if there's any

chance that even a partial fill could be sent. She said that it's being filled.

Today, when I called CVS to ask if they

received any Midrin, I said my name and the pharmacist said your 'script is ready

for pick-up.' When I walked up to the

counter, they all had smiles...... and well,

me, too.

Hope this helps everyone on here trying

to get their medicine, Midrin.

__________________________________

I need to add that in the course of this

journey, I learned that meds from a compounding pharmacy are private pay;

they do not process health ins. forms.

At the local pharmacy,

Epidrin was $5 copay; midrin is $25.

And it's OK by me !

___________________________________

For 40+ years, I have averaged 9 to 12

migraine start-ups a month. I get the 20 min. aura/warning. That's 20 mins. to get it stopped. Midrin stops the migraine;

without Midrin, it's 5 - 7 days of vomiting,

severe nausea, shooting icepick head pain,

and worse stuff, best not mentioned here.

(the only thing it's good for is losing about 8-12 lbs.)

With Midrin,I am left with a bad headache - that's all, for 12-24 hours.

Cincinnati

10/ 5/07 8:02pm

That is great news. I had to finaly agree to my doctor just ordering another medication in its place. Maybe I gave up too soon!

phred

10/ 6/07 12:58am

Oh Cincy,

I sure hope you'll be OK.

I guess

I was just too p__sed about the causal,

seemingly flippant attitude that I

encountered at various pharmacies

to not put up a fight*. <big sigh of

relief>

* Do note that I said put up a fight,

not necessarily...score a win....;

had a bit of luck with this. This

sharepost was very, very helpful.

and while I'm at it,

Go Buckeyes! <smile>

If I could _not_ have found the

Midrin, I could not have dared go

to another Ohio State game......

I now have my life back....at least

for the next 30 days.

Lori

10/12/07 11:14pm

I was wondering if you had the phone # to the midrin company so I can see if they can get it to my pharmacy in Oregon. Midrin is the ONLY thing that works for me and I can't get it anywhere. I am really dying here without that medicine.

phred

10/13/07 2:21pm

Hi Oregon !

Here is the info, Lori.

Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories

Detroit, Michigan

Phone: Toll Free (800) 818-4555

Email: AShah@Caraco.com this

person is very helpful via

email only

FAX: (313) 871- 8314

________________________________

What I shared was the short version.

So, I need to share that it was the

third person that answered the phone

that would help me.

If they say yes - shipments are going

to Oregon, ask them the name of the

Oregon distributor receiving the

shipments. Then, you call the

distributor and ask what Oregon

pharmacies they can fill the Midrin

orders for.

Sure wish you the very best -

don't give up! For me, for 40 years

and painfully trying the new meds

(all horribly ineffective), there is

no substitute for Midrin.

Anonymous

10/ 3/07 10:25pm

This is the name of a generic form of Midrin that a local pharmacy found for me that hasn't been listed on this posting yet: isometheptene/dichloralphenazone/APAP

phred

10/ 4/07 11:39am

Thanks, anonymous.

The iso and dichl are ingredients of

midrin. Just wondering - what is the

name of this generic that you found -

and, if possible, what company makes

it. Will help in trying to find it here.

Thanks.

Anonymous

10/ 4/07 11:46pm

That is the name listed on the bottle. If you cut and paste slashes and all into a search it comes up in formularies listed exactly that way, followed by "generic for Midrin" typically in italics. I wanted to make sure it was the real thing before I took it because I couldn't believe they actually had it and I didn't recognize the pill or the list of ingredients as you said. Thankfully it is right.

phred

10/ 5/07 1:45am

Hello from Ohio,

Received this response from FDA:

Thank you for your message to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), one of the five centers within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The only company we know that makes the drug (Epidrin) is Excellium Pharmaceutical. All others have

discontinued the product for one reason

or another.

We Called Excellium Pharmaceutical, Inc to inquire about availability of Epidrin. Heidi with customer service told us the product is on backorder due to limited supply of raw material.

They are shipping partial shipments when available and could not give an estimated time frame for return to normal capacity.

They also do not have emergency supplies. You can contact the directly at (973) 276-9600.

Sincerely,

Division of Drug Information

D202D

Dody Cole

10/ 5/07 10:18pm

I also tried to get a new RX of Midrin today at Walgreens and was told it was no longer available. My doctor was shocked as he had not heard this before. Hopefully he can find something in the general area of this medicine to treat my headaches.

JAG37

10/ 7/07 7:48pm

I have had headaches all my life from a serious head injury when I was a baby. I do anything I can to stay away from narcotics. I have taken everything they have offered overr the years. Midrin worked !!! And now that it is not available I called the pharmacist to see what other medications might be a substitute for me. (I am allergic to Ibuprofen and sensitive to aspirin) Anyway, it looks like I will have to go back on Fioracet aka Butalbital. Yuck. A good alternative to narcotics because I don't like the feeling they give me the next day (hangover like). But it does usually knock out the head ache. A bottle of 30 would last me a long time, almost 1-3 yrs depending on frequency of headaches. I had to really hurt to take one. I hate this alternative and it does not address congestive heart failure like Midrin (a vasodiolator, widening arteries I think. Anyway, we are screwed without our Midrin !!! I am getting older now, I might turn to narcotics finally, other things hurt as you age in my case. Best wishes to all... please write me if you hear anything helpful. spielmitmir1968@aol.com

Brittany

10/10/07 4:59pm

I too got turned down at all of the major chain pharmacies for my midrin refill. The only place I could really get it was the Louisiana State University pharmacy and they had an insane amount of it. My guess is, that because only LSU students can use the pharmacy (because our fee's fund it) that means that a finite amount of people buy it. My pharmacist said that the price of the name brand Midrin went WAY up since nearly all of the generics were discontinued. But I was able to but the generic one that starts with an E, and it was under 20 dollars for 40 capsules. Yay!!! They wont file with my insurance, but it's not much more than my copay and well worth it.

I just recently started getting migraines. And while midrin doesn't really work that well, (Nothing does, as a matter of fact) I'd rather take something that is a milder than the narcotics my neurolgist has given me. Especially since they both barely dull the pain of the headaches, I don't really develop a tolerance or addiction to midrin.

K

10/11/07 10:38am

I had the same problem as everyone else. But I found a generic called Migquin at Target.

phred

10/12/07 3:47pm

Brittany, [Lousiana]

Thanks for the info. This should

certainly help any students on here.

And actually, you have helped the

rest of us grads. You have added

another resource - University Hospital

pharmacies...... and, as I think of it,

major city hospital pharmacies.... as

sources to find Midrin and Epidrine.

Thanks from Ohio. Appreciated.

Becky

10/13/07 10:28am

I am a pharmacy technician and the resource we use for shortages is the the American Society of Hospital Pharmacy website.

http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/bulletin.asp?id=275&CID=1500&DID=1544&sort=0

As of October 11, 2007

"Reasons for the Shortage

Most acetaminophen / dichloralphenazone / isometheptene products have been discontinued. The manufacturers would not provide a reason for the discontinuations; however, these products are not FDA-approved.
Caraco states that the shortage of Midrin is due to increased demand.

Estimated Resupply Dates

Acetaminophen / dichloralphenazone / isometheptene products are not FDA-approved and therefore cannot be AB-rated.
Epidrine from Excellium in 100 count bottles NDC 64125-0101-01) is on backorder with no estimated release date. Epidrine in bottles of 250 has been temporarily discontinued.
Caraco is shipping product every 2 weeks as it becomes available. "

phred

10/13/07 2:33pm

Becky,

That's great information!

Thank you for sharing it, for

posting it.

Appreciated.

phred

Jessica

10/18/07 3:35pm

Hi All,

Well Ive been going through lots of what many posted here in recent months! If i do manage to find it somewhere? I then switch to that pharmacy. Well this is crazy! it only works tat month & then the next month another place. Right now, in my rural county. There isn't any to be had at 5 drugstores (drugstores of all 5 different names). Not big chains , except for rite-aid.

Crazy things is, when i had left message w/my dr. she wasnt aware what else to precribe in its place?! I have maxalt, I keep on hand, which does very little to help. I can't do the imitrex, it causes my heart to race. Tried numerous other meds as preventives over the years as well. Midrin has been the best. I get headaches daily. Fiornal used to help along w/Midrin, but drs. here in Calif. wont prescribe it anymore! They say stuff like: Well "we dont like it", I'm like, well Im the one who has to take it not them! lol....

Btw, almost all the drugstores seem to say they heard its no longer available. (Both Midrin & Generics for). I find myself hoarding my few caps i have left!

Jessica

10/18/07 3:40pm

Hi again,

woops! forgot to say, my rural county is Mendocino. I am in Willits. Northern Calif. I'm 30 miles from Ukiah. (so Im talking about 2 cities (smaller ones!) I'm approx 3 hrs from S.F. Seems odd how we all have to spend our time calling around!! I thought health insurance stuff was time consuming enough!

Seems unfair when this happens, with no warning!! for folks with health issues to have meds cut all of a sudden!

I'm frustrated! Jess

Anailea

11/ 4/07 3:34pm

Jessica,

I don't think it's all dr's in CA. I live in the Sac area and have recently been prescribed Fiornal. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me, so I am having to find a new pharmacy for every Midrin refill.

Good luck all

Angie, RPh

10/24/07 3:52pm

I am a pharmacist in NC...we use AmerisourceBergen (in Raleigh) as our wholesaler...they seem to have plenty of a generic made by Excellium. The NDC# is 64125-0101-01. Right now, they're showing >100 bottles in stock. It just goes by the names of the drugs in the product--isometheptene/dichloralphenazine/acetaminophen. Hope this helps!

Rae

10/25/07 2:01pm

I too tried to refill my prescription and the drug store said thaqt don't carry it any more. If it works stick with it! Now I can't.

Jo

11/ 1/07 8:57am

I just called Barr Labs that makes Duradrin and they no longer manufacture it! I am screwed too b/c this is the only drug that works for me!

Anonymous

11/ 1/07 11:06am

I also had trouble finding the medication Midrin at my local Rite Aid or CVS pharmacies. CVS referred me to a private (non-chain) pharmacy in my neighborhood called Richardson's and they had it available. You may need to find a private pharmacy in your area.

Diana, Plymouth Michigan

Christi

11/ 3/07 5:25am

I was just prescribed Midrin for the first time and filled it Nov 1st 2007 at Albertsons pharmacy. The generic version I received was epidrin and there was no problem filling the Rx here in FL. Hope this helps someone. It is a blessing medication. I too would be upset if unable to get it.

susan good

11/ 3/07 5:23pm

I recently bought midrin at a CVS in mahopac, new york.

Laurey

11/ 6/07 10:42am

Now I have an appt with my Dr. on 11/9/7. I have been using midrin/duradin for my migraines for over 10 years. I will have to come back here and let you know.

JoAnne Horwitz

11/ 9/07 3:58pm

I,m tired of hearing that midrin is still available I've tried 2 other drugs. If it is still available tell me where it has been tw four months now

Anna

11/10/07 3:45pm

Went to my Dr. yesterday. Was told my Midrin was no longer available. I am stemmed! I've taken this stuff for over 20 years. So was my Dr. though. Anyone know who makes Midrin. I'd love to write them. I don't take med's well and it took forever to find the Midrin. All it did was make me sleepy. Mom asked the Dr. is it cause they don't make enough money off it and his said yes. If I can't find or take the genric form I don't know what I'm going to do.

Anna

Bob

11/16/07 10:35pm

Yes midrin is still available, i just got some this week

bob

11/16/07 10:36pm

the manufacturer of midrin is sun/caraco

Laura

11/21/07 11:09am

According to this page (this was a month ago) Epidrine is having the same problems now. It is the last generic available, so it is having the same manufacturing problems as Midrin. They've temporarily discontinued making their 250 ct bottles. And their 100ct bottles are now on backorder with no timeline.

Midrin is being shipped every two weeks, though.

http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/bulletin.asp?CID=1500&DID=1544&id=275

Debbie

11/22/07 2:47pm

My pharmacist cannot get Midrine, or the generic. I was able to find 50 at Walmart, but that was the last of them, and now they have joined the other pharmacies in being unable to get them. Midrine was available, but no generics. They said they don't know whats going on. Fianally, theres a cure for the migraines, and they yank them away. Addictive? Bull. I only have to take them when I feel a headache coming on, and I do not have any addicting urges to use the medicine. When I saw the ingredients, before I found this forum, I said to myself, its because it has a mild sedative in it I bet. Looks like that may hold some truth. I know there are others that get much worse migraines then I do. I feel for you, I hope you have found some. I am panicking. The fear of these type headaches, is very real, and constant. I cannot believe it has become a problem like this. Apparently, none of the people in charge of that decision are blessed with migraines! Gee, hate to wish that on someone, but that person, or persons, is responsible for this problem, and its hard to think positive thoughts for someone like that! Good luck all you people.

Mandy

11/27/07 2:23am

I just got a perscription for Midrin and I had to go to a few pharmacies and alot say they can't get it anymore, or they only have generics, and when I did finally get it filled they gave me Migraten, and they said that was the only generic they can get, and I don't think it is exactly the same thing, I have been trying to find out what exactly it is and having trouble finding out, but I don't think it has the same ingredients in it..

Coleen

11/29/07 7:37pm

This website talks about the Midrin shortage and appears to have been updated as of yesterday (11/28/07).

http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/bulletin.asp?CID=1500&DID=1544&id=275

phred

12/ 3/07 5:47pm

Good Grief. I thought we had the

battle fought!

Am having trouble getting anything.

Caraco is not as positive as before.

They indicate that they're having

trouble getting an ingredient of

midrin. If that be so, then my

compounding pharmacy will have

the same problem. Bummer.

phred

12/ 3/07 6:33pm

This difficulty of finding midrin has

been going on since July 2007. And

here we are in December.

In that time span, has anyone tried

a different medicine and found that

it works?

Has anyone found a medicine that

1. stops a migraine start-up?

and/or

2. prevents a migraine from going

full blown?

3. helps a little bit?

If so, please share.

Thanks, from Ohio.

phred

12/ 3/07 9:55pm

1. MigraTen

From Pat

Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 7:22 PM

Isometheptene Mucate, Caffeine and

Tylenol.

This is what my pharmacist gave me

when I was told of the unavailability

of Midrin.

It works well.

phred

12/ 3/07 10:10pm

Found a small local pharmacy that

still had a supply of epidrin, only

enough for this month.

The wholesaler said that all orders

for brand name Midrin, Epidrine, and

ISOMETH-D-CHLORALPHENZ-APAPAHP

are on back order. They expect to

get some towards the end of the month.

To Old to Tell my name

12/ 5/07 10:13am

I have been told also by CVS that they are uable to get either of these drugs. CVS said that the factory just could not keep up with the demand.

I have been taking Duradrin and my Doctor prescriped the Midrin as I told him I could not get the Duradrin.

I went to Walgreens and they had a generie of Midrin from another mfg. called ISOMETH.

Dan Shellist

12/ 5/07 11:21pm

In spite of some of the encouraging comments posted here over the past few months, I can tell you that as of today, Walgreens, Randalls and AetnaRx all told me that neither Midrin nor any of its generics are available and none of them knew the reason why.

Melissa

12/ 6/07 8:02pm

I found a months supply at Rite Aid today-and I have to say it's thanks to this board!

I had all but given up on it, after being told by my pharmacy in september that it was discontinued. CVS has been filling my scripts for years, and I never questioned it. Well here I am on day 3 of the never ending headache, and was searching for any answers! Thank god you guys encouraged me to call around-I did, and the Rite Aid I drive past every day has Epidrin. Hopefully it will continue to be in stock-I transferred my scripts today.

Fingers crossed and thanks for all the info!

ME

12/ 7/07 12:28pm

I have a generic form of Midrin I got it at WALGREENS. Double check what people tell you, as they can sometimes be...eh.....ah..well you know. Try asking for, Isometh/apap/dichlor capsules..this is generic midrin. BYEEEEEeeeee

Anna9563

12/ 9/07 12:46pm

In place of Midrin my Dr. gave me a prescription for Duradrin. My Pharmacy didn't have it so they gave me Epidrin. Epidrin did nothing for me. I don't know what to do. Help. Sometimes my headaches can be real bad I need to find something that works before I have another bad one. Any suggestions? Anna

debby

12/ 9/07 7:06pm

Midrin was the greastest solution to my chronic migrains and now cannot get any longer either. However, I am now using a new? medication that is even better than Midrin!! It's called MigraTen and yes you MUST capitalize the T or you get an herbal concoction. Its fantastic! Even taking after a fullblown migrain has hit - it works in 15-20 minutes for me - no sedation.

Anna9563

12/16/07 4:38pm

From Anna,

Hi Debby, Guess you didn't see my post. I have just been given a prescription of MigraTen. I will get it tomorrow. How did it make you feel? Did you get sleeply? Midrin always made me sleeply which I like till the headache went down.

Your friend,

Anna

USA

Sara

12/10/07 3:30pm

Hi,

I recently got my Midrin perscription filled under the generic form Epidrin Cap Excellium.

Hope this helps!

Sara

Anna9563

12/15/07 12:08pm

From Anna, Hi Sara, That stuff didn't do a thing for me. So now I'm going to try MigraTen. I was told this is now Midrin. Don't know if it is or not. I just hope it helps. I've got a bad headache this weekend and nothing to take. Your friend, Anna USA

Cyndy

12/11/07 3:15pm

I just got off the phone with customer service at Caraco and was advised that the TENTATIVE shipping date to wholesalers is now 12/21/07. It is up to the wholesalers to provide pharmacies with drug. I asked if they didn't meet that date did it mean they were no longer going to manufacture midrin. I was assured that they are continuing to manufacturer the drug. Hang in there, folks. I am using my limited supply very carefully.

Anna9563

12/16/07 4:35pm

From Anna,

Hi Cyndy, I hope your right about the Midrin. My Dr. just wrote me a prescription for something called Migraten. It should be ready tomorrow. If it doesn't work I hope later I can get Midrin again.

Your friend,

Anna

USA

Anonymous

12/18/07 6:48pm

I sure hope I got good info, too. Please let me know how the Migraten works...just in case. I've been very careful about taking the Midrin I have left. If the drug is still unavailable after later in the month, I will definitely call the manufacturer again.

Cyndy

Anna9563

12/18/07 8:00pm

From Anna,

Hi Anonymous, Here's my post on the MigraTen.

Can't take MigraTen
Anna9563
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 11:10 AM

Hi all, Took MigraTen for the first time early this morning. Can't take it. It makes me itch, dizzy and feel like I'm in a fog. Don't know what to do next. I guess just wait and see if I'm going to get the real Midrin again soon.

I feel terrible today.

Your friend,

Anna

Cyndy

1/ 2/08 3:26pm

Midrin was not sent out as advised. I called company again, and they told me that all of the generics were pulled, and they are having a difficult time keeping up with the demand for midrin. I was told it would be another week or two. I'll just keep on checking....

Cyndy

1/ 2/08 3:32pm

Anna - I put in a post a few minutes ago, but I'm not sure you'll get it. I'm still in the beginning stages of learning how these posts work. Anyway, midrin should be back on the market in another week or two. I called the drug company again, and this is what they told me. I'll keep checking.

Cyndy

Anna9563

1/ 2/08 4:14pm

From Anna,

Hi Cyndy, You did fine with your post. I may call them to.

Your friend,

Anna

USA

Tiffany

12/14/07 6:19pm

Today I picked up my refill of midrin only to be told that they only had 24 pills and that they probably wouldn't be getting any more since it seems that the manufacturer is no longer making it. The pharmacist did say that I might find some leftover stock in other CVS pharmacies, after that I will probably be out of luck, Chuck....

I certainly hope I will be able to find another med that will help with the almighty nasty migraine that plagues myself and my 4 children.

Anna9563

12/15/07 12:02pm

From Anna, Hi Tiffany, I doubt you'll find any. I can't find any where I live. I've called all the local Phrmacy's and no luck. Your friend, Anna USA

Anna9563

12/15/07 12:00pm

My Dr. has now prescribe MigraTen for me. Should have it Monday. Anyone here every taken this? How did it do if you did? I hope this helps me. So far I can't find something I can take since they stopped making the Midrin. Your friend, Anna USA

Anna9563

12/18/07 11:10am

Hi all, Took MigraTen for the first time early this morning. Can't take it. It makes me itch, dizzy and feel like I'm in a fog. Don't know what to do next. I guess just wait and see if I'm going to get the real Midrin again soon.

I feel terrible today.

Your friend,

Anna

cjw

12/19/07 5:33pm

My Kroger pharmacist said they would never have Midrin again and I panicked. Wal-Mart said they were out and it would be a very long time, if at all, if they had any more. I decided to go through the phonebook and call all pharmacies to see if I could locate some, since I had 1 left.

I found it at a local Target. I only use about 15 caps a year, but when the aura starts, or I get that feeling, I take 2 and lay down a few minutes. Since I am post-menopausal, I also get different migraines...begin in back of neck and center of face, rather like bad sinus headaches. Nothing helps these types either, but Midrin. I've been using it for about 15 years and can't bear the thought of being without it on hand. I never leave home without it. Other meds knock me out, make me sicker, or just don't work. Surely, this miracle drug will be continued.

Anna9563

12/27/07 1:42pm

From Anna, Hi Cjw, Sounds like your in my situation. Either other med's make you feel worse or don't work. I'm the same. I'm miserable without my Midrin. I've tried Epidrin. Did nothingh for me. MigraTen made me itch and feel real out of it. Butalbiltal makes my headache worse. I've try just Tylenol and it doesn't help. I don't know what to do. Your friend, Anna USA

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

12/31/07 7:56pm

Hi Anna,

Triptans are medications used to abort a Migraine attack. Have you tried them? There are seven available: Imitrex, Relpax, Maxalt, Amerge, Axert, Frova and Zomig. I sort of gave up on them for a while after trying three that didn't do anything for my Migraine attacks.

I was really in pain one day and tried Axert and it worked, and still does. Here is some information on preventive and abortive medication you may find useful: Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications - What's the Difference?

Candace

1/ 1/08 2:31am

Nancy, thank you so much for the info. My 24 yr. old daughter has begun the migraine saga and is so upset. They began when she was in her 1st trimester of pregnancy, slacked off until after birth of each of 3 children. Now, they have begun again, a few a month and she is desperate. Her ob/gyn (only dr. she sees) prescribed tylenol 3, which knocks her out and makes it all worse. I share my midrin and beg her to go to regular md for evaluation. Maybe your info will urge her to get care. She hates medicine,, but can't function like this. And I've become jealous, since the midrin scare and the increase in my # of migraines with menopausal ups and downs!

My mother's ended about 55, so I am praying mine will. They really slacked off for a few years,, but are back in force lately...I'm tapering off hormones over two years, and this seems to contribute to the increase. 3 years ago, I stopped hormone treatment and migraines increased to such an extent I had to resume hormones.

What a cycle.

Again, thanks. Big Smile

Anna9563

1/ 1/08 10:31am

From Anna,

Hi Nancy, Thanks for the info. I wrote down the names.

Your friend,

Anna

USA

LisaMc

12/26/07 5:48pm

I just spent the entire day trying to find someone who could fill my rx. I finally found some at a small neighborhood pharmacy. All the big names, CVS, WalMart, KMart etc were still on backorder from this summer.

D.

12/29/07 12:33pm

I have been using Midrin and it's generics for 16 yrs. I never really paid attention to the different generics my insurance made me substitute; they all worked for my tension headaches. I did the Topamax routine for a year and although it helped, I hated the side effects and went back to the Midrin generics last year. I had never had problems getting a it filled until yesterday. The CVS I use advised me Midrin and generics were on back-order; but they could not tell me when it would be in. I asked if all the local CVS were out and they checked the nearby locations. Another not too far had some; so I went there. They filled my script with Migraten Capsules from Pharmelle, LLC. I had not had this one before and it seems to work. Hope this gives you an alternate to ask for.

Debir

12/29/07 1:09pm

I just had my Rx filled. It's a generic for Midrin called Migquin. It runs about $20 for 30.

Now if they'd just bring back Vioxx, ZI'd be a happy camper!

Debir

Greg

12/29/07 4:07pm

I asked for Migrazone (also a generic for Midrin) and told it was taken off the market because it came out before it the FDA had seen proof of efficacy...but it works great for me. The pharmacist had a different medicine as a reccomendation but hen said, "No, it will react with the other medicines you take."

What are my options? I get killer Migraines. Any suggestions

Greg

12/29/07 4:09pm

I asked for Migrazone (also a generic for Midrin) and told it was taken off the market because it came out before it the FDA had seen proof of efficacy...but it works great for me. The pharmacist had a different medicine as a reccomendation but hen said, "No, it will react with the other medicines you take."

What are my options? I get killer Migraines. Any suggestions

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide

12/31/07 7:52pm

Hi Greg,

Have you tried any of the triptans to abort your Migraine attacks? I pretty much gave up on them seeing as I tried 3 of them and they didn't work.

I was desperate one day so I tried Axert and it WORKED. I was very excited and it has worked, for the most part, to abort most of my Migraine attacks. Here is some information you may be interested in: Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications - What's the Difference?

gnail

1/ 2/08 4:07pm

Hi Nancy,

I do not get migraines often but when I do...ouch! Thank you for your suggestion. I have to also be careful the medicine is compatible with my others. Thank you. You seem very sweet. I hope your migraines are now under control.

Best regards,

Greg

Connie

1/ 1/08 12:59pm

I got some generic midrin at Walgreens it is isometh/apap/dichlor capsules They work great.

Andy

1/ 2/08 6:34pm

I recently had my refil and usually was Duradin but now it was isometh/apap/dichlor on the label.

Walgreen's has this and I hope this helps.

RaeDreams

1/ 5/08 8:00pm

I recently called in a refill order for my Epidrin (another of Midrin's generics) and I got it filled with something called Isometh/APAP/Dichlor capsules, made by Interpharm, and it works well.

Mark G

1/10/08 6:41pm

Please note - Midrin is available. Its manufacturer, Caraco Pharm. Labs, assured me of this today. All generics, per order of the FDA, can no longer make it. Caraco is working very hard to meet demand. Ask your pharmacy to contact suppliers as they have been sending it out and will continue to do so.

Stella

1/18/08 1:33am

.......at Walgreens here in Wisconsin. New prescription for me. Maybe you can try again?

Anna9563

1/18/08 11:03am

From Anna,

Hi Ladies, I found some Midrin. My local Pharmacy finally got some Midrin in. They only got 40 pills. I took 20 of them instead of all of them cause I thought there might be others in my situation who needed some to. So that would leave some for someone else. I'll check back later and see if they get more of a supply. I'm taking these pills sparling.

Your friend,

Anna

USA

sherry

1/28/08 9:35pm

My doctor told me the patent ran out on midrin and they are no longer making it. I found some at a university pharmacy.Epidrin did not work for me.Midrin costs 12 dollars for 15 pills here.have been taking it since1980.Nothing else has worked.Wonder where all these conflicting reasons for the shortage are coming from. Sherry-Ohio

Anna9563

1/29/08 10:00am

From Anna,

Hi Sherry, I have been in contact through email several times with the maker of Midrin. They just have a low supply. They are slowly getting some to Pharmacy's. They are still making it. There site says its just on back order. Which is what is going on.

Your friend,

Anna

USA

linda

1/19/08 7:03pm

Reading thru the many posts and have a question- my pharmacy gave me Epidrin as a substitute. Is it the exact same thing as Duradrin/Midrin?

It didnt appear to work last headache i had. Or am i being brand conscious??

Midrin/duradrin has been my savior for 13 years.

Anna9563

1/29/08 10:03am

From Anna,

Hi Linda, I to tried Epidrin. It did nothing for me. It doesn't have the medicine in it that Midrin does to make you and me drowsy. I think that's what we didn't feel. But I didn't feel it help me one bit either. Its not your imagination I don't think.

Your friend,

Anna

USA

wthart

1/21/08 3:39pm

What was your response to this question posed by angel30 on 7/9/07?

Adam

1/23/08 3:20pm

I just called a local Wal-Mart here in Oregon, and they said they "finally" have some of the new generic stuff in: $44 for 100 pills, which is twice what I paid a year ago but half what it cost when all the generics started drying up last summer. (Unfortunately, because it's a "controlled substance," I have to get a new Rx from my doctor...)

Adam

1/23/08 3:21pm

oops, that wasn't meant as a reply to wthart's post...

wthart

1/23/08 5:45pm

Wow, what a cornucopia of info. Many thanks Adam and all others.

Bill

Maria

1/31/08 2:35pm

I have been on the Midrin "hunt" now for months and find it completely ridiculous that a drug should be so difficult to obtain by those in need.

I had a brain tumor removed four years ago and as a side effect from the surgery, suffer from severe chronic head pain. At all times I have some form of pain.

I have been on nearly every drug imaginable and have found few that provide relief. Midrin has been the one that has at least allowed me to stay out of bed most days. I am still not stable enough to work, but am still hopeful at some point to be able to sustain myself.

Midrin (which went from midquin to duradin to presently Epidrin) is supposedly still available. Why is it so difficult to find? Presently there are only 10% of the original amount who are still manufacturing the drug! No wonder we are all scrambling to find it!

I used to be taking 6 pills a day and now am on two a day ( this is NOT what should be done normally- given my unique situation I am taking them more as preventive meds rather than abortive). I don't need the added frustration of wondering each month whether or not I will run out of meds.

As of now though the best thing we can do is to get out the phonebook and call every pharmacy you can. So far I've had to change pharmacies each month. If this is the only drug that works, this is what is expected of us to do (doctors and pharmacists have instructed me to do this and personally can tell me nothing else about the delay). If you can take another drug more readily available that works for you it would probably be a good idea and a lot less stress for you.

I'm really ticked this company had ample time from the FDA to mention the problem to Midrin patients and chose not to do so. If I didn't rely on this drug I would gladly change too.

Good luck to all and keep searching....if I find out anything I'll do what I can to let you know.

M in California

kirsten

2/ 3/08 5:34pm

I have been looking for that drug everywhere. I went through 7-9 different drugs trying to find one for migranes with no side effects. If you find it please let me know. kirsten2002@hotmail.com.

Mary

2/ 5/08 8:25pm

I was also told by my pharmacy (CVS) duradrin was no longer available. My RX was filled with a generic form called ISOMETH-D-CHLORALPHENZ-APAPAHP (generic for duradrin capsule BRR). This occurred on 2/5/08.

Lori B.

2/12/08 11:38am

I live in Florida and my pharmacy has had my prescription for Midrin on back order for 7 months. I don't know whether to change pharmacies or believe them that they can't get it.

Anonymous

2/27/08 1:20pm

it is still available, but some phramacies carry it and some do not. I just recently got mine filled at a CVS.

Marian Neudel

2/28/08 8:00pm

My husband has been taking Midrin or Duradrin for years for his cluster headaches. He can't use any of the "triptans" because of his blood pressure. Usually his Duradrin runs $15 for a 90-day supply, but when I went to CVS yesterday, they told me (a) that it wasn't Midrin or Duradrin, but Epidrin (sp?), and (b) it was $53.00 or so. Rather than pay for it and then try to get reimbursed by Humana, I called Humana, and was told that CVS was charging full price because Humana no longer covers Midrin/Duradrin/Epidrin. Humana doesn't cover it because Medicare doesn't cover it, they claimed.

So I called Medicare, and was told that, yes indeed, Medicare no longer covers Midrin, by any name, and nobody knew why. When I suggested that it might have something to do with drug companies getting higher reimbursements for some of the newer drugs, my Medicare person allowed as to how that might be true. However, she pointed out, while Midrin and Duradrin are no longer being made, Epidrin is, and it's a generic, which normally costs between $10 and $15 for a 30-day supply (and, apparently, $53 for a 90-day supply.) Could be a lot worse.

I have no idea what's really going on, just thought I'd throw another potato into the stew.

Marian Neudel

2/28/08 8:01pm

My husband has been taking Midrin or Duradrin for years for his cluster headaches. He can't use any of the "triptans" because of his blood pressure. Usually his Duradrin runs $15 for a 90-day supply, but when I went to CVS yesterday, they told me (a) that it wasn't Midrin or Duradrin, but Epidrin (sp?), and (b) it was $53.00 or so. Rather than pay for it and then try to get reimbursed by Humana, I called Humana, and was told that CVS was charging full price because Humana no longer covers Midrin/Duradrin/Epidrin. Humana doesn't cover it because Medicare doesn't cover it, they claimed.

So I called Medicare, and was told that, yes indeed, Medicare no longer covers Midrin, by any name, and nobody knew why. When I suggested that it might have something to do with drug companies getting higher reimbursements for some of the newer drugs, my Medicare person allowed as to how that might be true. However, she pointed out, while Midrin and Duradrin are no longer being made, Epidrin is, and it's a generic, which normally costs between $10 and $15 for a 30-day supply (and, apparently, $53 for a 90-day supply.) Could be a lot worse.

I have no idea what's really going on, just thought I'd throw another potato into the stew.

Patricia Kimes

3/ 5/08 11:51am

This medication is one of the best on the market. I have cronic migraines, meaning 15 days out of 30. Dr. Neil Raskin at UCSF, started me with these when no other nerologist did. They are perfect. I have no side affects, they are non habbit forming, and there is no asprin in them to eat up my stomach. To not be able to get them anymore is going to be terrible for me. The Insurance Companys lies to you and just tell you that they are not FDA approved. So they won't pay for them through Medicare anymore, I am totally disable from headaches and now I have to pya $60.00 a month to get the medicain that helps me so much and kepted me off the needles and shots. I guess they just like to spend more of the Gov.'s money because of my rare condition, that's all we have to go back to. I have tried 7 or 8 preceriptions, and have eaten every thing they make over the couter. So, please don't suggest I try Excedrin for Migains, they won't stay down, I thow them up, along with, Darvocet, Peracet, Tramadol, Imia Trix, Vicadion, Max Alt, Fieornal, Topa Max and Depakot. Advil and anything you can by over the cocunter I have takin. I started with these when I was 15 yrs old, Dr. Raskin says that 1 out of every 2 children in our family will have them. And he is correct.. I out of ever 2 shildren in our family have them, going down to my great neice right now. Go back I can only find out that my GreatGrand mother had them. I hpe the FDA reconsiders this Medicaition, it does a lot of good for me and because we were poor when I was a child, you didn't get to go to the doctor for a headace. Now I have worked 30 years for the Phone Co. retired, went got my State License, became a Insurance Agent for AAA until my headaches just would take it anymore. At 59 years old, I must now start all over again, for something els that worksWhen I did start to the Doctor's it took 6 years, I wonder how long it will take this time.

Thank You

Patricia H. Kimes

Donna

3/10/08 1:01am

the equivilant to midrin is butalbital-asa-caffeine, that is fiorinal hope this helps Donna

Dennis

3/13/08 2:10am

Midrin is Isometheptene/Dichloralphenazone/Acetaminophen (Isometh/APAP/Dichlor).

Fioricet is Butalbital/Caffeine/Acetaminophen (Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine).

Midrin works best for me......

Chrissy

3/21/08 5:35pm

I tried to pick up my refill for this just this past month and it's not available still. Does anybody know what is going on with the supplier at this point?

Heather

3/25/08 6:15am

I live in North Carolina and was just prescribed this by the ER Sunday and I was able to get it filled yesterday but my medicaid wouldn't pay for it. This is the first medicine that I have used that actually got rid of my headache. I have migraines almost everyday and have been to a neurologist several times and nothing he prescribed ever helped.

Albany Girl

3/26/08 5:53pm

The owner of the branded drug "Midrin" is Caraco Pharma.

Based on the latest update which my pharmacy has received, Caraco was having some problems in the last qtr of 2007 related to raw material supplies. All the problems have now been resolved and they are back in production. We should start see supplies of Midrin on the shelves soon.

Also I have heard that the generic manufacturers who had old raw material in-stock and could supply product during this shortage, raised their prices drastically just to take advanatge of the situation. Thats one of the reasons many of the smaller pharmacies could not get this product.

I ended up buying some of these generic drugs (excedrin was the most prevalently available) and I know I had to pay double of what I usually paid. Shame on these companies who are trying to make a quick buck out of human misery.

I think I am goin to go back to Midrin even if cost a little but higher just to hit these generic vultures where it hurst them the most ($$$$s)

Robby

4/ 3/08 10:10am

Hey,

I have come across the same problem. My neurologist told me that it is about to be off the market completely. He said that it is an older drug that came around in the early 1960's and since it is older and affordable, big drug companies are wanting it off the market. If they take it off the market we will be forced to pay ten times the price for something that doesn't work half as good

Teri Robert, Health Guide

4/ 3/08 12:48pm

Robby,

Your neurologist has been given some bad information. We've talked with the manufacturer of Midrin and the FDA, and there are NO plans for it to be taken off the market.

Teri

Auxhead

4/14/08 3:00pm

I just tried to get a script for Midrin filled and was told they don't make it anymore and that it is old as dirt. They substituted with Fiorinal. I feel for you. Those headaches are awful, aren't they? Good Luck to you. I hope you find a good med that helps.

Teri Robert, Health Guide

4/14/08 5:02pm

Midrin most certainly IS available.

It may be "old as dirt," but it CAN abort a Migraine. Fiorinal canNOT.

I do hope you mean that the pharmacy called your doctor, and your doctor gave them a new prescription. Fiorinal is not a subsitute for Midrin.

Teri

Anonymous

1/ 7/09 3:11pm

I can still get my generic filled at Walgreens, but most other stores stopped carring it.

Duradrinite

1/18/09 4:37pm

Midrin is back in both its "brand" formulation and in several generic variations.

renee

2/ 4/09 3:55pm

When I get it now I have to have my doctor write Epidrin instead of Midrin.

Anonymous

7/14/09 1:36am

I was just able to fill mine at the wal-mart pharmacy - try there!

Anonymous

11/ 4/09 12:23am

I talked to Caraco, makers of Midrin today 11/3/09 and they are no longer making midrin. It is NO longer available. I asked what are the alternatives and was told there is none! Obviously people at Caraco who made that decision don't suffer from migraines!

Midrin still available?

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