The post relative to pressure on docs to curtail prescribing opiods is correct that the DEA is the source of the pressure. All of a sudden I get a phone call from my Humana Pharmacy mail order clinic that they will no longer dispense my Fentanyl patches that have saved my life for 13 years, and Oxycodone pills which I only use for breakthrough pain. My kind, wise pain management doc is furious. "So the DEA and the pharmacists know more about you than I do!?" (He's mad at them, not me.) "I have examined you physically, read your medical history, treated you and prescribed for you, but THEY know better?!!"
He said the DEA has power over pharmacists but not doctors. He said it's a result of deaths by Fentanyl, but curtailing this drug by preventing legitimate patients from getting it, will NOT prevent the addict from getting it.
I was able to convince a Walgreens local pharmacist that I need it. After many questions!
I know the drug is strong, but it has enabled me to play with my grandchildren and exercise.....BOTH critical to my well being!
Without it I would be in bed, curled up in a fetal position, crying! And I've been there.