I have gotten oxycodone prescription filled at the same pharmacy for years. I get it filled every two weeks. I usually get it on the day it is due but have occasionally gotten it filled early due to my work schedule. The pharmacist never mentioned a problem getting it a day or two early until last month. I went in one day early and was told that I had gotten it filled early 5 times in the past year so now she can’t fill it for 3 weeks. She also made a point to call the other pharmacy in the area to ensure that I can’t change pharmacies and have no choice but to go to her. When my doctor contacted her he was told that the only thing that could be done was to change the dose. My question is whether I have a legitimate complaint. Is it ethical for them to fill your script early and then go back a year and say you should have this many left.
How far back in your history can a pharmacist go?
Question posted by Wigbert on 2 Sep 2018
Last updated on 5 September 2018
Thank you for the reply and yes it does answer some of my questions, however the question still remains: is it right that the pharmacist can look back at your history for a year or so and say because you had it filled early a few times in the past year I am not going to fill it for a few weeks. My pharmacist explained to me that I had gotten 380 days worth in the last 365 days so I should have some left. If this was a problem why would they fill it early at all. Instead of letting it add up.
Answers
That's a very good question. How far back is at least 2 years. And probably a lot more, dependent on their operating system.
At my recent doctors a appointment we talked about this very subject. Unfortunately for many of us who can and do benefit from these medications... and fortunately for the street users, it's so difficult for doctors to prescribe them.
There are new ways and laws on the books of most states and by the FDA that the doctors have to check a website to see exactly who and what doctor and what pharmacy and all dates available in the system so that people can't "doctor shop" as my physician said.
It's big brother in our lives. This is the new normal.
Also the health care providers are very weary of malpractice lawsuits.
I hope this is explained most of your questions.
Also it is true in my case that the doctor can only state on the prescription "Dose Change" . that's what he did for me with Xanax and Percocet.
I'm in Pennsylvania.
A pharmacist can go to jail, just like doctors, for not dispensing controlled drugs in the manner dictated by the federal govt. You will have to comply and better watch how you are taking your medicines in order to make them last. It sounds like that this pharmacist got a letter from the feds about how you are taking your medicine. Also, this pharmacist could refuse to fill your script altogether and there is nothing you can do about it. You just need to make sure you take your meds correctly so that they last the whole time the script is for. What do you say, Chuck1957?
I have an interesting update which leads to more questions about my pharmacist. I decided to change pharmacies because the pharmacist made me uncomfortable. Easier said than done. I went to a pharmacy that I had never been to in an attempt to fill a prescription for hydrocortisone cream. I was told that the pharmacist from the old pharmacy had called them and said that she had been talking to my doctor and all my prescriptions have to be taken to her. I asked my doctor and was told that he had not even talked to her let alone give her that authority. My questions are is it legal for her to call all the pharmacies in my area even if I had never been there. Also can she really prevent me from getting my meds somewhere else and force me to go to her. Is this a pharmacist on a power trip or does she really have that authority.
Related topics
oxycodone, pharmacy, prescription, pharmacist
Further information
- Oxycodone uses and safety info
- Oxycodone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Oxycodone (detailed)
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