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Generic Vicodin
All the patents for Vicodin have expired, and generic versions of the medication are available. Many pharmacies do not even carry the brand-name formula, as the generic versions are significantly less expensive and most insurance companies will not cover brand-name Vicodin. Generic versions are available in the same three strengths as the brand-name medicine.
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Vicodin® (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription pain medication. It contains two different drugs: hydrocodone (a narcotic) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®). "APAP" is an acronym for one of the chemical names for acetaminophen.
Vicodin is made by Abbott Laboratories. However, the patents for all products have expired, and generic versions of Vicodin are available.
Generic Vicodin is available in the following strengths:
- Hydrocodone/APAP 5/500 mg tablets (equivalent to regular-strength Vicodin)
- Hydrocodone/APAP 7.5/750 mg tablets (equivalent to Vicodin ES®)
- Hydrocodone/APAP 10/660 mg tablets (equivalent to Vicodin HP®).
Many (if not most) pharmacies do not carry brand-name Vicodin. Generic versions are significantly less expensive, and 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 Vicodin, your pharmacy may be willing to stock it 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 the brand-name versions usually have a higher street value than the generic formula. In almost all situations, a request for brand-name Vicodin instead of the generic may arouse your healthcare provider's suspicions.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD