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Did I miss something?
Last month I went to my pain management physician for my monthly med check. I have terrible lumbar spine pain, cervical spine pain, and I just had a reverse shoulder surgery. Everything was fine and they sent in my script to the pharmacy that is recommended by my medicare plan. The pharmacy called later, and told me that they are limiting the quantity of one of my pain medications. I called the pain management office and they said that's fine,the remainder will be called in when you run out of your current prescription. I thought that is fine. A few days prior to me running out I called the pain management office for the remainder of my script. I recieved a call back from the office manager, and she stated that they could not refill the remainder of the script. She said all major pharmacy's are limiting the quantity of opioids allowed per month permanently. The pharmacy's are limiting the amount of opioids do to the opioid crisis. Once again, did I miss something? I have had this same prescription for six years, and I comply strictly with my pain management contract. She did say I need to find a local pharmacy to fill the prescription, and forget the big box store pharmacy's.
I am confused. What actually happened that the chain and big box store pharmacy's started limiting the quantity of my medication? Does anyone have an answer to this?
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This sounds like something that happened to us a couple of times. However, my pharmacist took the time to explain.
My husband took a certain dosage of pain meds but sometimes needed less, sometimes more. It always came out even at the end of the month. To make it more flexible the doctor prescribed small dose pills. Over the years, that amount went up. At some point, the pharmacy was no longer allowed to dispense that many individual pills. It's a federal law. We had to get larger pills (10 mg rather than 5) so the total number of pills was smaller. I don't understand what difference it makes, the monthly amount was the same. I think it has to do with people sharing or selling pills, though that doesn't seem like it would matter.
Hope this helps.
I think one thing that people are overlooking is that a let's say 30 prescription can usually be filled several days early so that you don't run out. Over time this let's you build up a surplus. By doing this for PreGabalin for over a year, I was able to get about a month or more ahead. I didn't need my 3 month refill at the end of this year, but since my deductible was satisfied my OOP was about a third of normal. Some folks who might accumulate a surplus of more potent drugs in this manner might be tempted to sell off the surplus so it could be for that reason that they aren't fully filling the prescriptions.
I got denied a Gabapentin ER prescription, these insurance companies are screwing with everyone’s meds.
It should be against the law the way they treat people.
Not helpful. Honestly, the very few that fall through the cracks on this one, are far outnumbered by the many that sit waiting for sometimes a week or more past their necessary refill date for an Rx to be in stock and availabile to fill and receive. Stop spreading drama that could, would, and has proven to hurt those who are in true need. Thank you.
I login to my CVS account and there it tells me when a Rx is up for refill or re-order and I can submit my order at that time. When I first started taking PreGabalin I always refilled at the earliest possible date which is 3-4 days before I would run out. At 3 capsules per day I would accumulate about 12 extra per month. Over a couple years it adds up. I rarely have issues with my pharmacy running out or Rx not getting refilled. Now I can wait an extra month or more before refilling in 2025. If I can do it then others can too. I was only suggesting that as a possible reason for pharmacies not fully filling a prescription. Maybe you could ask the head of your pharmacy chain why they have the policy. The guy/gal at your local store doesn't know and is just following orders. Ask the ones giving the orders. BTW if your regular pharmacy doesn't have it you can always get it filled at another.
Thank you bajjerfan for your comment. This doesn't work with an opiate prescription. The pharmacist will only fill you script on the day it's due.
Fortunately, CVS will fill the entire script. Problem solved.
I could do the same with Tramadol [an opiate] when I was taking it and using WalMart pharmacy for years. Once had a dental Rx for hydrocodone and WalMart couldn't fill the full Rx so had a taken a partial I would have needed another Rx in order to get the rest. I chose to get it filled elsewhere. Sometimes there is an unexpected run on certain meds so some places run out. Twice I've had post-op Rx for Oxycodone and both times CVS filled them fully. Things like Lasix, Atorvastatin and Dyazide are $0.00 cost to me through WellCare.
Thank you again bajjerfan for your reply. Your experience is unique. Tha pain management doctor stated that they do not know why the retailers have limited the supply of my medication. My doctor said he called the headquarters of the grocery chain, which is locally based, the limit imposed was a new store policy. It was based on the supplier not manufacturing as much medication. My doctor said it effects thousands of patients around our area. If this continues, my doctor will have to change my pain management program. As for you recieving your pain medication early from your pharmacy, I have no explanation. Perhaps your pharmacist is a kind sole that bends the rules a little. Dispensing a scheduled drug early is supposed to be against federal law. I haven't researched this. The pharmacist at my drug store advised me of the law.
In any event, I am happy that I found a pharmacy that dispenses the quantity I am prescribed. When this issues becomes more wide spread and effects all of the pharmacys in my area my physician will change my treatment. Thanks again.