I am currently dealing with a pretty bad shoulder problem, and am under the care of a specialist for it. It has yet to be diagnosed, but I am still going through many tests, some extremely painful. Because of this, my pain has been next to unbearable. I have been on various narcotic, as well as non narcotic medications for about 8 months. Today my doctor decided to up my Norco (which is just a type of vicodane for those who don’t know) to 6 pills a day as needed. My pharmacist told me today when I went to fill my prescription that the dose is far too high, especially since I have been on this medication for about 4 months. I told him that I would just go to a different pharmacy, and he said not to bother because he was going to contact every pharmacy in the area and tell them not to fill the script. Is this really legal? I can understand a pharmacist refusing to fill a script, but can he really make it so I can’t get my meds at all?
2007-04-03 20:22:12 · 3 answers · asked by evil_kandykid 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I do take other medications for my pain, but they do not work all that well. And I don't take that much everyday, just as needed.
Unfortunately I get used to medication very easily, this happens with ALL meds I take. When I was a teenager, I had serious depression problems, and actually had to be taken off my meds, because they quite working, and the higher doses that did work started affecting my body and my liver and kidneys almost shut down. For whatever reason I metabolize medication VERY quickly. Sadly this doesn’t effect my food metabolism (go figure).
Like I said in my question, I am going through many tests, and though they can tell something is wrong, no test has given any definitive reason as to why I’m suffering. And I also know that pharmacist do generally have a better idea on how medications react with each other, and all that. But this is not the case. He just wants to play dr, and tell me whats wrong with me.
2007-04-03 20:51:49 · update #1
Also, while the city I live in is not small, its not huge either. There are only about 10 pharmacy's. And this is a CVS, and three of our 10 or so pharmacy's ARE CVS, as are most of the other pharmacys outside my city.
And because of my shoulder problem I can't drive very far. Not to mention I won't drive if I have taken my meds, so my options really are limited.
2007-04-03 20:54:07 · update #2
A pharmacist can refuse to fill a prescription if he/she believes it is unsafe. The issue in your case is due to the acetaminophen. The maximum dose is 4 grams per day. More than that can lead to possible liver failure. Depending on what dose you are on, you have crossed that threshold, and it would be irresponsible for a pharmacist to allow that prescription.
There is no maximum dose for opioid (narcotic) only drugs, but there is one for ones with acetaminophen or aspirin. You need to go to a narcotic only drug.
The pharmacist should have explained the true issue to you.
2007-04-04 11:24:45 · answer #1 · answered by Lea 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Strictly speaking the pharmasy cannot change the dosage on a prescription. However he can advise if he thinks a dosage may be incorrect or not compatable with other medication you may be on. Pharmasists often have a better understanding of drug reactions than some doctores do. He has got your best interests in mind by his advise. The dosage sounds to high to me, too. With that sort of dsosage you may end up getting chemically dependant on it. I realise you are in a lot of pain, but please try some altenative treatment before you commit yourself to these drugs.
2007-04-03 20:38:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no.. they can't do that. and it's impossible to call EVERY pharmacy in town anyway. if the pharmacist didn't wanna fill it or was skeptical, he should have called the doctor that prescribed it. that would take care of everything.
2007-04-03 20:34:01 · answer #3 · answered by whome? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋