question about filling CS prescriptions

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be returning to grad school in a couple weeks, which means that I'll be moving across state borders. Does anyone know if you can fill a prescription for a CII med in a state different than the one your doctor practices in? In the past, per docs ok, I've had a family member pick up my scripts, fill them, and send them to me, but that's a real pain, not to mention that it can mean several days with no meds if I've had to use all my BT meds that month (and lately I have).

I'm on a bunch of non-controlled meds as well, and I know from past experience, that there is no problem filling them in a different state, but I have never attempted to fill a prescription for a controlled substance anywhere other than my home pharmacy. I guess I've been thinking that it had to be filled in the state that your doc is licensed in, but I don't know if that is actually true or not. I'll check with my doc when I see him in a week or so, but in case he doesn't know, I was hoping someone here would know the answer. My next refill is due at a really bad time in terms of moving, and it would be so much easier to fill it up at school, otherwise I'd probably have to go a week with no meds -- unless there was some way that the pharmacy could dispense a week's worth when I am leaving town, but before my next refill is due, and then fill the other 3 wks on the day the real refill is due. Somehow I think that might be illegal.

Thanks!

Skeye

Post Edited (skeye) : 12/27/2012 7:31:50 PM (GMT-7)

The only problem that may happen is if the state you are having the script filled in has laws in place about what information is required on the script than what is required in the state your doctor is practicing in. Other than that I don't see any other significant issues since a doctor's medication license is federal issued by the DEA.

Just to be sure though I suggest contacting a pharmacy or 2 in the area/state you are going to be living in and explain the situation to the pharmacist and ask what information they need on the script in order for them to fill it and then talk to your doctor.

Thanks for the info, Jim! True about the DEA numbers. I'll try to remember to give one or two of the pharmacies up there a call tomorrow or sometime next week and see what they say.

I definitely didn't know that it is illegal to mail controlled substances! Oops! I never would have guessed that, but I suppose it does make sense, as there is always the potential that your mail, and hence the meds, could wind up in the wrong hands. I guess I can't do that again! I think the meds only actually went through the mail once last year, as the rest of my refills somewhat coincided with visits from my mom, or me being home on a break, so I stretched things out the best I could so that my mom could bring them to me in person, or I could pick them up when I came home. I could try to do the same thing this semester, as my mom is planning on visiting often for a while, but even that will probably still create some problems with timing and leave me without meds for several days or more. It would just be so much easier if I could get my prescriptions filled local.

Skeye

I know this is slightly different, but, when my son when my son went to college last year, he was on concerta, for ADHD which is dodo a controlled substance. I have always had our prescriptions filled at a local big chain pharmacy. Before he moved out of state, I asked my pharmacist and was told they would not likely be able to fill it out of state. When he moved, I went up the same chain, and asked, and found out that they could indeed fill it. The dr would not mail the script out of state, so I had to pick it up and mail it to him, but he was able to fill it there.

I would contact the local pharmacies where you are going, and ask them before you leave. Check with several if necessary because they may have slightly different policies.

Can you get a new script from your doctor and take it with you to your new state and get it filled there in that state? might be easier to do it that way. So talk it over with your doctor and maybe get new scripts.'
Many well wishes to you and good luck in grad school!

Hi Skeye! It seems like you figured this out, but I just wanted to tell you that it is not illegal to send a CII through the mail (actually better to use FedEx or the like). As long as the prescription is in your name and the label is on the bottle or included in the package, you're fine.

Hey skye, I'm sure you'll be able to work something out with your PM, I'm not sure what states your looking at, but most state-to-state is a two day shipping lane, if sent via the cheapest route. Your best bet is FedEx or the post office if just sending the script and not the bottles. The post office has a shipping option that has you pick it up from the post office in person with a valid ID, attorneys and uncle sam use that for process service all the time, and it's very reliable. I've pulled loads for all the major shipping companies, including the post office, and, from my experience, the two really are the most reliable, and least likely to lose the package when you send it that method. Just thought I'd give you a heads up on that. Three years of driving a big rig came with a few inside tidbits lol.

Hi and glad to see your returning to school.

Please check with the pharms where your going to be because my understanding is that you cannot fill a cs med in another state unless the prescribing Dr is also licensed in that state as well.

I would hate to see you get up there at school and not be able to get your meds,would certainly put a kink in the start of a new semester.

The laws have changed so much in the last few years I have found the best and most accurate info I can get is at the DEA site itself. Takes time and patience but Im armed with knowledge atleast. Im a firm believer that knowledge is power and thats my best asset for helping myself thru this CP journey.

By the way I gain alot of that knowledge right here and thank my stars everyday for coming here way back when!

Post Edited (nvrthesame98) : 12/29/2012 6:03:37 PM (GMT-7)

Hey Skeye, no problem, I'll probably be trying to pick your brain in a few months when I get the ball rolling to get back in school. I haven't been to school in almost 10 years, and now I'm a full time single dad; I'm gonna need all the help I can get.

Snowbunny,

Thanks for the info! It looks like I'm definitely going to have to spend some more time researching this. I'm glad that the two chain pharmacies gave me the same answer, but I'll definitely want to double check all of this before I go.


Matt,

I've been off for the last year. I did one semester of grad school last year, then took a medical leave. Prior to that, I took one year off after college. Those are the longest breaks I've taken, but I'll do what I can to help, for sure!


Joy,

Welcome to HW! I also suggest that you start another thread. I know that I don't have any insight to offer re: spending time abroad, but others may, and they may not see your post under this topic. And thanks for the compliments! I'm nervous, but very excited to be returning to school!

Skeye