A funny thing happened...Docs & Meds

A funny thing happened to me and I wanted to see if anyone else ran into it.

My. Pain doc has always been particular about prescriptions and the rule was if you didn't request it far enough in advance, you had to go to the site and get it. I never could get it right, so I often had to do so.

This month, when I called in for my prescription, they had a recording that said they no longer took prescriptions over the phone, but we were to contact the pharmacist and ask them to submit an electronic request for the med. We use Walgreens, but I haven't had any insurmountable issues so far. I thought it a bit odd that this occurred without warning, but I sent in my prescription request through Walgreens and decided to stop at the pharmacy the following night.

It turns out that the pain doc, who services a larger part of the area, did not consult with anyone before making this arbitrary decision and, in fact, Walgreens does not call in for Schedule IV drugs.

So... Has anyone run into this? I am not sure what to do. Drop pharmacy? Drop pain doc? I am not a big fan of my neurologist, but I do like the N.P I see. I found a new possibility for a doc lately from a local support group, but I hate to change and am worried I could end up borrowing trouble as my Meds are somewhat stable.

Has anyone run into this?

Thanks!

Jenni, at my last rheumy appt., she decided to try me on Tramadol since I've been taken off of Meloxicam due to my anemia. She told me that Tramadol didn't used to be a scheduled drug, but that it just recently became one. N.P.'s are not allowed to prescribe scheduled drugs. Starting November 1st, docs must do a check with DEA for any patient to whom they wish to prescribe scheduled drugs.

It seems so, Puppylover. I had to show ID to pick it up. Sadly it doesn't really help much.

Stacy, thanks for the information. I have actually been on Tramadol for six years ( before it was controlled) . The prescriptions are written the same way every time and normally get filled.

However just over a month ago, the Doc decided that the pharmacies had to request the prescriptions. This would even count for the prescriptions that are schedule drugs. The pharmacies, are generally geared that they respond to electronic scripts send by the doctor, not requesting for schedule drugs on behalf of the patient. The problem is that I am on Lyrica, and that isn't a drug that I can take occasionally. It is due up next week and I can't request it. The doctor requires a 7 to 10 day request lead for prescriptions. The pharmacy wont/cant request until it is 2 days before and will not submit for schedule drugs .

So, I have no chance of getting my Lyrica on time and will start weaning from the prescription.

Annabanana- This has been going on for a week and while the pharmacist has tried to contact the Dr. multiple times, the doctor will not return the call. Those of us with meds are caught in a war between the two. The doc doesnt take calls, just new appts at $40 each.

Talk to you all soon

You may have just given me what I need. There is a CVS nearby - it may be time to switch.

Thanks!

I have found the same about Tramadol, LJ. I like it because it just takes enough of the edge off so I can think clearly. I dont remember the last time I used my full monthly dose. It was winter though. I usually go 2-3 months on a one month script.

I talked to some people and discovered that my pain doc is doing this with everyone. Although it isnt that big a deal , it is confusing. I have to contact Walgreens to get my meds requested by a minimum 10 days before the due date. Then i can only pick them up on the 30th day of meds.

I just have to set monthly pop ups in my calendar for every drug. It will be interesting....

I use Walmart pharmacy they are kind, but most med must have in writing with picture to prove you are you. In sorry your going through this.

My understanding is that Scheduled drugs have to have written prescriptions given to you by the doctor (handed to you) and you have to take those to the pharmacy yourself. They can no longer call them, or fax them.