A new product is out, with less acetaminophen than Fioricet or Esgic: Orbivan, which has 50mg of butalbital, 300mg of acetaminophen, and 40mg of caffeine….very similar to Fioricet/Esgic(brand names), or the generic for those.
Also out is a version without butalbital, similar to Phrenilin, is Orbivan CF, which has 50mg of butalbital and 300mg of acetaminophen, without caffeine.
I feel that butalbital meds are a 2-edged sword: they are useful as painkillers for headache patients, but on the downside they may add to medication overuse headache(MOH) and may cause addiction. Despite these downsides, i do feel they play animportant role in a # of situations, and should remain on the market.
There was a negative anti-butalbital article out in the journal Headache several weeks ago; I wrote a Letter to the Editor titled “IN DEFENSE OF BUTALBITAL”, stating all the pluses and minuses of these meds. I will post that letter, which was accepted into the journal for publication, at some point.
Blog Author
Fiorinal with Codeine #3 has been removed from the Formulary of covered drugs under Medicare Part D with United Healthcare. I am attempting to draft a letter for my physician as to why this drug should remain covered a a treatment for tension headaches.
I just got the same letter for my fioricet (no codeine) and the suggested replacements are ridiculous and not similar at all
What are the replacements? I can’t find the list.
One was aleve and one was motrin. Yea right. If they helped, I wouldn’t need a script. The other was some opiate but I don’t recall the name. I threw the letter out because I decided to just pay for the generic. It was on $29
What a joke! They just keep taking meds that work for people off the list. It’s so unfair.
What’s the generic name?
replacement for fioricet.
Do you have fiorinol without codeine
What is a replacement for fiorcet?
Maryrm2001”@yahoo.com
Maryrm2001”@yahoo.com
I know there’s another brand now called Orbivan but I don’t know if it’s a generic form. It’s the only thing I took for years that helped my tension headaches and now I have a Dr that won’t prescribe them ?
The replacement, generic for fioricet is Butal /Acetamn/cf 50-325-40 tab. I took fioricet in the ’90s and when I lost my job I lost my insurance and now my doctor has prescribed the generic for fioricet and so far it works just as well and doesn’t give me the little buzz that fioricet gave me
You might want to ask your doctor about Reyvow or Nurtec ODT. They are both relatively new drugs that help with the immediate symptoms of throbbing headache, photosensitivity, sensitivity to smell, nausea and vomiting.
It is supposed to work within the first 1-2hours.
My Medicare told me they will not pay for these 2 drugs.
These do not work at all. I take fioricet without codeine and was given samples of these and all they did was make me super dizzy and nauseous, vomiting. Plus they don’t work if you all if you already have a bad headache. You have to take them at the faintest hint of a headache for them to maybe work, they do nothing.
How do we fight this???
Go to “Don’t Punish Pain “ on Facebook. It is a nation wide protest group which is trying to fight the outrageous CDC guidelines that started this entire problem!
Only way you can get medication to manage pain is if you have severe cancer nowadays
You have to have cancer , be terminally ill, or have more money & power than the predident….this fabricated opioid epidemic is based on false statistics. However, it’s great for new jobs & the economy. I hope Trump has a long excruciating death lasting for days….my last four years I’ve been completely miserable on 5% of what I used to take. I sas supposed to die but survived right when the retatdemic began, so I was on heavy doses so heavy that because I lived I have to be on them thd rest of my life…which currently, without a miracle might end….thank god I may die & not suffer glued to a bed 24 7
Use Good RX coupon. Fiorecet (the no codeine formula is not a controlled substance. It may be a scheduled substance but it is not reportable on the federal data base for narcotics use! My pharmacist told me this). The new stuff is very expensive, limited amount per month which does not cut it necessarily, is not as effective) but big pharma does not make much money on fiorecet so they are pushing docs over butalbital! It low risk for addiction but if used too much can cause rebound headaches! So can the new stuff! They don’t tell you that they just limit the amount you can get! Its a money thing! Less side effects with fiorecet!
Maybe you can try out the government they win every time
I’m ready to fight it! No one should suffer in pain. If it works for us then why change it! All these new medications out there are expensive and I’m sure docs are getting kickbacks for prescribing then.
Esgic is a replacement for Fioricet. I don’t like it that Fiorinal or Fioricet are called “headache meds” when, for me. they kill ANY kind of pain. For me, the opiods DO NOT WORK and they make me fall. the drugs with Butalbital in them work and Fiorinal works better than Fioricet, with or without codein. . Yah, the medicare insurances don’t cover these. they DO cover Esgic which is the same as Fioricet. But Good Rx saves you money.
You can get Esgic without a prescription?
I have used Fiorinal with codeine for 35+ years. I’ve never become addicted. The Acetaminophen products don’t work for me. I need aspirin in mine. I just want to function.
I take fiorinal w codiene an it’s the best I ever found to stop migraines an now they want to cut me down an I see people teenagers given hundreds lorcets An that ok an me 64 lost 4 children to a brittle bone deiase. An me with problems looks like they are pushing for people to get street drugs which is proven the biggest killer among drinking
The war on opioids is a war on innocent people in pain.
Amen Chuck. As someone who has suffered with back pain for over 35 years following a car wreck, I totally agree. Now it seems you have to go to a pain management doctor, and get into that messed up crap, in order to get anything that’ll help at all with the pain.
I loo
I believe my Doctor, who I’ve been his patient since I was 18 yrs old, and saw his Daddy also a Doctor before him. Now I’m 53 next week. I signed pain management contract with my Doc, and I see him every month. I don’t see anyone else for anything. He handles all my issues. If he can’t he’ll refer me somewhere. The only chance a Patient has is to have a long well known history with their Physician. The Docs have to answer for the Narcotics they prescribe.
I have taken generic Fioricet occasionally for the past 30 years.
It is the best tension headache medication ? I’ve ever had prescribed( I have suffered most of my adult life from crippling tension headaches).
And in all these years of taking this medication off and on, I have never suffered any ill side effects or addiction problems.
Government are not doctors and have no right acting like they are.
We the patient and the ones that end up suffering for their decisions ?. VERY SAD
I do agree. This “war on opioids” has cased medical professionals to prescribe things that are basically OTC while anyone over 21 can drink enough alcohol to kill themselves, buy an automatic weapon & commit mass murder, or smoke cigarettes until they’re lungs collapse. It’s unfair to target 1 class of drugs w/o addressing all things that may cause harm. 10 years ago it was methamphetamine, now it’s opioids, in another few years it’ll be something else, whichever the politicians can jump on to get votes or re-elected.
I totally agree. The one medication that works for pre-migraine headached (before it goes nuclear) is Fioricet (without codeine) for me. I have taken it for 30+ years, my insurance company includes it in Formulary, my pharmacy will fill it. The Doctor won’t prescribe it. It is not a Federally scheduled drug, but apparently it is scheduled in the state of California. Why? It makes no sense to me at all. It is a total war on people in pain — period. In CA you cannot get anything.
I totally agree…. I have been taking this med for over 10 years. it gave me my life back. it has been the best medication for the type of chronic migraines. it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find, I am starting to titrate down because I don’t want that day to come when it is completely unavailable and I would be left with the choice to abruptly stop this medication I spend my evenings with my head wrapped in a heating pad. awake with a significant head pain. I have had friends say they have migraines a little peppermint oil on their temples and its gone …tried it (does not work). When you wake up and the pain in my neck and head is so severe….I have vomited on the floor so many time cannot even count I am scarred I will not be able to work and I will spend my days in bed unable to eat sleep and barely function I don.t wish this on anyone
We aren’t having just a migraine. We are getting full blown neurological cytokinesis. A systematic inflammation. People who don’t get this type of pain, don’t understand. I used
to get Fiorinal (aspirin instead- no codeine). Three simple ingredients. Less harm for those with Liver damage. Now it’s a ‘controlled substance.’ Never abused it. Question is what are we going to do about this?
In horrible pain for days and missing work! Imitrix only goes so far!
I’m having the exact experience. My neurologist prescribed Fiorinal and it’s literally the only medication that relieves my migraines. It is also very good for preventative care. My neurologist retired and no one will prescribe fiorinal for me. Without it I can be sick for a week. Wrapping my head neck shoulders in ice then in heat. I’ve had people tell me they have had migraines and use peppermint oil on their temples to relieve the pain. Obviously they haven’t really had a migraine. There’s no way peppermint oil helps. I have not found anything to help me. My doctor says take excedrine migraine twice a day. Which makes me sick to my stomach. Has anyone tried cannibus?
I took Fioricet with Codeine for twenty five years! It worked so well for me but had to go to a pain clinic to get it. They also had me on Fentanyl, Oxycodone and I did the this for ten years! I titrated off everything each one with its own set of withdrawal symptoms. Finally started Botox injections which worked for about six years but now I’m having issues with that not completely working. They’ve tried so many other things that don’t work. My neurologist won’t prescribe it my interest won’t and my primary dr. won’t! They just pass me from one dr. to the next! I’m sick of it!!
I agree! I’m in a California and can’t find a Dr. who will even use it anymore. I’ve had TMJ issues and my dentist will prescribe it for me occasionally but I agree with everyone that it’s the only thing that works!
In defense of Pain Management docs. Chronic pain is what they deal with, and no one with chronic pain will find themselves better understood by any other docs. They offer many options that help along with prescribing controlled pain substances. I had chronic Migraine disease for 26 years. My Migraines lasted 3 to 5 weeks. I spent 50% of these years bedridden . I still get Migraines regularly, but of much less duration. I wish I had known about Pain Clinics. I think a pain specialist is a great option in my opinion. I had tried everything over the years without success.
But now I had a procedure only offered by a pain specialist, and I improved enough to get by now with over the counter Tylenol with Caffeine.
I am tired of arguing with the doctors about fioricet, it is the only medication that works for my tmj and tension headaches. In florida it is a class 3 ,it’s demeaning as they seem to not hear what you are saying, always bringing up the addiction aspect. It works why isn’t that enough for them. It’s ridiculous!
Teenagers may be buying hundreds of hydrocodone tablets off the streets but I assure you doctors are not giving out that drug by the hundreds to children
And they don’t make lorcet anymore
Hmmm ..you must be underground.
I agree100%
My doctor as well I’ve been using fioricet for 10 years we tried everything before I was put on it. Now that people have screwed it up I can’t get it. I need something that has the relaxant like the butrial because I have PTSD and social anxiety . With the med takes away the headaches an I can stop hiding in a room.any suggestions on a med that I can ask the doc for that is not on the list but works in the same way?
Unfortunately there is nothing quite like butalbital; we have tried phenobarbital, but it almost never seems to help. A muscle relaxant sometimes mimics this effect…..but the butalbital does help many patients, when not much else does; it just has become more difficult to obtain and to prescribe….
I was in the Air Force with my husband for almost 25 years back in 1979 I started to get the ungodly migraines to where I would get nosebleeds I’ve been to neurologist rheumatologist you name it they put me on the medicine phrenilin and I was on that medication up until December 2018 when my doctor was being watched by the DEA I got a new pain doctor but he will not prescribe it for me because he wanted me to see a neurologist the neurologist wanted to give me a medication that causes seizures what in the hell is going on I had such bad migraines I had been hospitalized for them I had been in the emergency rooms every 3 days getting Demerol and Phenergan shots which I did not like I was put on Demerol every 3 hours which I did not like so they came up with the medicine phrenilin and it worked and now I’m eating Tylenol like crazy and it’s going to end up hurting my kidneys and my liver and this is what you people do to me the DEA if one of them gets in a lot of pain which I hope they don’t I hope they refer themselves to Tylenol and see how much pain is relieved I can’t take you out because my stomach bleeds I can’t take any anti-inflammatory medications or Nan says because I almost had a heart attack so you tell me doctor what am I supposed to do and now they come up with a new medicine orbivan now do you think I’m going to get that if I can’t get phrenilin and no doctor will prescribe it I would just love a reply from back from you and you tell me what to do thank you for your time
Teenagers may be buying hundreds of hydrocodone tablets off the streets but I assure you doctors are not giving out that drug by the hundreds to children
And they don’t make lorcet anymore
Yes there is Valium
Had most of if not more muscle relaxation properties than butablityal.
Mine only helps with the codien.cant get it anymore,such a shame
I am 66 now and using butalbital along with Aimovig monthly shot and vaping marijuana
Started each at different times. Migraines started about 15!years ago.
As a child I suffered terrible migraines and was diagnosed with childhood epilepsy, given phenobarbital and an anticonvulsant. After a couple years I was able to stop both. I was 10 years old.
Now my doctors laugh when I mention trying phenobarbital and I’m 200 lbs and retired. What a crock. Really, if I was given it as a 10 year old I think I can handle as a grown man. Ridicules .
Fioricet is the only thing that helps my headaches without any side effects. Now I’ve been cut way back on them and suffer more days than not . Doctors are not concerned about chronic pain patients. It’s easier not to deal with us.
I feel the same way Jacque…….it takes many years to find something that helps…so you finally find something….then all this crazy worry about opioids….which I understand how things can get out of hand…but if you are being seen by a doctor every month and are being checked and monitored…..why do they make us feel like we are some kind of criminal, when we just want something to help us be able to do the every day things we need to accomplish in our every day lives…..the fioricet was the one thing that helped me, after years of trying many and every thing I could….now it seems the manufacturer won’t be making more until like June…this comes from my pharmacy….so I guess you are right….must be easier for them not to deal with us because they send you to a “pain management” place…that is a joke, at least in my case….sometimes I am like some of the other comments, just go get something illegal…..much easier…right……but when you are trying to do things right…makes it hard to do the right thing!!! I feel your frustration!!!
I had my finger ripped off my hand. It had caused me plenty of issues. Since then the migraines are wicked! I also have been on florcet for around 32 yrs . Nothing else work! Nothing tried other things . Had issues with drs not wanting to give it to me, so I left the dr . Found a dr who knows what I needed. I’m sick of doctors who think they know my body better then I do. I also have ptsd. Without this drug my life is spent in bed in pain.
To Jacque and Katwell:
Here I am in 3/2021 and I am so glad I found this blog! I’ve been using Fiorinal with codeine, now Fioricet with codeine for the past 35+ years. If I didn’t have it, I would literally in bed for at least a week, vomiting profusely. If I use the Fioricet with codeine along with a nausea med., I can function. Within the past 2 months, I’ve had pharmacists WHO HAVE BEEN FILLING MY PRESCRIPTIONS ALL THESE YEARS, now saying, “I don’t feel comfortable….,” “I don’t feel it’s ethical….”, “I don’t want to be a part of insurance fraud,” blah blah! When did they have these rights to judge us ?!?! Have these people ever had a pounding/nausea migraine with a family, dogs and a job to take care of?!?! They are making us do exactly what they say is “illegal”: doctor shop, pharmacy shop or now I’m thinking it may be less stressful just buying it illegally! And yes, I just told my husband, “We pay THOUSANDS for family insurance a month, and they are seriously starting to restrict the meds to relieve your pain?” My doctor even admitted she KNOWS I’m not abusing or selling it, so what is the problem? If they say it’s to avoid overdoses, what about other things like alcohol or cigarettes that kill people daily?!? I’m so happy and relieved to find this blog! I no longer feel like what Katwell said… A CRIMINAL! Thank you everyone for sharing!
Also, we want to go to Japan for a family trip, but they have VERY STRICT laws regarding bringing in medicine, especially for migraines. So, I take the chance of spending a lot of money on a 2 week vacation with a chance I’ll be in the hospital or in the hotel room for most of our family trip?!? What are my legal options? God help us!
Same, mine doesn’t even have codine in it fiorecet Tylenol caffine and butabital I’ve tried everything been on fioricet 6 years was getting my life back
I have been and furious set now that I know of for 15 years. I have tried everything I have been receiving Botox injections. They have lessened the severity but I still have the migraines. I have had migraines for 40 years please don’t take my Butalbital
I also have been on fiorocet for years and also have very high anxiety. I stopped my fiorocet for a while and realized just how bad my anxiety was. Now I’m on klonopin daily and I find if I take excederin AND my klonopin I get Almost the same relief. Not exact but close.
I have used fiorinal 3 for 27 years . It is the only thing I ever found to stop my migraines . I tryed them all even the Fioricet 3 an it made my head worse . My only problem now is being able to get them . After all these years no problems. I had 10 kids an thank God never a surgery an all in all thx be to God . The only time I do bad is when I don’t have my meds. An you can’t make these Dr understand that. Everyone who knows me never even knows I took anything unless I tell them . I have took no other kind meds are for sure nothing illeagel an I’m 64 . An I pray they never take this meds off. Does anyone else feel as me
I’m 65 & I can no longer get it (the fioricet) BECAUSE I am considered ‘elderly’. As I can no longer get the Soma/carisoprodol because I am 65 & ‘elderly’. Good luck to you.
Yes they’re going all by your age you’re 64 and I’m 68 so it doesn’t matter once you reach a certain age I think they think will go into respiratory distress or some other kind of crap especially if we’ve been on these medicines for a long time and nothing has happened it’s just the DEA doing a stupid ass job because of these kids overdosing on opioids that’s what happened the kids are getting it from other people and then dying so boom they immediately go to the doctors and see how they’re prescribing medications now some of them I will agree they prescribe OxyContin oxycodones 120 in a Time I could never take that much medicine and in my whole life and the medication I’m on I take it as prescribed always follow the guidelines and never failed a drug test I do not believe and drugs on the streets but this is what’s going to happen to a lot of people because they can’t get what they need in the drugs that they have been taken for many years really works they’re taking it away now they came up with a new prescription called orbivan it is Tylenol with butalbital and the Tylenol was lowered from 3:25 to 300 that’s the only thing they did so when you reach a certain age this is when they start watching and I’ve seen people coming out of a pain clinic nothing wrong with him getting all these hide drugs and they’re either selling them or I don’t know what they’re doing with him that’s what’s happened they’ve ruined it for all of us and have a lot of problems and they just don’t care but let one of them get in paid and let’s see how they react let’s see if they’re just going to take Tylenol or Advil or Aleve I can’t take any of that because I can’t take aspirin or any Nan says or any anti-inflammatory medication because I almost had a heart attack go figure well I hope this helps you out somewhat but I’m glad you brought it to the attention of everybody else we all are in the same boat
unfortunately I happen to think these are fairly safe meds, when used appropriately BUT: it is difficult to find doctors willing to prescribe, sorry I don’t have any great answers for this; these are safer than some meds, but of course there are issues(if overused)….
Tell me something you are a headache clinic and yet they prescribed or they have come up with a new prescription called orbivan and I was on phrenilin since 1979 while my husband was in the military because they tried everything under the sun and now with this new medication even though I was on phrenilin I couldn’t get my Madison and now you you come up with a new prescription you people don’t make sense it contains a barbiturate and is considered a narcotic and what is the DEA doing they’re taking that opioids and narcotics away from all of us practically I just want to know why you come up with a new prescription and the DEA is taking it all away from all of us I stayed in the required dosage which was to three times a day never took more than that and I can’t get one doctor to get me my prescription so you people tell me what to do since you come up with a new prescription now I would like a reply thank you
I’ve been suffering with unbearable migraine pain since I was a little girl. My dad gave me aspirin and he made baking soda water to take it with.
I suffered through high school and college.
It wasn’t until I had my first baby, that my Dr. taking care of me told me that after the pregnancy, she would help me with the migraines.
It was Fiorinal #3. It saved my marriage, enabled me to teach 6th grade for 35 years, raise two great children, be a good steward at church, and to this day, I would not have a life out of bed without it.
I’ve always wanted to be medication and migraine free, but if it’s in your genes, I’ve learned that I have no control, to quit worrying about taking my medicine to give me relief and accept the fact that I need it to survive.
My question has always been to doctors why is this opioid
problem causing me problems.
Migraineur’s are normal people who want to be responsible, live a great life, and be able to receive their needed medicine.
Then we will be helpful citizens who care about others.
Without the needed medication, we can’t survive.
The pain is too extreme!
Why should we be worrying about this in our sixties?
Clean up abusive drug use, but let us alone!
By the way, I traveled all over the country throughout my life to the best known facilities and hospitals just praying to get help with the pain of migraines.
I always ended up taking Fiorinal #3 to ease the severity of the migraine.
No one should not be able to get their medicines that their doctors know they need even if on Medicare!!
And guess what, the new migraine medications are all mAbs (monoclonal antibody) drugs and they are not even covered by Medicare. They are also only 41% effective. And, if you have severe allergies to other things, like food, molds, etc., you can develop allergies to these drugs too because their molecules stay in your bloodstream and you can develop antibodies to them. I know. I did. Don’t think much of them. I was on Fioricet for 30+ years all my major organs are working fine, thank you. I hate this!
Sadly it’s happening to all of us!! I’ve been on fioricet 3 for many years. They only thing that helps my migraines. I tried Botox, but had a horrible reaction, & ended up in the er for over 24 hours. I’ll be 49 in March, but, my pain management took my fioricet 3 away from me last October. So, I’m back to living in bed, with ice packs, & heating pad, throwing up a lot!!
I’m 67 yrs old have had migraines and cluster headaches since I was 5..been with my Neuro over 25 years now he dosent want me to take butabital which is a life saver and tried to get me to take new drugs like Revow, Nurtec which medicare told me they won’t cover ( over $1000.00 per mo and no generic so he is not happy! Told him I can’t afford that! He may not be my Neurologist after this month!
This is the only medicine combination that treats my migraine/ anxiety headaches. It has worked wonders for years. My insurance will not pay for it any longer it is expensive too.
Hi Fellow Suffers, I just got denied for my Butalbital APAP with caff as well. I am frightened to think of my life without the little help that it does give me each day and really at night. I have Dystonia and Parkinson’s, and I feel like I’ve been tossed over board without a life raft.
Good RX Gold covers Fiorinal and id assume the Tylenol alternative
Yes, it covers both Fiorcet and Fiorinal w/or w/o codeine. If you purchase the Good rx gold card (I believe it’s $5.00 a month) the savings is more than half off the regular Goodrx price. I believe I paid $17.00 for 60.
I realize this forum is outdated, however if I’m just reading this today…….Fiorcet (w/ or w/o codeine) is basically the only medication that aborts my severe migraine. I recently moved and can not find a provider who will prescribe it. I thoroughly understand it can cause rebound ha and in some addiction. I hear the lecture anytime I request it. I’ve had severe headaches and migraine since childhood. It’s incredibly frustrated and cruel to have no relief. I’ve tried every medication, supplement, alternative therapy, eastern medicine…..Narcotic medications do not work. (I realize codeine is a narcotic, was referring to strong narcotics) I wish doctors would keep in mind there are patients who’s only abortive method for migraine is Fiorcet.
Absolutely, my lifesaving abortive is Butalbitol with a phenergan and a norgesic forte. It has always worked quickly and allows me to continue my schedule after 20 minutes or less. The side effect the next day is needing an hour more sleep and I have been strict not to repeat this drug in a week.
Fortunately they have cafergot suppositories if migraine pounding hard awakened me from deep sleep. Vomiting and three days of pain were years ago at age 40 onset. After 15 years the migraines monthly almost stopped. Now at age 68 if I get a hard pounding migraine type pain it takes two Butalbitol which is never advised. The pain goes away in 10 min or 15 laying down and does not return so I have kept my schedule and I remain so grateful to doctors who believed me. I know a family who had nonstop cluster resistant Headpain since a child and saw the same teen turn bipolar.
Dr. Lawrence Robbins earliest handbook of drugs and his book linking genetic neurologically susceptible conditions kept that family searching as the case had four generations that missed work or school. There was arthritis as a child through old age, another one with childhood asthma then complicated migraine with stomach aches and another with ODV and headaches . Finally the same family older member with weekly headaches developed Multiple Sclerosis.
Wellness eating, exercise and the abortive drugs as a backup are lifesavers giving hope to those who suffer and are able to read neuroscience latest research! There is sphenopalatine ganglion block, Wireless electrical stimulation patch , all in a days 2017 updates. Thank you, doctors.
Since I joined Medicare with supplements RX nothing but problems. Any narcotic barpituate or opiad is monitored . Their excuse is looking out for their members and following FDA regs. As if your dr doesn’t do both and know you better. On phone all day between dr and Medicare trying to resolve issue. We are all screwed because of these new DEA regulations. Here’s a thought , go after the real street dealers and try to regulate their lives and leave us alone who have legitimate problems
Try GOOD RX.COM YOU CAN PURCHASE THE DRUG FROM A LIST OF PHARMACIES WITH THE CHEAPEST PRICES AND YOU DONT HAVE TO INVOLVE MEDICARE.
Don’t you need to have a prescription for this because now, I can’t even get one and I have been suffering for 33 years, due to a car accident I was in.
How does Medicare expect you to survive your migraines when they do NOT cover MOST of your Meds!! This I find is totally ridiculous!! I have to use GoodRX half of the time to cover my meds!! I even tried to drop my Medicare and buy my own insurance but was told I couldn’t or I wouldn’t be cover till I was 65!!
yes that is a huge problem…..
I agree
I really like that idea!!! Those offenders are screwing the rest of us who legitimately need these particular medicines. I’ve recently been rolled over to another pharmacy, they charge me full price for Esgic..I take genric..I had great pharmacist for 12 yrs., then overnight he was gone, to RiteAid..line went out the door, then found a Blue Cross Perferred Provider, personal pharmacist, saved $, but she never charged me more than $56.00 for 120 tabs of But/APAP/Caf….not covered by Blue Cross…but be sure Blue Cross increases every year their premium equal to or more if those of us on Social Security get a $20.00 increase….I actually went negative $30+ this year with Medicare increase, Blue Cross Prescription increase..that $20 COLA really? Ive never doctor shopped, 20+yrs with specialist & he retired, luckily the PA in my family clinic was so positive to take care of my pain management, but he saved me with my super headaches/migraines…and the throwing up..with Phenegran..that changed my life..menopause was 10 yrs of non-stop migraine & throw up first 3/4 days every 20 minutes. I had no one in family to talk to, as the women had all passed or had early hysterectomy & could handle HRT..which I can’t. Christ on a cracker…I’ve had headaches from very tiny babe. I also take Imetrix Inhalers, but if the 2 inhalers don’t work, Im grateful for the Butablital…I’m wishing for all my my people who suffer from the various headache/nausea nightmare, appropriate care without making us feel like we are doing something wrong….blame the victim of theservice phyiscal issues so NOT proactive health care.
My doctor of 25 years can no longer prescribe Fiorinal with Codeine #3. I am 61 and have suffered with migraines for as long as I can remember, when I was very young, 3 or 4 I called them “sick headaches”. My mother suffered from them as well and up until 30 years ago I hesitated to make plans because I never knew when I would wake up with a full blown migraine that could last days. Fiorinal is the only thing that has worked. I tried the fioricet but it doesn’t do anything for the pain relief. I’ve been without it for 2 months now – I am not addicted to them but I hate the fact that I am back to having to go to the ER or suffer through with only the 20 minutes of pain relief that comes after throwing up. What really bothers me is that the government is making law abiding citizens resort to going to Pain Management Clinics for pain relief. I’m sorry but that just makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong or illegal for needing treatment for my pain. I hear the name and think Pill Mills and it seems like one is shut down or busted monthly these days. My doctor has known me for over 25 years and I get my medications legally and pay for it with my hard earned money. The government gives away drugs to treat addicts but won’t give free Epi pens to someone who could die by touching a peanut. Now they are telling me I have to go to a new doctor that doesn’t know me or my history? Go to a pill mill that may or may not be shut down? Want us to go “Dr. Shopping” now? Maybe I can just claim disability instead and quit contributing to their treatment of heroine addicts with my tax dollars. The DEA has been trying to fight a drug war for centuries and they think this is going to help? Any one know if there are any groups that are fighting this or to appeal this law?
I’m on disability and am covered by Medicare and Medicaid and you would not believe the meds that they won’t pay for or only pay for so many. I have severe migraines/headaches more than 15 days a month, but can only get them to pay for 9 imitrex a month, and the bubultial they want even cover, and it’s $40 for 30 pills. It’s so crazy.
That’s what I want to know! In pain and fired up! There are too many of us! How can we not fight this?
I go to pain management. I have been with the same one for about 5 years. And, They can’t even prescribe my migraine med anymore!!! This is rediculous!! We follow everything to the T, jump trough all the hoops, & still get screwed!!!! So, what are we supposed to do!! Idiots looking for a high, have no problems getting what they WANT, and we chronic pain sufferers, who follow the rules & laws, don’t want any of these meds, but NEED certain ones, just so we can function, & they’re taking it ALL away from us!!!
I always use two pellets of Fioricet..works for 4 hours only…
And i get Rx 180
What manufacturer works for you? The finest was Westward and they are discontinuing. We should start a groundswell of letters to re launch WESTWARD MANUFACTURE FIORICET WITHOUT CODEINE. EXCELLENT RELIEF FOR MY SISYER AND STRICT QUALITY COTROL. ROUND BLUE TABLETS.
I am having a problem finding a doctor that will continue with my fioricet or esgic it is 40 50 325. The insurance Medicaid will pay for it in that dosage and I’ve been using is for 20 years for migraines and nes sezuires caused by PTSD and social anxiety . Without it I get migraines , sezuires and can not go out into the public. But instead they want to keep trying new regular sezuire meds that are not working because they are nes sezuires. I don’t know what to do . It is the only way I can be in any social settings .even work or family
of course, always check Goodrx for the best prices…it is sad, patients in pain cannot easily find doctors willing to prescribe pain meds; and Fioricet is a mild sedative, not an opioid…..L.Robbins,M.D.
The morons now classify it as such! I’d like to know where they went to school. Recently a CVS pharmacist said she wouldn’t fill my vaca-override scripts (nope, no opioids) so I told her she was playing doctor & her reply was, “I am a doctor”. I replied, “Oh, really? So, you’ve been writing prescriptions? She slammed the phone down as she swore. CVS. She said she got her training in “school”. School of Stupid I believe.
However, most pharmacies won’t take GoodRx, at least where I live, New Orleans, especially for anything that is a narcotic.
E. Peele – CVS did the same to a family member. They are the worst!
I so agree, I am facing losing my Butalbital next month, and it’s the only thing that gives me a 75% masking of the awful Dystonia headaches/neck tension on my left side. God help us all, especially the older ones that are 65 and older who have such awful pain. Can’t they have a drug that helps some of the time jeez!
I’m reading post after post about the problem! I’m joining the crowd as my new 12 yr old dr said I could get confused (am 64) and forget and take more and die. So no more butalbital but instead of Fiorcet w cod its Tylenol 3. Hes only concerned about his license sayin that he wont cont to prescribe bc that med isnt not specifically for what it’s working to treat. Huh? So everybody’s griping but what is there to do? I mean really folks! WHAT is a reasonable answer?? I dont think I can wait for them to pick up all the drug dealers.
It’s so sad that people who suffer with chronic pain rather it be very bad migraines like myself n chronic back problems ( scoliosis with DJD) have to go through such links just to get relief it’s not fair!!! Why should we suffer I live with bck pain every day .. something needs to be done !! We just want relief and not looked at like we are making things up!! Health care has to be better!!! We don’t want to be in pain every day..we need understanding n compassion!!!
The ‘overkill’ on this medication is ergregous! Unfortunately suffer from chronic migraines. This med replaces much more effective medication but the hassle, time, and entourage of nonsense to get refilled forced me to tylenol # 3. I now have the pleasure of spending many more hours in “moderate” pain. Thank you dea – has it ever occured to you that there is need for the opioids you have bastardized. Now millions that primarily suffer from chronic migraines have the quality of their lives reduced. They used the rx responsibly. Go focus on the tons of drugs on the street and those that abuse them.
Thank you. I just changed my prescription insurance and the cost went from $6.00 to $50.00!!
I just had my Fiorcet rejected at the pharmacist and in the generic form had to pay$18.00for 10 of them. This is a medicarecare program. d pr
I have never had a better med than this go to good rx an u can get a free coupon for this drug type how many an it will give u a price I can get 60 for 54 dollars at CVS with the coupon without it over 125$ .
Have you found another way to obtain Fioricet w codeine?
I’m running out of options with the opioid crackdown and am considering a pill mill or the dark web. This is as real problem
Same here-that is, removed from formulary a WEEK AFTER SWITCHING TO THIS MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE PT D. Price is at least 10x what I used to pay, but the ONLY thing, although very short-lived, that somewhat works for killer migraines, which I get very often. They wanted to switch to Tylenol 3 but made me sick. They even approved opioids (at a much cheaper price), but can’t take them, either. Butalbital, they act as though it’s heroin. Got my attorneys on this one. Messed with the wrong sick patient far too long!
It would not let me reply above to you. Just wanted to let you know that pharmacists must have a doctorate (PharmD). My student loans prove it.
I understand this but it doesnt give the pharmacist the right to change or deny your meds because they dont agree with your drs diagnosis. I too have had issues with CVS pharmacists refusing to fill my prescription because they dont like a drug im on or the quantity. That was between me and my dr. I had the pharmacist fired. I was on those medications for years and had just moved here. He didnt know me or my medical issues. He just made a judgment.
Ur Dr is prescibing you a medication cause you need it!! It’s not rite for the pharmacist to play god !! Their not a doctor !!!
Gee sounds great you got an attorney on this. I’m 67 and facing the fight with my neurologist this month..he is giving me trouble I’ve been taking it for 30 yrs nothing else works as well! Hey keep us informed please.
I was diagnosed with a migraine back in 1974 back then they used to give me a 10 in 1 shot s79 approached it got worse I was in the emergency room every 3 days getting a Demerol and Phenergan shot finally the commander of the hospital where I was staying they decided to put me onto phrenilin three times a day as a preventative to the migraines I just seen a neurologist she contradict me on everything she said no that’s not a preventative it’s the Tylenol that you taking too much will help when you can’t get the medicine what do you do believe it or not she gave me 20 pills for a month I have more than that headaches a month this isn’t right I was on this medication from 79 to 2017 when my doctor was prescribing too much Oxycodone and oxycontin unfortunately he got his license revoked then I seen another pain doctor he said he doesn’t do migraines I had to see a neurologist this is bull but I was told my PCP can write it but she scared to death because of the DEA the DEA needs to keep their nose out of things that make the people feel better especially with migraines they don’t know what a migraine is until they get one Tylenol doesn’t do anything I’ve taken up to 4000 Tylenol a day and it didn’t work it made it worse especially my stomach so what are we supposed to do I would like an answer to this one
Hello, good news I been buying my Fioricet for 12 years from this pharmacy, the script is written by a real Dr. just tell them you heard it from Tom D. 180 tablets for $220.00 includes shipping !
https://bookyourorder.in.net/
Good RX /CVS Target has Fioricet 90 caps. $42.00, I’ve been on it for 30 yrs. Medicare I can’t afford the price that want so searched till I found a lower price.
This is to go out to Tom you sent me a reply about getting this medication from a doctor where is this doctor from and is it legitimate are you on any other pain medicine besides what you get from him I would like to know thank you Sheila Gomez
Fiorinial with codeine helped me so much with my migraines n back pain..it should be covered by people who have migraines n chronic pain issue..it’s ashame good people have to suffer..it’s not fair at all!!!
I have been taking firocet for my headaches for years. I tried all the other headache meds( some had horrible side effects) before trying firocet. Last month I went to get my prescription and it went from 33.00 to 110.00, now I probably wouldn’t have been so upset but wasn’t even notified by my medicare advantage plan.
I’ve been on fiorinal and tylenol 4 for migraine headaches, regular headaches and body pain. Suddenly I can’t get it and im given drugs, antidepressants etc that cause seizures. I’m 77 years old and in good health. I’m treated like a criminal. Do I have to leave this country to get proper care
Butalbital n Mephobarbital can alleviate some of the worst Cluster h.a.’s. I’ve had for 49+yrs. A Special Kind of misery n my Book. Codeine 1gr. or 16mg. drocode( dihydrocodeine) would be my choice. The Point about rebound h.a. Must Always be figured into the equation. However w/this fraud of an Opiate Epidemic just contributes to a higher mortality rate, if you can’t differentiate between a milligram n microgram, your time walking this earth exponentially decreases.
I took this drug for years it is literally the best medication on the market for migraine headaches which originates from the neck muscles Nothing works like.
This med is the only one which has any effect on my sinus headaches and my TMJ issues. Nothing else helps and I have tried them all, even the prescription meds.
Same here. The medicare is awful. I need the Butabital with aspirin to work on my migraines and tmj.
I have been taking Fiorinal (not Fioricet or Fiorinal w/ codeine) capsules many years for ‘sick headaches’.
Because of the extreme price increase, I tried the generic, but it makes me drowsy and nauseous…
I need to function at work so the generic is not an option. No pharmacies will say that brand name Fiorinal has been discontinued, but so far I cannot find a pharmacy that can get it. Has the brand name Fiorinal (50-325-40) actually been discontinued? I can get the prescription, but now can’t find a pharmacy that can get it for me. Help!
Yes, it’s been discontinued in December 2020. AbbVie bought Allergan (maker of brand name Fiorinal) and AbbVie made the “business decision” to discontinue. They told me there was nothing I could do about this. Sorry for all who need it. My mother and I have taken it for decades and it is the only thing we have found to work.
Blue tab w/ an image of a Head on 1 side was brand available approx 2+yrs. ago. Novartis Pharm. did produce them. Also, Geneva was once a manufacturer. Perhaps, Give them a call. Goodluck
Exactly
I cannot take triptans because I have had 2 episodes of coronary vasospasms from using them. My cardiologist said I can never use them again. The only medication that helps my pain is Fioinal w/codeine, it is a life saver for me. The aspirin in Fiorinal works best for me. I use it sparingly and wisely. Like most migraine patients, we are very educated about our disease and the medications we use. This is a chronic pain condition and those of us who cannot use triptans, need relief from the pain. Cambia, aleve and ibuprofen do not work for me, only IV toradol. I am on preventatives and have had migraines for 50 years. Thank you Dr. Robbins for defending butalbital. If patients are under the care of their neurologist, are educated, responsible and in pain, there should not be an issue prescribing these medications.
This is the only meds I been on for 27 yrs an now I have to fight to get it with all this mess going on . I tryed everything till this now I have a hard time getting it . An get sick all lot . .I wish on us older people they would think we need more than all these young ones I see them write hundred lorcrts to an even a new Dr I had start seeing because I want take lorcet want give me but a few my fiorinal 3 something I no helps me after 27 years on it now tell me it’s bad. What about lorcets an drinking an on an on.
I have two words for the sanctimonious people who determine what is “best” for pain relief of chronic conditions like migraine. One of those words is horse. The other one is what comes out of the south end of that horse whilst he’s heading north .
Scott,
While I respect your personal opinion, it gives me pause to believe you have unequivocally yet to experience a true migraine?
I have most unfortunately seen in my practice—such debilitating pain control every aspect of the patients life.
I don’t understand the issue. It seems people are saying what works for them, not everyone.
I assumed Scott was callout out the insurance companies for deciding what works, not these people who know what works for them. Maybe I’m wrong though.
Have had chronic migraines since HS. Now at age 68 nothing has changed. Have used every abortive and preventive medication, including injections from head to lower spine. All in vain. The only prescription that works for me is fiorinal/codeine. Try arguing with Drs and Medicare to get it. Years of medical history and continuous issues to get it. Why doesn’t the DEA. concern itself with the illegal opiate epidemic and leave us alone. Unless you have experienced the wrath of a migraine , you can’t understand it , not to mention the years of lost time due to the pain and incompasition.
I got Botox for my headaches, and it’s helped a good but I still get about 10-14 a month. This is down from 25-30. My insurance has decided they won’t cover my fioricet (which doesn’t work as well as midrin) anymore either bc my doctor coded it as migraines and it’s for tension headaches. So ridiculous. He tried to appeal but they denied it again.
How does Medicare expect you to survive your migraines when they do NOT cover MOST of your Meds!! This I find is totally ridiculous!! I have to use GoodRX half of the time to cover my meds!! I even tried to drop my Medicare and buy my own insurance but was told I couldn’t or I wouldn’t be cover till I was 65!! I found a place that hat compounds Midrin #60 for a little over $100-125 Lee Davis Pharmacy, (804) 730-7634. Little expensive but I take them sparingly.
How does Medicare expect you to survive your migraines when they do NOT cover MOST of your Meds!! This I find is totally ridiculous!! I have to use GoodRX half of the time to cover my meds!! I even tried to drop my Medicare and buy my own insurance but was told I couldn’t or I wouldn’t be cover till I was 65!! I found a place that compounds Midrin #60 for a little over $100-125 Lee Davis Pharmacy, (804) 730-7634. Little expensive but I take them sparingly.
I had the exact issue which the exact coding and they wouldn’t accept it when he sent it correctly for the next visit.
Does anyone that works for the Government. in MC ever get headaches or do they just cause them? I would like to know what they treat them with.
I’m up since 2:35 when I woke startlingly agitated, racing heart and anxiety over the cutting of meds by a new dr who said hes not going to risk his license and future over writing scripts for fiorcet w codeine. The former doctor fired all of his patients including me, so he could open a methadone clinic. Go figure that. So if I am a heroin junkie I can get relief right? So now I am left chronic pain from musculoskeletal problems due to a horseback riding accident when I was 9 andcthe beatings of an alcoholic father.My neck needs a surgery that is so close to the spine I have a 5050 chance of being paralyzed. I chose not to have the surgery. However my spine at the C5 and C6 are at a 70% angle to the rest of my spine. That causes headaches believe me! Now this idiot has put me on two antidepressants an removed most all else. Is cutting fiorcet c cod depressantspresence – yes I am depressed because I’m in pain constantly. I still need to work! I reading this online and here everybody griping about the same thing. I’m not sure what side I ended up on or how I ended up here I was just struggling to find answers including googling what the dark Web was. I do have some life left I would like to live it with some quality. This is ridiculous! The opiate crisis is on the damn street! I had been taking plain fiornal for yrs since I was 14 years old and I’m 64 now. I am a licensed professional having never misused my drugs never sold them have gone to the same doctor for decades at a time until they diedor moved away or opened methadone clinics. I’ve read all the tragic stories on here and realize I am but one of them however,my question is this: DOES ANYONE HAVE A DAMNED SOLUTION?? I’ll take a blessed solution!!!
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this
post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
You’re incredible! Thanks!
thanks you….L.Robbins,M.D.
Dr. Robbins I was on phrenilin for almost thirty some years because my migraines are so bad it causes a nosebleed my rheumatologist told me never to come off of it because it could cause a stroke the way I get migraines I went to a pain clinic for 6 years I was okay until the DEA steps in and then my pain doctor eliminated them yes I am 68 years old but I know how to watch my medications I’m on other medications which is Norco cuz I have degenerative disc disease neuropathy and myopathy and I wear a fentanyl patch duragesic 4 RSD and fibromyalgia in both my arms in my hands and I’ve been on it for 15 years I have been tested for sleep apnea and everything else and I’m okay because I am healthy why can I not get my phrenilin I was getting $180 a month and they were we’re monitoring me every month never bothered me and no headache since 1979 and now I’m eating Tylenol like M&M’s is there any way you can help me thank you very much and I appreciate it
How does Medicare expect you to survive your migraines when they do NOT cover MOST of your Meds!! This I find is totally ridiculous!! I have to use GoodRX half of the time to cover my meds!! I even tried to drop my Medicare and buy my own insurance but was told I couldn’t or I wouldn’t be cover till I was 65!! I found a place that compounds Midrin #60 for a little over $100-125 Lee Davis Pharmacy, (804) 730-7634. Little expensive but I take them sparingly.
How does Medicare expect you to survive your migraines when they do NOT cover MOST of your Meds!! This I find is totally ridiculous!! I have to use GoodRX half of the time to cover my meds!! I even tried to drop my Medicare and buy my own insurance but was told I couldn’t or I wouldn’t be cover till I was 65!! I found a place that compounds Midrin #90 for a little over $100-125 Lee Davis Pharmacy, (804) 730-7634. Little expensive but I take them sparingly.
I hope some of you have checked out Good Rx . Medicare doesn’t cover Fioricet but it’s only $38.00 with the Good Rx coupon !
For Headache “I have been taking Fiorinol for 50 years for bad headaches…It has been a lifesaver for me, and nips the headaches in the bud, before they lead to extreme nausea and taking to my bed. Unfortunately the generic does not work for me, and it has been increasingly difficult to get Fiorinol as the price has gone up dramatically lately. My insurance covers none of it. What can I do??
I began having daily migraines at 38. I am now 70 & have been taking 2 fioricet per day for years. This drug has allowed me to live a full, fun & pain free life. I have tried every other migraine medication, including botox. They either don’t work, make the pain worse or cause a bad reaction. I was told I could no longer get fioricet due to my age & the ridiculous belief that the old drug, fioricet, isn’t effective on migraine. Obviously it is for some of us. Where are we supposed to turn?
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Has anyone found that Fioricet helps muscle and back pain
This medication should be taken by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Usually, it is taken every 4 hours if necessary.
Use a spoon or special measuring device to measure the liquid medication. You may not receive the right dose if you use a household spoon.
Your medical condition, age, response to treatment, and other factors will determine the dosage. The best way to get this medication to work is to use it as soon as you feel the headache coming on.
The medication might not work as well if you wait for the headache to get worse.
You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking this medication. Your doctor may reduce your dosage slowly to help you avoid withdrawal.
If you have taken this medication for a prolonged period of time, or in large doses, withdrawal is more likely. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
You can also check more on Buy Fioricet online in USA
Hello, good news I been buying my Fioricet for 12 years from this pharmacy, the script is written by a real Dr. just tell them you heard it from Tom D. 180 tablets for $220.00 includes shipping !
https://bookyourorder.in.net/
Nothing works better for quick migraine relief than Fioricet/Esgic/etc. It’s not a controlled substance if it’s Esgic, same ingredients. Butalbital/caffiene/APAP. It’s not something I need to take every day, but I get a bad migraine once a month, and there’s nothing that works better than a combo of this and 2 ibuprofens. They are probably not prescribing this anymore as it is a cheap generic and they want you on botulism toxin or something patented to make some money. The health care and pain management industry is F’d.
Generic fioricet is available online but not cheap. The website I use is on the up and up and is legal for now. I buy 180 tablets for $234 delivered by us mail. Its made in the USA.
Where do you buy it? Is it safe?
Yes where do you buy?
The way you have provided detailed tips, opinions, and discussions about Butalbital (FIORICET) and the guidance you provided, it’s imperative. Reading this post will make everyone feel better about “Headache”.
Fioricet is the best medicine used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions. Fioricet contains a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It calms muscle contractions involved in a pressure headache.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It calms muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood circulation.
I really appreciate your work and helpful article on Migraine and Butalbital Acetaminophen-caff, awareness & Prevention that is very helpful to everyone!. Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Don’t take more of this medicine than recommended. An overdose can harm your liver or cause death. Tell your doctor if the medication seems to stop working as well in alleviating your pain. Butalbital might be habit-forming. Never discuss Fioricet with someone else, particularly someone with a background of drug abuse or addiction.