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Asked doc for a carry over prescription
I take hydro 10 325. Script is for 270 a month. I consistently am a week short every month and the doc usually gives me a carry over of 70 pills. This time I was prescribed 300 with one refill. I still have a refill due on the x23rd forvthe 270 script. Should I have this one filled at another pharmacy thus having two prescriptions or should I go to the same pharmacy and explain it to the druggist. In other words it would not be wise to play with this. 66 yes old on Medicare part d
What a wonderful story about your dear mom. I took care of my beloved and wonderful father in our home until he left this earth for a better living situation just a year ago. He left me with many Gifts of the Heart that only an exceptional parent can leave their child. But I miss him every moment of every day.
Your mom was blessed to have your care and concern. They don't make many of us any more, "Caregivers" that is. Our elderly need all the help they can get. Insurance, health care practice, medications and the like are so confusing... even for us not-so-elderly. Good thing you took ever her meds! :o) I am sure she thought, if it feels good why not! Especially when you have eight bottles of water. :o) What an innocent sweetie.
The pharmacist was out of line and I am so glad you took your business elsewhere. I heard of a similar situation where the pharmacist was "paying" for the additional meds on the RX and placing them in his pocket. Who would have thought of that??
Your mom was blessed to have your care and concern. They don't make many of us any more, "Caregivers" that is. Our elderly need all the help they can get. Insurance, health care practice, medications and the like are so confusing... even for us not-so-elderly. Good thing you took ever her meds! :o) I am sure she thought, if it feels good why not! Especially when you have eight bottles of water. :o) What an innocent sweetie.
The pharmacist was out of line and I am so glad you took your business elsewhere. I heard of a similar situation where the pharmacist was "paying" for the additional meds on the RX and placing them in his pocket. Who would have thought of that??
It is oronic that the reason I started with this pharmacist was the help I received for my late mother. She was prescribed Ativan and the doc would give a script for 90. Her pharmacy that begins with a C would fill the script. Well when she went back to the doc he told her she was using too many and they had a little thing going. One day I took her presciption to be filled and the oar only gave her 62 I pointed out that it was for 90 and he said her insurance would only pay for 62 I offered to pay the difference and the idiot said it could not be done. So I said all this time you are shorting her 28 pills and her dov thinks she is taking them. I then stopped in this othe pharmacy and explained the situation and he said there was no law that he could not fii the script as written and we could pay for the extras. My mother became my responsibility and I am lucky my wife was there for her too, elderly folks sometimes don 't understand and accept what they are told. We lost her two years ago but we look back on some great stuff . She had been in the house a while and when we stated going to visit someone in the hospital she asked why is everyone carrying water bottles around and my daughter said it is a trend now. E
Well the next day we picked her up and there she is eights water bottle , she gets in the car and asks if anyone would like an Ativan. My daughter saiid you can't do that it is against the law, she says oh but they make you feel good what's wrong with that? From then on I took over administering the pills.
Well the next day we picked her up and there she is eights water bottle , she gets in the car and asks if anyone would like an Ativan. My daughter saiid you can't do that it is against the law, she says oh but they make you feel good what's wrong with that? From then on I took over administering the pills.
I was able to obtain medications assistance for my step-mother through many drug manufactures... and she was on Medicare part D. I don't know what the difference may have been but her Medicare status did not matter. Again I won't name pharmacies but there are some that provide reduced prescription rates regardless of your insurance status. Mine tried to explain the rational but it was a lot of mumbo-jumbo to me. So as I said I will soon be financially forced to use two pharmacies. Horrible situation!
I don't understand why some pharmacists feel the need to belittle and judge patients that require opiates... but some just do. I don't blame you I would not return to that pharmacy either. Not everyone is an addict. indeed most aren't... and yet there are time that we are treated like one when we obtain an opiate prescription. Sad, very sad! Just consider the uneducated and uncompassionate source... and as you did.. refuse to give them your business.
I don't understand why some pharmacists feel the need to belittle and judge patients that require opiates... but some just do. I don't blame you I would not return to that pharmacy either. Not everyone is an addict. indeed most aren't... and yet there are time that we are treated like one when we obtain an opiate prescription. Sad, very sad! Just consider the uneducated and uncompassionate source... and as you did.. refuse to give them your business.
L415 - I'm also glad that you were able to get your meds, even if it did mean some extra running around and hassle for you with the script problems. I hope you're either able to get your pain under enough control with the hydro's that the amount he has prescribed will last you the entire month or are able to be switched to a long acting med that will provide a more continuous pain control level. Tuck is definitely right - the two that I mentioned are very expensive and there are many others out there that are not as pricey.
Some drug companies do offer a patient assitance program for help in paying for your meds, however, a lot of these are not eligible to Medicare part D patients. However, it might be worth at least checking into if your doctor ends up changing your meds and they are costly. It might also be worth checking this out for your Lipitor -- again, keeping in mind that many of the drug companies do not offer this type of assistance to those with Medicare.
Tuck - thank you for providing the additional information about the donut hole. I had forgotten that that had been mentioned previously and since I (fortunately) do not fall into that category (yet anyway), I was not aware of all the information you provided. I completely agree with what you said about use of the same pharmacy except in cases where it is more cost effective to use a different one. That's what I do with my albuterol for my nebulizer. My regular pharmacy does not offer a 30/90 day discount program (well they do, but not without "joining" and paying a monthly fee, which, to me, defeats the purpose) - so I do go to a different pharmacy for that - however, like you said, I make sure they know that I get all my other meds from the other pharmacy and ask them to contact them if there's any questions or concerns (as well as to make sure of any possible interactions)
Some drug companies do offer a patient assitance program for help in paying for your meds, however, a lot of these are not eligible to Medicare part D patients. However, it might be worth at least checking into if your doctor ends up changing your meds and they are costly. It might also be worth checking this out for your Lipitor -- again, keeping in mind that many of the drug companies do not offer this type of assistance to those with Medicare.
Tuck - thank you for providing the additional information about the donut hole. I had forgotten that that had been mentioned previously and since I (fortunately) do not fall into that category (yet anyway), I was not aware of all the information you provided. I completely agree with what you said about use of the same pharmacy except in cases where it is more cost effective to use a different one. That's what I do with my albuterol for my nebulizer. My regular pharmacy does not offer a 30/90 day discount program (well they do, but not without "joining" and paying a monthly fee, which, to me, defeats the purpose) - so I do go to a different pharmacy for that - however, like you said, I make sure they know that I get all my other meds from the other pharmacy and ask them to contact them if there's any questions or concerns (as well as to make sure of any possible interactions)
Hi Tuck, the reason I mentioned getting help with my usage is exactly as we discussed. After my most recent surgery I had a heck of a time with pain control using that press button machine. I complained enough that one day a guy showed and began asking questions and working on the machine, I thought he was a maitenence guy and told him the thing was broken and never worked. Turns out he was an anathesiolagist and put me on oxycontin plus two percocets as needed. That worked. I have an appntmnt soon and will certainly take your advise and discuss with the doc. Also I absolutely hate the way these drug store clerks treat me when I go in for additional meds.I find this with younger chain store people. I refuse to go into one that my wife uses which is convenient but where
A clerk loudly asked me if I wrote DAWOn a script then called the drs office right in front of me. I wrote a letter of complaint to the headquarters and received a form letter back. I won't step in there again and let everyone know about it. Well now I can go for a pain free supper of fathers day left overs and eat in peace. Thanks to you and geminigirl for your help. Bless you both.
A clerk loudly asked me if I wrote DAWOn a script then called the drs office right in front of me. I wrote a letter of complaint to the headquarters and received a form letter back. I won't step in there again and let everyone know about it. Well now I can go for a pain free supper of fathers day left overs and eat in peace. Thanks to you and geminigirl for your help. Bless you both.
Geminigirl has done well in answering your questions. Obviously the insurance notation is not a huge issue because you are in the Donut Hole and it is a new prescription.
I noticed you mentioned to give them to your wife to control over use. Help me understand the reason for what you term your "over use." Is it because they are not controlling your pain levels and we discussed?
There are numerous long acting medications that you should discuss with your prescribing physician. Because you are in the Donut Hole you will probably be concerned with cost. The two that Geminigirl mentioned are very costly. There are others that will be more affordable and may work just as well for you. Be sure to mention the cost factor with your physician so you are not facing a $200.00 or $300.00 (your %) cost per month.
Again using one pharmacy is the best way to go in almost every situation. However when selecting that pharmacy be aware the different pharmacies have different drug discount programs... and different costs. I am facing the fact that I will have to use two pharmacies or change completely due to the wonderful Donut Hole. I am not comfortable endorsing or bashing specific pharmacies so I will not use a name here. My current, long time and convenient pharmacy knows my medication history and the staff knows me very well. I never worry about a drug interaction because of their knowledge and experience with me. However they are more expensive then a less convenient pharmacy and their drug discount programs are not as favorable. This makes a huge difference with co-pays and % costs when you poor drug insurance or are in the Donut Hole.
My husband utilizes two pharmacies for this very reason but he takes no opiates. He shares that fact with both pharmacies and always reminds them to check with one another. So if you too must use two pharmacies be sure one knows of the other and that you only obtain your opiate from the (one) same pharmacy.
I am glad that you were able to get your refill. I do hope that you will work on a more successful and safe pain management approach. In my opinion, those peaks and valleys that short acting opiates produce are not only a poor way to approach pain management they are also not necessary today.
I'll look forward to hearing from you again. Best of luck.
~Tuck
I noticed you mentioned to give them to your wife to control over use. Help me understand the reason for what you term your "over use." Is it because they are not controlling your pain levels and we discussed?
There are numerous long acting medications that you should discuss with your prescribing physician. Because you are in the Donut Hole you will probably be concerned with cost. The two that Geminigirl mentioned are very costly. There are others that will be more affordable and may work just as well for you. Be sure to mention the cost factor with your physician so you are not facing a $200.00 or $300.00 (your %) cost per month.
Again using one pharmacy is the best way to go in almost every situation. However when selecting that pharmacy be aware the different pharmacies have different drug discount programs... and different costs. I am facing the fact that I will have to use two pharmacies or change completely due to the wonderful Donut Hole. I am not comfortable endorsing or bashing specific pharmacies so I will not use a name here. My current, long time and convenient pharmacy knows my medication history and the staff knows me very well. I never worry about a drug interaction because of their knowledge and experience with me. However they are more expensive then a less convenient pharmacy and their drug discount programs are not as favorable. This makes a huge difference with co-pays and % costs when you poor drug insurance or are in the Donut Hole.
My husband utilizes two pharmacies for this very reason but he takes no opiates. He shares that fact with both pharmacies and always reminds them to check with one another. So if you too must use two pharmacies be sure one knows of the other and that you only obtain your opiate from the (one) same pharmacy.
I am glad that you were able to get your refill. I do hope that you will work on a more successful and safe pain management approach. In my opinion, those peaks and valleys that short acting opiates produce are not only a poor way to approach pain management they are also not necessary today.
I'll look forward to hearing from you again. Best of luck.
~Tuck
Made it!!! I went to the pharmacy where I have the 270 script. Told them I did not want to go through insurance and the doctor was changing my prescription so I have to kill the one I had on file. Pharmacist looked at script and said first of all he could not fill it because the date was written over althoug it said 1/20 the twenty. Was written over making a correction to 1/20. I said no problem and drove 10 miles to the doctors office and got a new one. When I got back presented it to the phsrmacist and right away he noticed that there was o nay one line indicating one pill 5 x a day rather than two also the Roman numeral X looked like a V in his opinion. I said ok I will go back I am in pain and need them. Asked if there were any more surprises and could he indeed fill it. He said yes reason being there was a change in the directive. So I got em. I think give them to my wife and have her give me 70 a week so I can get this overuse under control. Then I had to go up to CVS and get my lipitor and quinnapril. In the donut hole the lipitor cost me 218 dollars. Need to check out Canadian pharmacies. Thanks so much for your help, you had me prepared for a battle.
Ok this is. Confusing but the last time I had the70 prescribed was at a pharmacy other than where the 270 script is was on may 23rd then on May 31st I had the 270 script filled a different pharmacy but 8 days later. Now I would be able to get a refill on that on 6/25. In my stAte they allow 5 days early. Ok I just called the insurance company and you are correct, changing the amount does not matter. BUT she said that if
I pay out of pocket the pharmacy could do it. You know the last time I called I was told by changing the script from 3pills 3times a day to 2 pills 5 times a day creates a new prescription. Wow I feel like an idiot. Why would the doc give me this if I can t use it. BTW the reason I went to a different pharmacy last time was because the 270 one w closed.
I pay out of pocket the pharmacy could do it. You know the last time I called I was told by changing the script from 3pills 3times a day to 2 pills 5 times a day creates a new prescription. Wow I feel like an idiot. Why would the doc give me this if I can t use it. BTW the reason I went to a different pharmacy last time was because the 270 one w closed.
Chances are you will have trouble trying to fill the script for the 300 quantity tomorrow if the script for the 270 is due for refill until the 23rd. Even though it's a different quantity, it's still the same med, and same strength, so more than likely, you won't be able to fill the new script until the 23rd. Sometimes, the pharmacy and insurance will allow you to get a refill one day prior to the actual refill date (so in this case, on the 22nd), but that is completely up to the pharmacy and the insurance and no guarantees.
I understand the refill for the 270 quantity would be available on the 23rd - just out of curiosity, when did you get the "carry over" 70 quantity filled? Your REAL refill date (or new script of same med, even if different quantity) would actually be based on that script if that is the last one you had filled. So..... if you got the 70 filled on say the 30th of May (only using this as an examply), AND your script specifies to take 10 pills per day, this would mean that 70 quanitty would be a 7 day supply and therefore, the date that it would be available to be refilled - or new script for same med - would be 7 days from May 30. The refill availability date ALWAYS goes by the date the last script for the med was filled, whether it's a different quantity or not. The only time (that I know of anyway) that this would change is if your doctor changed either the medication itself or the STRENGTH of the med (say if you were taking the 5mg hydro and he switched you to the 10) - and even at that, some pharmacists will still want to verify with your doctor that it would be ok to fill the new strength if it is sooner than what the original script timeframe would have been.
I understand the refill for the 270 quantity would be available on the 23rd - just out of curiosity, when did you get the "carry over" 70 quantity filled? Your REAL refill date (or new script of same med, even if different quantity) would actually be based on that script if that is the last one you had filled. So..... if you got the 70 filled on say the 30th of May (only using this as an examply), AND your script specifies to take 10 pills per day, this would mean that 70 quanitty would be a 7 day supply and therefore, the date that it would be available to be refilled - or new script for same med - would be 7 days from May 30. The refill availability date ALWAYS goes by the date the last script for the med was filled, whether it's a different quantity or not. The only time (that I know of anyway) that this would change is if your doctor changed either the medication itself or the STRENGTH of the med (say if you were taking the 5mg hydro and he switched you to the 10) - and even at that, some pharmacists will still want to verify with your doctor that it would be ok to fill the new strength if it is sooner than what the original script timeframe would have been.
Re: the first part thanks for explaining the terms for me. As for the second part those are exactly the questions I had been concerned about . You answered them for me. Only one thing. You said about filling the 300 early. I expected to fill it tomorrow, since it is a new prescription and a different amount and I will be sure to go to the same pharmacy
No question is a stupid question. A long acting pain med is usually (although not always) taken like twice a day, at 12 hour intervals - rather than the "normal" 4-6 hour dosing schedule of a short acting pain med. Long acting meds can be in pill form or even patch (transdermal) form. An example (and please understand I am not recommending ANY particular med, just giving some examples) of a long acting med in pill form would be oxycontin (NOT just oxycodone). An example of a long acting transdermal med would be the fentanyl patch.
The patches are usually meant to be changed every 48-72 hours, so it is an even longer acting med than the oral long acting meds. With the patches, when you take off your old patch, you replace it with a new one.
Breakthrough pain is how they describe the pain that "breaks through" the pain control of the long acting medication. As you know with the hydro, some pain may "break through" before your prescribed dosing time comes around again. This can also happen with even the long acting meds. That's why many doctors (not all, but I believe most) who hae their patients on a long acting pain med will also prescribe a short acting med to "cover" these breakthroughs. Breakthrough meds typically should not, unless scpecifically prescribed by your doctor to be, be taken ALL the time - but rather ONLY when the breakthrough pain occurs. As with all pain meds, if you are on a long acting med and you find that you're needing more breakthrough meds, you will need to speak to your doctor as to what the best thing to do is, whether it be changing your long acting med, changing your short acting med, or doing an increase of either/or.
Am I understanding you correctly that your current script for teh 270 would be available for refill on the 23rd and you have not yet filled the one for teh 300? If I am correct in reading that, then I would suggest you take the script for the 300 to the same pharmacy that filled the 270. So long as you do not attempt to get the 300 filled early (or get a refill on the 270 in the meantime), there should not be an issue filling the 300 since your original script for the 270 would have been available then. HOWEVER, do keep in mind that filling the script for the 300 basically voids whatever refills you had on the 270 and should not be attempted to be obtained at any time. In fact, it would definitely be a good idea, when you take in the script for the 300, if you let them know at the pharmacy that you realize that you have refills on file for the quantity of 270, however, your doctor has increased the amount given to you for the month and ask them to please cancel out any remaining refills on teh 270 quantity. That, in itself, will show them that you are not attempting to get duplicate meds. I did that once when my doctor did a strength increase on my meds and I still had refills remaining on the previous strength. When I took the new script in, I simply asked them to cancel out any remaining refills on the previous strength, which they did.
Best of luck - I hope you can talk to your doctor about giving a long acting med a try.
The patches are usually meant to be changed every 48-72 hours, so it is an even longer acting med than the oral long acting meds. With the patches, when you take off your old patch, you replace it with a new one.
Breakthrough pain is how they describe the pain that "breaks through" the pain control of the long acting medication. As you know with the hydro, some pain may "break through" before your prescribed dosing time comes around again. This can also happen with even the long acting meds. That's why many doctors (not all, but I believe most) who hae their patients on a long acting pain med will also prescribe a short acting med to "cover" these breakthroughs. Breakthrough meds typically should not, unless scpecifically prescribed by your doctor to be, be taken ALL the time - but rather ONLY when the breakthrough pain occurs. As with all pain meds, if you are on a long acting med and you find that you're needing more breakthrough meds, you will need to speak to your doctor as to what the best thing to do is, whether it be changing your long acting med, changing your short acting med, or doing an increase of either/or.
Am I understanding you correctly that your current script for teh 270 would be available for refill on the 23rd and you have not yet filled the one for teh 300? If I am correct in reading that, then I would suggest you take the script for the 300 to the same pharmacy that filled the 270. So long as you do not attempt to get the 300 filled early (or get a refill on the 270 in the meantime), there should not be an issue filling the 300 since your original script for the 270 would have been available then. HOWEVER, do keep in mind that filling the script for the 300 basically voids whatever refills you had on the 270 and should not be attempted to be obtained at any time. In fact, it would definitely be a good idea, when you take in the script for the 300, if you let them know at the pharmacy that you realize that you have refills on file for the quantity of 270, however, your doctor has increased the amount given to you for the month and ask them to please cancel out any remaining refills on teh 270 quantity. That, in itself, will show them that you are not attempting to get duplicate meds. I did that once when my doctor did a strength increase on my meds and I still had refills remaining on the previous strength. When I took the new script in, I simply asked them to cancel out any remaining refills on the previous strength, which they did.
Best of luck - I hope you can talk to your doctor about giving a long acting med a try.
At the risk of appearing really stupid, what is an example of a long acting pain med and then what do they mean by break through?
Thank you Geminigirl for taking the time to respond. I will be out of pills tomorrow therefor I will take the subscription for 300 to the same pharmacy where I have the 270 script which is not due until the 23rd. I now understand what you are saying, by giving me the 300 I think he is saying " make an effort to make this amount work". I too go to CVS but I find that very few of the people are customer friendly. For example the last tme I weny to get the 70 pill carry over the pharmacist did not want to fill the prescription. Finally she called the doctor and she agreed to fill it but being a Saturday she made me wait until Monday. I was in terrible pain and Late Sunday night I went back and asked why I had to wait, the pharmacist on duty then could see no reason to waitvand did not understand why the first one did not fill it right away.
As always, Tuck gave some great advice. It is never a good idea to "play" with any scripts, but especially opiates.
If you were to go to a different pharmacy to try and fill your script for teh 270, not only is this illegal (and could result in not only your doctor dismissing you, but also possible legal action) but also there's a very, very good chance that your insurance would not approve the refill as the timeframe would be based on when you filled the script for the 300. Even though your bottle for the 270 may show taht you have a refill available on the 23rd, once you filled the script for the 300, that basically voided that refill date and any further refills would be based on the date that the script for the 300 was filled. Jsut because your doctor changed the quantity that he is prescribing you monthly, doesn't mean that insurance would (or even should) cover both scripts.
My guess (and again only a guess and my opinion) is that, since you say with the 270 you were consistently running out a week early and your doc woudl give you a carry over of 70 pills - and now he has written the script for 300 (30 extras instead of 70 extra) that he is also wanting you to basically reduce the number you're taking in the month. In other words, even though 300 pills taken @ 10 pills per day (I'm presuming this is your dose as it sounded like the 300 is a one month supply) is 1 pill per day more than what your previous script of 270 for the month was, it's still not as much as teh 270 PLUS the 70 carry-over that he was giving you.
I totally agree with Tuck also that it definitely sounds like it's time for you to talk to yoru doctor and consider switching to a long-acting pain med - so that you won't have to be chasing the peaks and valleys of pain control with the short acting hydrocodone. Most doctors will also provide a short acting pain med for breakthrough pain, so it could be that your doc will want to try a long acting med with the hydrocodone used for breakthrough pain. The goal is to be able to get a long acting med that provides enough relief that the amount of short acting meds is reduced (thus also reducing the amount of acetaminophen in your case). While some long acting meds also contain acetaminophen (tylenol), not all of them do, and if you're able to use less of the hydrocodones with the long acting med, your liver is going to be happier.
Lastly, I'd like to also make the comment that using ONLY one pharmacy is not only the best (and in my opinion, the only) legal way with pain med scripts, but it also is a GREAT safety tool. If you are using multiple pharmacies, the risk of a dangerous interaction or allergy possibility between meds is HIGHLY increased. If you only use one pharmacy for all your scripts (pain meds and all other meds), then they readily have a listing of what meds you are on and their computer will automatically check for possible interactions and/or possible allergy triggers. I, personally, always use CVS - yes, there have been times when I've had to use a different CVS location from the one I normally do - either due to not being near the one close to my home when I needed a script filled - or because my local CVS not having the med/s I required - however, ALL CVS pharmacies' computer networks are intertwined, so even by going to a different location, they can still readily see all the meds I'm on and any possibly problems will be detected.
I only have one med that I do not get from CVS and that's the albuterol for my home nebulizer - I get that at Walmart becuase it falls under their $4/one month or $10/three month supply plan, which is about 1/4 of the price that it would be at CVS. However, I've made sure that Walmart has on file all my meds and have them double check them every time I get that nebulizer med script filled.
PLEASE do not attempt to refill the script for the 270 hydrocodones - wait until it is time for you to refill the 300 and in the meantime, definitely speak to your doctor about the hdyro's not helping your pain sufficiently and discuss teh possibility of switching to a long acting med.
I wish you the best of luck (and apologize for my long-winded response).
If you were to go to a different pharmacy to try and fill your script for teh 270, not only is this illegal (and could result in not only your doctor dismissing you, but also possible legal action) but also there's a very, very good chance that your insurance would not approve the refill as the timeframe would be based on when you filled the script for the 300. Even though your bottle for the 270 may show taht you have a refill available on the 23rd, once you filled the script for the 300, that basically voided that refill date and any further refills would be based on the date that the script for the 300 was filled. Jsut because your doctor changed the quantity that he is prescribing you monthly, doesn't mean that insurance would (or even should) cover both scripts.
My guess (and again only a guess and my opinion) is that, since you say with the 270 you were consistently running out a week early and your doc woudl give you a carry over of 70 pills - and now he has written the script for 300 (30 extras instead of 70 extra) that he is also wanting you to basically reduce the number you're taking in the month. In other words, even though 300 pills taken @ 10 pills per day (I'm presuming this is your dose as it sounded like the 300 is a one month supply) is 1 pill per day more than what your previous script of 270 for the month was, it's still not as much as teh 270 PLUS the 70 carry-over that he was giving you.
I totally agree with Tuck also that it definitely sounds like it's time for you to talk to yoru doctor and consider switching to a long-acting pain med - so that you won't have to be chasing the peaks and valleys of pain control with the short acting hydrocodone. Most doctors will also provide a short acting pain med for breakthrough pain, so it could be that your doc will want to try a long acting med with the hydrocodone used for breakthrough pain. The goal is to be able to get a long acting med that provides enough relief that the amount of short acting meds is reduced (thus also reducing the amount of acetaminophen in your case). While some long acting meds also contain acetaminophen (tylenol), not all of them do, and if you're able to use less of the hydrocodones with the long acting med, your liver is going to be happier.
Lastly, I'd like to also make the comment that using ONLY one pharmacy is not only the best (and in my opinion, the only) legal way with pain med scripts, but it also is a GREAT safety tool. If you are using multiple pharmacies, the risk of a dangerous interaction or allergy possibility between meds is HIGHLY increased. If you only use one pharmacy for all your scripts (pain meds and all other meds), then they readily have a listing of what meds you are on and their computer will automatically check for possible interactions and/or possible allergy triggers. I, personally, always use CVS - yes, there have been times when I've had to use a different CVS location from the one I normally do - either due to not being near the one close to my home when I needed a script filled - or because my local CVS not having the med/s I required - however, ALL CVS pharmacies' computer networks are intertwined, so even by going to a different location, they can still readily see all the meds I'm on and any possibly problems will be detected.
I only have one med that I do not get from CVS and that's the albuterol for my home nebulizer - I get that at Walmart becuase it falls under their $4/one month or $10/three month supply plan, which is about 1/4 of the price that it would be at CVS. However, I've made sure that Walmart has on file all my meds and have them double check them every time I get that nebulizer med script filled.
PLEASE do not attempt to refill the script for the 270 hydrocodones - wait until it is time for you to refill the 300 and in the meantime, definitely speak to your doctor about the hdyro's not helping your pain sufficiently and discuss teh possibility of switching to a long acting med.
I wish you the best of luck (and apologize for my long-winded response).
Thank you for your help. Your answer has allowed me to celebrate fathers day without the anxiety of drug management. The pharmacist I go to also expressed concern about the long term use this medication on my liver. I guess my next step is to have a long talk with my doc and see where we go since it appears long term use of this is problematic . I am in the doughnut hole already myself so I know what you mean. I am qualified to receive drugs from the VA but as their own docs say they are twenty years behind what they can prescribe, eg they won t use lipitor. Anyway thanks again for your most helpful response.
Hello and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you began a new thread, thank you.
NEVER "play" with opiate RXs. It will appear as if you have something to hide and are attempting to deceive. In many states these scripts are monitored. You don't want it to appear as if you are trying to obtain more opiates then prescribed. I know the fear of running short... but "playing" with scripts is not the answer.
You may require a long acting opiate for better pain management. This would provide more consistent pain relief then the up and down that short acting opiates often bring. I fought that step to long acting opiates too, but my dear 300 hydrocodones is a heck of a lot of acetaminophen (Tylenol) to throw at your liver monthly. In my experience, most physicians will not percribe that amount on a monthly basis.
Always go to the same pharmacy. In my state the new RX (for the 300 tablets) would cancel out the former script for 270. I think you may find the same to be true. Things have changed in the last twenty years or so. Most everyone is now closely scrutinized and viewed at as a potential abuser, seller or addict.... yes even at 66. Regulations are strict and the DEA is every where... breathing down physician's, pharmacist's and patient's necks, even where or when I personally don't think they need to be. Admittedly without them we'd probably be in even a worse state of affairs... due to the number of abusers.
On a side note, be cautious about getting into the Medicare "Donut Hole" for medications. Once you reach that magic $$$ amount you are responsible for at least 50% of the cost of all medications. So spend your medication dollars wisely. I am on Medicare due to a disability and I am in the "Donut Hole" now. Believe me it's difficult.
Please let us know how you are doing... and consider being active in our community. We're all in this Journey through Chronic Pain together.Even with my medical background I have learned much here. I also find it very helpful when we share our challenges and joys. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Take Care,
~Tuck
NEVER "play" with opiate RXs. It will appear as if you have something to hide and are attempting to deceive. In many states these scripts are monitored. You don't want it to appear as if you are trying to obtain more opiates then prescribed. I know the fear of running short... but "playing" with scripts is not the answer.
You may require a long acting opiate for better pain management. This would provide more consistent pain relief then the up and down that short acting opiates often bring. I fought that step to long acting opiates too, but my dear 300 hydrocodones is a heck of a lot of acetaminophen (Tylenol) to throw at your liver monthly. In my experience, most physicians will not percribe that amount on a monthly basis.
Always go to the same pharmacy. In my state the new RX (for the 300 tablets) would cancel out the former script for 270. I think you may find the same to be true. Things have changed in the last twenty years or so. Most everyone is now closely scrutinized and viewed at as a potential abuser, seller or addict.... yes even at 66. Regulations are strict and the DEA is every where... breathing down physician's, pharmacist's and patient's necks, even where or when I personally don't think they need to be. Admittedly without them we'd probably be in even a worse state of affairs... due to the number of abusers.
On a side note, be cautious about getting into the Medicare "Donut Hole" for medications. Once you reach that magic $$$ amount you are responsible for at least 50% of the cost of all medications. So spend your medication dollars wisely. I am on Medicare due to a disability and I am in the "Donut Hole" now. Believe me it's difficult.
Please let us know how you are doing... and consider being active in our community. We're all in this Journey through Chronic Pain together.Even with my medical background I have learned much here. I also find it very helpful when we share our challenges and joys. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Take Care,
~Tuck
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