Recently, due to the expense (and the lack of a generic!), I asked my doctor if he would switch me from Oxycontin 10mg to MS Contin 15mg, which I have been taking for severe Fibromyalgia, spondylitis, and a few other things. I have been on it for about 3 months now, and I’m starting to notice some possible problems that I didn’t have with Oxycontin. First is the increase in breakthrough pain, which I NEVER had while taking Oxycontin. I also seem to have more widespread pain, especially in the tender points, as well as the tops of my thighs, which I had before starting treatment. It also seems to take 3 times longer to take 2-3 times longer to take effect than Oxycontin did. Has anyone else noticed these discrepancies, especially the increase in breakthrough pain? Going from really never having it to it being almost a daily occurrence raises a red flag to me that it most likely is the med switch, and I would like to hear from others who have had the same experience…..especially if you have switched from one to the other.

Thanks!
Yes, I know that there are differences in the two meds, especially in the release rate. I have also read that morphine has a lot less bioavailability than Oxycontin. And I NEVER had breakthrough pain while taking Oxycontin, so I’m thinking too that this med just isn’t working so well for me. However, Oxy is just way too expensive for me to afford every single month, especially since they have yanked the generic over and over. I have to see the doctor today for a med check, so I think I’m going to see if there is anything else available in the time release category that would still be affordable to me.
Also, I can’t say that I would ever crush a pill to destroy the time release coating. My doctor has lectured me for years not to do it, and also, I have had problems in the past with immediate release meds.