I've posted before and found this forum to be especially helpful and honest. It's difficult to find message boards about chronic pain these days that isn't largely rampant with narcotic abusers in denial.
I get prescribed 120 10mg oxycodones per month to help me deal with my fairly severe scoliosis pain. I generally just go to whatever pharmacy is the most convenient for me to get to; Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, etc. These chains are all under contract from various pharmaceutical companies to use them exclusively.
What I've found is this; despite the fact that amount of oxycodone and APAP is regulated by our government and it doesn't change, different manufacturers' percocets have different effects on me. Watson gives me headaches, Mallinckrodt feels exceptionally ineffective, and Intrapharm seems to have a speedy feeling coupled with mild nausea. I do know that different pharmaceutical companies use different inactive ingredients which may be the reason they feel differently to me, and even if it is placebo, it's still real to me, so it's valid.
The only versions of Percocets I've taken that did not have the unwanted side effects or ineffective pain relief were Roxicodone and Endocet. Roxicodone only comes in 5mg and 20mg forms, though, so they're not an option for me any longer and I'm now prescribed 10mg.
I just received two more prescriptions for the next two months, and I want to fill them using Endocet, but how? I know that none of the larger chains provide them, so I'm exclusively looking at independent pharmacies and apothecaries. What do I do? I can't imagine walking up to a pharmacist and asking them which company supplies them with Percocets. I'd come off like a seeker, and I really, really don't want to come off like a seeker. Is it possible that I could go to one of the larger chains and have them special order them just for me?
I'd sincerely appreciate any insight.
Comments
Cheri
I would either tell your Doctor to put Brand Only or call the pharmacy first before you go and ask if they have the ones that work for you and go to the pharmacy that does.
There is no shame in asking. Some people are actually alergic to some of the inactive ingredients and have to ask.
Good Luck
Either way, thanks to everyone for the responses so far! I'm all ears and interested in more.
hope this helps......
I've never had a pharmacist or technician deny my request. If one did, I'd be forced to remind them that as a patient, I have the right to any and all information related to the drugs I put into my body and that as a pharmacist they have an obligation to provide that information.
My suggestion is to find a pharmacy that either has or is willing to order what you like and stick to them! I think it's always better for them to know you, know what you're taking and your history for any future problems or interactions.
There isn't any "drug seeking" behavior in wanting the pill that works best for you, please don't be concerned about that. Any pharmacist would probably agree that not every generic or brand name works best for every person.
Good luck on your search!
Griff
I found a local pharmacy near my apartment that provides Endocets. They've agreed to fill my script, but just as a one-time-only because my prescription is written in New Jersey while I live in Pennsylvania. For some reason, they are nervous about honoring the prescription because of this, particularly because the medication is a narcotic. Any clues as to why this is an issue?
Either way, this affords me a full month to find another local pharmacy that will agree to service my medical needs on a regular and reliable basis. I suppose I should start visiting them all now and having candid conversations with the pharmacists in each.
Wish me luck!