Getting one's prescriptions by mail: the procedure is there, but problems are possible

It's becoming more and more commonplace, people getting their ongoing prescriptions delivered to them through the mail, rather than through visiting their local pharmacy.

I learned from a quick literature search that the US Postal Service shipped 1.2 billion prescriptions last year alone, and, according to Veterans Affairs, prescriptions are taking an average of about three days to ship and 95% of prescriptions are getting to their patients on time.

There is also mention that in emergency cases overnight deliveries are usually possible.

But I also read that some feel trapped by mail order, as their insurance plans either oblige them to only use mail order, or require them to pay more (sometimes significantly more) out of pocket to use a retail pharmacy. And for others, particularly in rural areas, there simply is no local pharmacy to visit.

Another quick survey of web articles reveals some of the possible problems that can occur when reliance is solely on the mail system: late deliveries, damaged or spoiled product delivered, wrong address deliveries, stolen deliveries, etc.

It would seem especially problematic that when a delivery delay does occur, for whatever reason, because the timing of the taking of the medication has become disrupted, the detriment to the patient's health may be serious.

This article from the UPS website offers some guidelines and tips for doing it right:

https://www.ups.com/us/en/services/knowledge-center/article.page?kid=art16541bedbda

It specifically discusses temperature regulation, packing and monitoring considerations, items needed for properly shipping meds, and tips (especially for handling liquid medications).

But here's an opposing view of the desirability of doing mail delivery of medications at all:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=mailing+medications+to+patients&docid=608036162417657079&mid=d14b68862499fcdedd24d14b68862499fcdedd24&view=detail&form=vire

So, at least for some, it's still a controversial issue.

If any of you have had, or are having, your medications mailed to you, please post below about the experiences you have had with it, good or bad.

My wife has used both express scripts and aetna I will say that aetna has been easier than express scripts. One of the biggest problems for her is the communication between the Dr. Office and the mail order pharmacies.

Larry

We've been on Express Scrips for several years for our daily meds, with no issues. Well, not exactly. I take Dexilant for GERD, and a couple of times they've insisted that I dial back to a (cheaper for them) med, which doesn't work.

My PCP told me that they get literally hundreds of faxes, every day, from the mail order pharmacies to verify or renew scripts.

I've had no issues with Express Scrips for short term meds at a local retail pharmacy.

90% of the scripts issued by VA doctors are delivered by mail..Very few problems.. They ask you to request re-fills at least 10 days in advance to cover possible shipping delays..Some high-value or opium based drugs require a signature which forces you to babysit your mailbox..

halbert said...
Express scripts will not mail order narcotics. At least not into Pennsylvania (some other states might? I don't know)

I believe that is federal law. Until this year narc prescriptions had to be issued on paper to the patient. Now they can be electronically transmitted to the pharmacy.

I'm not sure if this is up-to-date, but I found a page stating Express scripts can mail schedule II substances (which include narcotics up to fentanyl strength), but the Rx has to be mailed, not faxed, to them. Clearly any state laws prohibiting this would be observed.

Djin

My insurance would pay more with Express scripts. But I travel so much it’s easier to call the doc myself. (It also cuts out the middle man as far as knowing exactly when it’s ready). Before I began traveling so much I used Express scripts and never remember having the first problem with them. (It seems they’re also very nice and helpful on the phone...fwiw).

I’ve managed to accumulate several thousand milligrams of sildenafil. If I ever meet a woman I don’t want to be caught short-handed.

It certainly is encouraging to hear from a number of you that your prescription drug mailing experiences have been positive ones. That suggests that for others of us who may need to begin obtaining meds in this way, that we may have an equally satisfying experience.

I did a little further investigating and found this page on the FDA website, which offers some additional facts about obtaining medications successfully over the web:

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/quick-tips-buying-medicines-over-internet/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information

Some of the points it discusses: indicators of a reliable (or not so reliable) online pharmacy; locating one; consumer resources; and FDA educational programs on this topic.

And I found the FAQ tab (bottom left, main screen) to be especially helpful.

It's definitely a good read for finding out how to locate and/or verify a pharmacy in mind as a possible online source for prescriptions.

And of course the above information should be reliable since it's from the FDA website.

island time said...


I’ve managed to accumulate several thousand milligrams of sildenafil. If I ever meet a woman I don’t want to be caught short-handed.

Love this 😂😂😂

I use express scripts and have never had a problem. When I need something in a rush I use my local pharmacy. A little more expensive but not outrageous.

For Cialis I don’t use insurance I use Goodrx which saves me a ton