to switch or not to switch... - Pain Management Message Board

momhurts · 05-22-2008, 08:18 AM

Hello to all,

I have been one pains meds for a little over a year. Initially prescribed by my specialist and now by a pm doc since Oct. 07. I have always gotten my scripts filled at the same pharmacy(a chain pharmacy) and always receive quality service...no looks or lectures. However at times it is an inconvienence for me to go there, or to deal with the wait times. A new chain opened and the times I have been in the store the pharmacy always appears empty and they have a drive thru service. I was thinking about switching but am afraid that the grass may not be greener...some of you I know have run into your fair share of pharmacy troubles. I am fairly certain, I did not sign a contract...so I am not sure that I am bound by the pm clinic to use the same pharmacy. Just looking for your HO

Would you switch?

Also, is it allowed to use the name of the pharmacy in your post??

cmpgirl · 05-22-2008, 08:46 AM

As far as switching....I have been trying to decide the same for a while now. I have had some issues in the past, but lately all has been fine, so I am a bit afraid to rock the boat. I would say, if you have really good luck with your current one, stick with it. If you do decide to switch, even if you don't have a contract, I would let the doc know anyway as a courtesy. I would also go to the new pharmacy and ask to speak with the pharmacist or pharm. manager. They will usually tell you if your current meds are ones they keep in stock.

Hope this helped a little. Take care and post often. CMP

forginon · 05-22-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmpgirl

...If you do decide to switch, even if you don't have a contract, I would let the doc know anyway as a courtesy...

Absolutely.

Even with no contract it is still wise to stick with one pharmacy when dealing with narcotics. The DEA looks for multiple pharmacy use when trying to ID abusers and diverters. You really don't want them breathing down your neck, or down the neck of your doc.

Save everyone the trouble and use just one pharmacy for opioids.

steve

momhurts · 05-22-2008, 12:30 PM

Thanks for your advice. Of course I would let the doctor know...and although I know I am just switching for convienence, I didn't think about the flags it could raise. I will keep with where I am and know that the pros definetely outweigh the cons.

Thanks for the help!

Boxerluver · 05-22-2008, 12:40 PM

I use 2 different pharmacies, because sometimes the one that special orders my meds doesn't get them in on time and I'm only talking about 7 times in the last 5 years. Most of the time I go to the same one, but in the past I have been treated unfairly and when I talked to the doc, they always told me to change to a different pharmacy that treats me right. If I would ever need to change, my doc refers his patients to a mom and pop place that keeps all the different kinds of PM meds in stock. I've alwyas told my docs what's going on so they are up tp date and everything has been great.

Melissa