Generic Co-Gesic

As the patents for Co-Gesic have expired, there are currently generic versions of the medication available. Many pharmacies do not even carry brand-name Co-Gesic, as the generic versions are significantly less expensive and most insurance companies will not cover brand-name Co-Gesic. In fact, a request for brand-name Co-Gesic may raise suspicions, as brand-name narcotics typically have a higher street value than the generic versions.

 

Generic Co-Gesic: An Overview

Co-Gesic® (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription pain medication. It contains two different medications, hydrocodone (a narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). It is approved to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.
 
Co-Gesic is made by Schwarz Pharma. However, the patents for all Co-Gesic products have expired, and generic versions of Co-Gesic are available. In fact, Co-Gesic is technically equivalent to many different hydrocodone/APAP products, including several different brand-name products (such as Vicodin®, Lortab®, and Anexsia®). Any generic hydrocodone/APAP 5/500 mg tablet is considered equivalent to Co-Gesic.
 

Can I Get "Real" Co-Gesic?

Many (if not most) pharmacies do not carry brand-name Co-Gesic. Generic versions are significantly less expensive, not to mention that it becomes costly for pharmacies to stock several different hydrocodone/APAP brand-name drugs, instead of just one generic. Also, many insurance companies require people to use the generic products. If you are willing to pay full price, as your insurance will probably not cover brand-name Co-Gesic, your pharmacy may be willing to stock brand-name Co-Gesic for you.
 
However, many healthcare providers view requests for brand-name narcotics as a sign of abuse or diversion (selling the drugs to someone else), because brand-name narcotics usually have a higher street value than their generic versions. In almost all situations, a request for a brand-name narcotic instead of a generic may arouse your healthcare provider's suspicions.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;