Forgot To Ask Doctor For Re-fill

[canucklady]

It was difficult session and at the end of session, just wanted to leave, so I forgot to ask doctor for refill on cymbalta.

I don't see her for another 2 weeks, but have only enough meds for 1 week. I left her a message, but she isn't calling me back. I am panicing and dreading going through withdrawal on top of everything else.

Feel like such an idiot, can't keep things straight.

 

[catjudo]

Don't feel like an idiot. These things happen. It happens for me all the time and I just call my doc's secretary and she takes care of calling it in for me. How long have you been waiting for your doc to return your call? Did you include in the message why you were calling? You've got a week to get this taken care of, try not to panic just yet. (I know easier said than done sometimes.)

 

[cherryblossom]

Like cat has said, try not to panic. You have a week to leave messages and for your Doctor or the secretary to get back to you. That is plenty of time. If you don't hear back, phone and leave another message, requesting your meds. I'm sure this will work out ok. But adding extra stress to yourself won't help. You are not an idiot - these things happen.

 

[kers]

I agree, call again on Monday. Also, check with your pharmacy--the RX may already have been called in, and the doctor didn't think to tell you (this has happened to me). Another option is to pass it off to your pharmacy to call for the refill. If the pharmacy is aware that you are waiting on a new script, it is not uncommon for them to front you a few days' worth of meds to prevent the withdrawal effects.

There are options. You are going to be able to continue the meds. Don't let the 'worst case' thinking hook you in.

 

[QuietNow]

I'm going to second kers post with this anecdote.

I've run out of meds once completely, but didn't realize it until I showed up at the pharmacy to refill. The pharmacy called and got the updated prescription. In fact, they can fast-track this sort of call to the office a lot easier than you can. Go give them a visit. (Mind you, I'm in the U.S. Your mileage may differ in other countries.)

I had the pills in my hand in roughly 30 minutes.

 

[canucklady]

I am in Canada, and doctor doesn't do refills by phone or fax, I have to somehow schedule another appt with her, even if it is 10 minutes, problem is that last week she didnt have any openings next week when we were looking to schedule appts

 

[catjudo]

Has she called you back yet? Did you let her know in the message why you were calling? I would think that an appointment wouldn't be necessary. If she just saw you and you only need to get a refill of a prescription, can't she just write the script and you can go by her office to pick it up without actually having an appointment with her?

 

[canucklady]

No she hasn't called me back, but it is long weekend her so she might have taken Friday off, hopefully she will call on Tuesday. She doesn't just write scripts....she has stupid policy that she has to talk to patient even just for 10 minutes for prescription.

 

[rjtransient]

How frustrating. My former doctor decided to institute that policy. I ended up switching to somebody who would fax the pharmacy. Hang in there until Tuesday -- hopefully she'll let you drop by the office quickly. Although it's irritating to have to do that at the last minute.

 

[gdf]

Wow Canucklady, that sounds harsh, especially if it is a maintenance prescription AND if it is not what we call "scheduled" here in the States (i.e., addictive/street resale value, etc.). If she just saw you it seems odd she couldn't write a script and let you pick it up or call it in.

Failing to renew it and seeing you crash, become suicidal or come to harm would open her up to a lawsuit on this side of the boarder. I am wondering if this is her policy or if it is a law or professional rule she has to follow? Might be worth asking why she does it that way and then consider what to do and how to plan.

Gina