Problems in U.S.A. Refilling Opioids/other controlled substances

[ircam2112]

All we RLS and PLMD’ers need is more stress right?

I have 2 prescriptions for controlled substances. I use Walgreens Pharmacy. They’ve tightened up their policies re: opioids so much, it’s putting patients at risk. Last month, I submitted refill requests every day for 3 days prior (what I’ve always done) but got the message “ this is an early refill request & what’s the reason for the early refill?”

I stated I’m submitting the refill today but not planning to pick up until it’s due. Same message next day. So, I submit on the day I need the medication, get a text they’re working on it. Go to pharmacy after work-day and guess what, “we’re out of stock” and “can’t transfer the prescription because it’s controlled. “The opioid I’m dependent on is out of stock and you’re telling me the day I need it”? Pharmacist shrugs shoulders, no biggy for them I guess. Had to call the on-call provider to get it transferred as it was Friday.

This month, same thing with another medication (what’s the def of stupidity haha). Fortunately they had enough sample packs. Opened 45 of those awful blister packs!

I wonder how many people with addition issues have not called on-call - didn’t think of it, no on-call service, etc - and have gone to buy illicit drugs and possibly fell off the wagon or overdosed.

Writing Walgreens a letter soon. Maybe CNN, etc.

[TeddiJ]

Yep-I stressed out every single month I was on opioids: no matter how early you try to get things moving to avoid issues, you find out the day you are out of pills that there is an issue with either the doctor, the system, the pharmacy, etc.

I was cut off twice by 2 doctors, as well, due to their fear of being looked at by the DEA and losing their licenses.

[SueJohnson]

Perhaps switch to a different pharmacy - first asking them if they are frequently out of stock. Or can Walgreens transfer it to another Walgreens that is not out of stock? As others have done, try to slowly built up several days reserve so you can wait for them to be in stock.

[ircam2112 in reply to SueJohnson]

Yes, I switched to another pharmacy but, who knows, maybe this pharmacy has the same issues. I talked to the pharmacist at the new pharmacy who said, “We USUALLY don’t have problems with supply, but it can happen”. That’s what Walgreens said also. It happened about 8 months ago as well, so it’s pretty random and, looking a month in advance, they probably can’t guarantee supply. State and/or federal laws won’t allow transfers even between the same pharmacy system.

[WideBody]

I make sure all my medications are for 90 days. I just realized they probably won’t do that for opioids. Yes, I agree . I have yet to find a pharmacy that isn’t stressful.

I call a few days before, requesting an urgent pickup. Then I call before I go, because it’s never ready.

[ziggypiggy]

I use walgreens and have the same issue. Delays combined with weekends getting in the way of refills can add up to 15-30 days a year of being without your opiod because of various issues. Ask your provider how to address this. On way that worked for me is once a year my provider writes a script for 30 extra pills to cover these days. The less desired option is to somehow build up a emergency stash of your own by taking less on certain nights.

Walgreens computer will quite often delay your refill when it shouldn't. Call as soon as your doctor submits your refill to make sure the drug is in stock and the computer isn't giving the pharmacist incorrect information.

[scifire]

My Walgreen's pharmacy closes at 6 PM Monday through Friday and completely closed Saturday and Sunday. They claim they can't find Pharmacists for those hours yet CVS doesn't seem to have those problems. The website drug refill at Walgreens also does goofy things like telling you the pharmacy is temporarily closed when it isn't. It's a little bit farther drive but I'm considering switching all my scripts to CVS because Walgreens is simply no longer reliable. I'm was not having any problems getting a 90 day supply but some things have changed recently so we will have to see what happen with my next refill.

[BeachGolfer]

I had a similar problem with a CVS in Florida and my Oxycodone prescription. My prescription was always due at the end of the month and they kept running out for the month. I switched to an independent small pharmacy and haven’t had a problem since. Sadly, there aren’t too many non-chain pharmacies around anymore.

[ircam2112 in reply to BeachGolfer]

Yes, I wonder if the smaller ones have more stable, older supply chains. And they aren’t part of a national and at least regional pharmaceutical bureaucracy chain which may distribute it’s, maybe limited, supply based on many factors that don’t favor a particular store or area. Maybe.

If it happens at this pharmacy, I’m just going to have to call each month a few days in advance and ensure they have enough supply for me. I’ll ask if they have a first-in, first-fill policy regarding new scripts or refill request. Otherwise, all they’ll tell me is “maybe.

[ircam2112]

Seems like a pretty easy problem to solve: Have real-time comparisons between what’s in stock and the prescriptions that have been submitted. When all stock is accounted/spoken for - and while keeping a certain amount for “same-day” prescriptions (for outpatient surgeries, broken bones, cuts, back spasms, etc) - and a new prescription comes in, have the system automatically inform the ordering doctor or facility, patient or family member that they may or may not be able to fill the prescription.

Gives the patient the option and time to have the prescription transferred or rewritten to a new pharmacy. Then everyone is happy and I’m not disin’ Walgreens on social media.