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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

how do I find out what vendor the pharmacy uses?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Minneapolis, MN

I take Keppra as one of my meds. the liquid. I can tell they changed the vendor since the containers they shipped now have huge red labels. I took my first dose from the first bottle. The liquid smelled horrible when I opened it and it tastes so bad I had to go get food to be able to take it and it is making me nauseous. Doesn't all the medicine use the same ingredients? Even if it is a different vendor, shouldn't it be the same meds? I'm wondering if I should go to the pharmacy and ask… read more

June 20
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MyEpilepsyTeam

Great questions — and your instincts here are worth paying attention to! While generic medications must contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name version, the inactive ingredients (like flavorings, preservatives, and fillers) can differ between manufacturers. This could absolutely explain the difference in smell Show Full Answer

Great questions — and your instincts here are worth paying attention to! While generic medications must contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name version, the inactive ingredients (like flavorings, preservatives, and fillers) can differ between manufacturers. This could absolutely explain the difference in smell, taste, and nausea you're experiencing. Here's what's worth doing:

- Call or visit your pharmacy and ask directly which manufacturer made the new batch — they are required to tell you
- Ask if they can order from the previous manufacturer — many pharmacies can accommodate this request, especially for liquid medications
- Check the bottle label for the manufacturer's name, which is usually printed somewhere on it
- Let your prescribing doctor know about the nausea and taste change, as they may be able to note a preferred manufacturer on your prescription The nausea is worth monitoring closely. If it continues or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away. It's always okay to advocate for a formulation that works better for you — especially when it affects your ability to take your medication consistently. Missing doses of Keppra can increase seizure risk, so this really does matter.

June 20
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It’s best to talk to the pharmacy. . But sometimes it’s possible for the pharmacy to accept the medication. That that you’re on.

June 21 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member the generic brand/ manufacturer should be listed on the Rx label.
Generics should have the same Active medication in it. It's the inactive ingredients that should be different.
If you have been given a generic that you have issues with, go to the pharmacy & ask them to fill your scripts with the previous Brand of generic. I have had reactions to various brands of Phenytoin & Lamotrigine. I had to go to the Rx, and ask them to go to other brands. They usually work w/ you.

June 20
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Good post, I agree with the epilepsy team mentioned about it, and I have had that happen to me also on my leveterictam and depakote meds I take on occasion that happens, I'm not sure which one since I take both usually together and I'll on occasion let it rest a few seconds before washing it down with a drink and taste something from the meds but don't know which one it is, but doesn't happen often though, but get people's opinions here which is ok with that and go to your doc about the post here and go from there about it and good luck with your outcome with it my opinion here amen

June 20

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