Pharmacy Unable to get Dilaudid---Advice Please

[Eva 14]

My chain pharmacy "W", has been causing me a lot of problems lately. This time, the problem is not with the pharmacist, but with their screwed-up "ordering" system.

For the 2nd month in a row, they have NOT had my Dilaudid suppositories in stock. On Monday, I dropped my scripts off 5 days early, to try to allow for time if they needed to order the Dilaudid.

Last Monday when I dropped off my script, the pharmacist told me she was ordering my Dilaudid and it would be in on Saturday. My fill day was Friday, so this would have been enough of an inconvenience.

Today (Saturday) the pharmacist called me and told me that they had NOT received the Dilaudid that they'd ordered. She said she had no idea if it was on back order or what. (This is NOT the first time they've had to "order" meds TWICE in order to actually GET them). I've had to wait 11 DAYS in the past.

The pharmacist said she was putting in another order, and it should arrive on Wednesday. She told me if it DOESN'T arrive on Wednesday that she will call other branches of "W" and see if any of them have the full amount in stock. (I doubt they will, as the med is uncommon and my quantity is large). She said that I would have to GO to ANOTHER branch of "W" and get it myself, assuming they even have it in stock.

IF "W" branch 110 has the med in stock, WHY can't they transport it to MY LOCAL "W" store? I ask because I have some problems with transportation, given the amount of pain I'm in. I can get to my LOCAL "W" store, but beyond that I can't handle the issues of city traffic and no parking in my condition. I would have to hire a taxi, which is outrageously expensive.

Is there anything else I can do? How can they expect people in severe pain to be able to drive through city traffic? I don't want to say exactly where I live, but suffice it to say it would be difficult to drive outside my immediate area even if I were pain-free, given the traffic and lack of parking in other areas of town. IN this amount of pain, it would be suicidal to attempt to do so.

I'm feeling SO ticked-off at that pharmacy! Are customers REALLY expected to drive all over town to get a medication? WHY can't the pharmacy get it, so I can pick it up at my local branch?

If anyone knows what I can do, I'd appreciate any feedback. Yes, if I had the script I MIGHT try another pharmacy, but I don't have the script anymore (it's at "W"). And I have my doubts that ANY pharmacy is going to tell a stranger over the phone whether or not they have X quantity of Dilaudid in stock! I'm virtually certain that ANY pharmacy would have to order it; I have tried other pharmacies in the past, and they always have to order this med.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Eva

[Eva 14]

One last question, if anyone happens to know. I just read on another forum that once a pharmacy TRIES to order a medication, that particular pharmacy's "stamp" is on the script and it is then illegal to take the script to ANOTHER pharmacy (aside from another one in the same chain).

Am I stuck with "W"? This darn pharmacy is causing me so much grief. I was hoping to maybe take the script to an indy pharmacy that has a different distribution center, but I certainly don't want to do anything illegal.

Anyone has got to admit----making the patient wait 10 DAYS for their pain med is ridiculous! And then making the patient drive all over town just to try to get it filled? NO ONE is going to have the full amount on the Dilaudid. I've checked with the only indy pharmacy near me and they said they have ZERO in stock. They would need to order it, and they CANNOT order it WITHOUT the prescription.

How I hope they get my script in on Wednsday! Otherwise, I don't know what I'll do.

Thanks,
Eva

[tortoisegirl]

I have been able to call pharmacies and ask if they have a certain CII in stock, and they did tell me. I did however start with something like my doctor gave me a prescription for X of X mg X and X pharmacy didn't have it, are you able to help. If you start with do you stock Dilaudid that isn't the way to go. Yes I think you can get your script back at any time, even if they have it on order. I have done it before. Do ask though...maybe it varies by state? I don't think you are stuck with the chain. I don't think they have a way to transport meds between stores. Some pharmacies deliver, but you still have to get the script to them. Sorry but either have to call before you get the script, then call again when it should be in, giving them enough time to have messed up the order, spend the money on a cab, find someone to drive you, or go to another pharmacy not in downtown so you don't have to have the stress. What about a bus? Or, a cab to a bus stop is cheaper than a cab the whole way. Did the indy pharmacy say they needed the scipt to order it? They may the first time so they believe you (since its an expensive med), but I doubt they do on subsequent times. Stuff happens. I've had to wait that long for pain meds before. All you can do is plan ahead (keep extra on hand and give them enough time to order) and hope for the best. I still think you should do what it takes to switch pharmacies if they won't work for you. Best wishes.

[Pharmacist.steve]

@Eva.. I would think that you should be able to get your Rx back...if they can't fill it .. it is your Rx. Dilaudid ( Hydromorphone) supp are not a high abuse item.. and I don't think that many Rph's would think that someone calling around trying to find a large of those supp is wanting to abuse them. If the chain you are talking about is Walgreens... it is my understanding that they are able to check in their computer what other Walgreens have in inventory. transferring a C-II requires a DEA 222 form and if the store is ordering via electronic CSOS program... they may not have those forms on hand anymore. There may be a company policy against transferring C-II... because of the risk of them getting diverted or disappearing. You need to find out if they are ordering from their own warehouse or one of the three major *********rs. My data base indicates that the only shortage of Hydromorphone is for the injectable. Since you need a large quantity... it may be more that even a *********r would normally keep on hand. My suggestion to you ... go talk to the independent Pharmacist.. it is his/her business and livelihood... it would not be out of the question that he/she can call up the buyer at the *********r and tell him/her that he needs them to inventory/keep on hand *** quantity of Dilaudid (Hydromorphone supp). Everyone is interested in selling goods... except the BIG BOYS have formulas and templates of what is "the norm" for them.. and it would see - and doesn't surprise me - that your needs don't fit in their template. From what you have explained ... you need to find a Pharmacy/Pharmacists that has your best interest in mind and has the flexibility to make things happen. You may have to go a little out of your way to reach that point. It has been my experience... the BIG BOYS are not going to go much out of their way to take care of patients with unusual needs. It appears that you are finding that out the hard way

[alex44]

Well said , Steve.
Blessings
Alex44