Zero Refill Policy

[unipolarbear]

(I did a search on this and didn't find any topics, so I though I'd post.) So I just ran down to zero refills on yet another one of my many meds. I went to refill it (not knowing that it had gone to zero), and the automated system says that I need my pdoc's approval. I lost it. I have only three more days of this pill, it's the weekend, and my pdoc doesn't work on Mondays. I usually refill online and I pick it up in a day or two. No prob. But this zero refill policy really sucks donkey dong (to quote another poster). I called the 24/7 helpline for my large, california HMO (which shall remain nameless), and they said that "the computer" said I have enough to last me until Tuesday. I'm not pilfering or selling these people. They're geodons, and they have a short half life, and so do I. Why would any pdoc let a refill go down to zero refills for a routine prescription? Am I being 'psychotic?' I'm really freaking out here. If they are so afraid of me renewing my antipsychotics, then maybe I need more antipsychotics. That's exactly what i emailed the dr. Oh well, the three ativans I took are now kicking in and I probably have enough ativans to last whilst the geodons are being refilled. Thanks for listening.

Andrew

[lottacrazy]

IF worse comes to worse, go to the ER of the hospital he is affiliated with, tell them you need a re-fill even if it is 2 days worth until you can get in touch, in my experience they will usually help you out, they can also contact him to make sure this is still a med he wants you one and what not.

[Silver]

When was the last time you saw your psychiatrist?

For non-controlled substances that are maintenance medications, such as your Geodon, pharmacists have the option of dispensing a short (up to 3d in my area) supply of emergency medication while they're waiting for authorization from your doctor. You may be paying for that one out of pocket and sorting it out with HMO later, though.

Since it sounds like you'll be out on Tuesday morning, then you might be able to get just a 1 day supply while you sort this out. (In fact, "the computer" says you have enough to last until Tuesday, and you say you have enough to last until Tuesday am (3 days' worth, and it's Friday night...), so that all seems to line up OK.)

Also, even if your psychiatrist doesn't work on Monday, someone in his office probably does, and likely has the option of approving a short fill, such as a 7d supply, if it's an issue of needing to be seen, or they could schedule you and then maybe approve enough to cover until that visit. You could call them on Monday morning.

If you just saw your doc and s/he forgot to approve the refill, I bet the office can take care of it right quick.

In general, medications are written to last until you're supposed to be seen next. Do you have an upcoming appointment, perhaps?

[gizmo]

Why would any pdoc let a refill go down to zero refills for a routine prescription?

Every perscription must have an end date, a date in which it expires. A physician can choose two options: the extremely rare "fillable until" in which you can get unlimited refills until an expiration date (usually one year from the date the script is written) or the very common refill policy. Refills are generally only given for a short period of time, and then you must come back to the prescribing doctor and get a new refill. Occasionally you can call the doctor for a refill, but most want you to come in. I believe the standard number of refills for most maintenance meds is 3.

I don't know about you, but every appointment with my pdoc, at least five minutes is spent specifically going over my current meds and checking to see if I need refills and writing scripts as needed. In fact, there are several meds I have extra scripts that I haven't filled - I just carry around in my purse for emergencies. If you think you need more refills on a script, then ask your doctor. Otherwise, I would chalk this up as a lesson learned the hard way about tracking your refills and number of pills in your inventory.

Honestly, you are lucky that you aren't on a Schedule II controlled substance med like Ritalin or Concerta (my son's med). I have to physically go to the doctor's office each month to pick up a physical paper script to give to the pharmacy, and the paper script expires in 14 days, so there's no getting it before vacation and filling the script when you come back (tried that once). There are no refills with stimulants.

[unipolarbear]

Of course, CB has come through once again for peer thoughts and ideas. Thanks CB! Yes, it is prolly a lesson learned, but I have been on these for YEARS and have never had this problem. Ahh, the fates are doomed to conspire. What can we do?

Thanks for the replies (and for the future replies, too)