Roxicet Generic vs Perocet...a ?

[hoolahan, ASN, RN]

This weekend I opened two ortho cases. Both pt's had Percocet in the hospital, one had a "white pill" one had "blue."

Both pt's got an rx, same doc, for percocet, but it was not checked as "Do Not Substitue" as in generic (I had xeroxed copies of rx w/ referral.) Each pt filled the rx at different pharmacies, both used Roxicet instead. Both pt's developed intenxse itching, and small hives, one lady scratched herself so badly she had bled!

I was able to get the surgeon to order a different pain med in both cases, fotunately.

Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience?? Do you think I should report it as an adverse reaction? Technically all meds can generate an allergic reaction, but perhaps the Roxicet has some ingredient that is a problem.

Any/ all input will be appreciated.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

I'd report as adverse reaction, follow-up reporting to each patients pharmachies, Primary doc if different that referring doc and make sure listed on allergy information section of charts.

When taking to pharmacist, see if generic is from same manufacturer and lot #....I'd be suspicious of TWO patients in same day having that type reaction, wonder if same batch of drugs.......getting paranoid in my old age.

[frustratedRN]

you need to report it as an adverse effect of course, but you need to find out if they are having the reaction to the oxycodone or the tylenol.

oxycodone, oxycontin is being perscribed more and more for pain control where i work. ive seen some pretty bizarre reactions to it. from the itching you described to complete confusion with alzheimer like symptoms.

ive taken percocet for pain, both the generic and name brand. ive not had any problems with it but i have to wonder what it is that causes these affects. i dont think im going to take them if perscribed to me again. i dunno....maybe im over reacting but they kinda scare me now.

[nilepoc]

Interesting, I now list roxicet and percocet as allergies for myself for the same reaction. I actually was happy to suffer the pain from my ACL repair, instead of the itching from my "pain" med.

I know for a fact that I have had percocet in the past without incident. Now though for safety, I don't take either and ask for some other pain med. Most doctors look at me like I am crazy, but they do give me something else.

I would list it as a reaction, and as with myself, I would list iT as percocet and roxicet just in case.