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I've been using a common sleep med for many years. My doctor used to write "4 refills" on each rx. A few years ago he said he could only write "1 refill" on it because of new rules. Just now, he wrote "0 refills" because he says there are new rules.
Has this happened to you also? In terms of security or safety, why do they have these new rules?
I assume your drug is a class IV drug in the benzodiazepine family (although you didn't specify the name of the drug). Many 'sleepers' are.
Different states have different guidelines for that class of drugs and those guidelines occasionally change.
As to why -- it has to do with addiction potential and risks for abuse of the drug.
I've been using a common sleep med for many years. My doctor used to write "4 refills" on each rx. A few years ago he said he could only write "1 refill" on it because of new rules. Just now, he wrote "0 refills" because he says there are new rules.
Has this happened to you also? In terms of security or safety, why do they have these new rules?
You didn't say what the medication is. How could we guess what rules apply to an unknown? Ask your insurance company and/or the prescribing MD what rules have changed for this medication. It might not be what you assume (tightening restrictions on drugs that have dependency risks). It might even be due to changes in contract terms of your specific insurance plan.
FWIW, a few years ago I was using a prescription asthma inhaler. The "rules" dictating how many refills I could get before needing a new prescription changed. When I called to ask about it it had nothing to do with the actual medication, it had to do with the insurance policy contract within my state of residence.
Last edited by Parnassia; 04-05-2021 at 03:12 PM..
"rules" are state dependent and also healthcare system dependent.
some healthcare systems are instructing their providers to be more, judicious?, in prescribing.
I am not aware of any states that have restricted the number of refills on schedule IV sleepers if that is indeed what the drug is but that does not mean it hasn't happened.
also insurance companies restrict the number of refills without a PA
also, sometimes docs just say there are rules to avoid having an argument with a patient.
I've been using a common sleep med for many years. My doctor used to write "4 refills" on each rx. A few years ago he said he could only write "1 refill" on it because of new rules. Just now, he wrote "0 refills" because he says there are new rules.
Has this happened to you also? In terms of security or safety, why do they have these new rules?
Lots of prescribing laws have changed because of the increasing prescription drug abuse. Some are Federal and some are state
Also, many doctors offices have policies in place regarding prescribing Controlled Substances
Because of bad actors, everyone has to play by the new rules
I am so glad that I retired so that I don't have to listen to people b******g about rules and regulations as well as limited availability of certain meds.
"rules" are state dependent and also healthcare system dependent.
some healthcare systems are instructing their providers to be more, judicious?, in prescribing.
I am not aware of any states that have restricted the number of refills on schedule IV sleepers if that is indeed what the drug is but that does not mean it hasn't happened.
also insurance companies restrict the number of refills without a PA
also, sometimes docs just say there are rules to avoid having an argument with a patient.
And, some docs just stopped prescribing certain meds because of the hassle
Sleeping pills are hugely important – but before you resort to taking them to get more shut-eye, you should see a sleep specialist and get a complete evaluation. It’s important to determine why you’re not sleeping (or not sleeping well), and whether your issue will respond to medication. But sleeping pills are only a short-term fix (meaning six to 12 months). They’re not meant to be used long-term.
Lots of prescribing laws have changed because of the increasing prescription drug abuse. Some are Federal and some are state
+1
Because my now-departed dog was suffering from Stage 4 Lung Cancer, the Veterinary Oncologist prescribed an Opioid medication to control his coughing and to provide some pain relief for him. She noted "3 refills" on the prescription, but the Rx could not be refilled by the pharmacy, and the Vet had to write a new paper prescription every time that we needed a refill.
Even if the scrip is for a pet, certain drugs cannot be readily refilled, and it is all because of the prevalence of prescription drug abuse.
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