3 months RX for pain meds

[debhun]

I was just to my PM on Friday and she gave me 3 months of RX for my pain meds. She said that it went to effect Dec 19 th 07. That will make it easer on both of us. Has any one elses PM done this?

Deb

[slipnslide]

Deb,

My PM has not, but I also just started the Neurontin last month and had a procedure done 2 1/2 weeks ago which both require a follow-up appointment.
I believe Pharmacist Steve had posted info. regarding the change in the laws. I think it's great that they are now writing Rx' for 3 months, it makes it easier on the patients.

Best wishes,

Kim

[BrokenBladder]

Deb,

A couple of months back I had ask my doctor if she could write the scripts for 3 months at a time because if I use my mail order option it would save me alot of money. At that time she told me it's illegal to do that, but it sounds like things may have changed. I will ask when I see her on the 14th.

By the way how are you doing with the swelling?

[suede]

I'm pretty sure I remember pharmacist Steve posting about this.
I know back when I first started PM I got my scripts for 3months at a time, of course the were all dated and numbered, it sure made life easier..
Linda

[GardeniaGirl]

Steve posted about this a while back.

I showed it to my rheumatologist last Fall, after Steve had posted it, and he was thrilled, but he said he had to make sure that the state laws didn't contradict the federal, or something like that.

[neckbaby]

I have to use mail order and have been getting three months at a time for over 2 years now. It makes life easier but with the mail order you have to keep on top of it or else you will be out.
Neckbaby

[lobelsteve]

I will not be having many patients getting 3 month Rx's for schedule II meds. I am uncomfortable not seeing a patient for 3 months when on these meds and I am constantly tinkering to try and improve their regimen and figuring out what is next for their care.

There will be a few folks that all is done as far as diagnosis and treatment and they are only on maintenance medication. Time will tell.

[Lil E]

My PM said that the law is changed and he will be giving three months RX's to his stable patients. Of course you can call or be seen if anything changes or you get worse.

[stiffnecked]

My doc wants you to come in every single month so you can see his PA. Same charge but at least I'm not paying it. I think it's about the benjamins.

[tiggers]

I got a prescription for 3 months with a 3 month refill as well.
My extended health insurance here doesn't start until I have paid for $250 of meds in the new year.
So I filled 3 months worth at the end of Dec 07 and it was paid 100%
Yipppeeee!!!!

I live in Canada in Bc.
The laws are all different here.

My meds were Gabapentin and Nortriptilyne.

I still will see my doc monthly or more often if needed.

Want to actually come off the neurontin as I am loosing my memory
since I started it.

Cheers
Bonnie

[tiggers]

LOL
See what I mean about memory!!!
It is the nortriptilyne I want to discontinue.
I have no problem with the Neurontin

[gizmogirl]

many of the pain doctors lose $$ on a visit where the patient is stable and is only coming in to get a script written for the same dosage as ever. So, if the patient wants it, the doc can write 3 scripts the patient brings in each month to the pharmacy. Works out better for both the doc and the patient in this kind of situation.

[Jo6]

I will not be having many patients getting 3 month Rx's for schedule II meds. I am uncomfortable not seeing a patient for 3 months when on these meds and I am constantly tinkering to try and improve their regimen and figuring out what is next for their care.

There will be a few folks that all is done as far as diagnosis and treatment and they are only on maintenance medication. Time will tell.

I read this in early December '07 . I understand Dr. Steve's position on this new law. The artical I was reading said it would be up to the DR.'s to decide whether they wanted to do this or not. I felt better about new law, knowing the Drs. had a choice.
I have never run out or taken more than perscribed any of the many meds I take. I know, (personally) some people that have had a hard time managing just a month of Meds. This is only my opinion, but I am not too ~up~ on the new law. For those that use it is up to your Dr. and you.

I once got my meds. ever 3 months. I had more aggravation from the place that sent the drugs. at one time they sent my 3 months and that same month they sent me 3 more months. It was more trouble than it was worth at the time.

Nothing is sealed, that always worryed me. I guess you could call my a worry wart. I have no problem with those that do use the 3 months thing. Now that I am on Medicare I may have to sit on the street cornor and have a monkey collect the money when I sing.:p

take care all, Jo

[debhun]

Jo I didn't think about the cornor and a monkey to collect money I could do that LOL
I gave my RX to the pharmacy and they have they on file there. So They will fill them without me calling.

Deb

[gizmogirl]

Bonnie, I was sleeping all day on 1000 mg of neurontin and talked to a nurse who hated it but was taking almost 3000 and working! For patients with chronic pain, sometimes docs try to avoid a long acting painkiller (opiod) with neurontin, and it's just not fair, since the painkiller lets them be alert, have their IQ, and drive.
However, I have no idea what your condition is; maybe you need the neurontin for epilepsy or something.
good luck

[tiggers]

I need the neurontin for the nerve pain in my arms and hands. It works pretty well just doesn't cover everything. Was on 3300mg/day. Now on 3000mg as well as nortriptilyne 40mg. I can't handle the nortrip any longer=big memory blanks and I can't sleep. So starting tonite I am weaning off.