Triggering (OD) - Problem with weekly dispense meds

Hollz · 22-02-2009, 04:22 PM

I get my medication weekly dispense, and have done for as long as I can remember, partly because of the types of medication and a history of overdoses and of course an impulsive personality.

Problem is I work on a 4 weekly shift rota and on the day of collection, I can find myself working 8-6, the open hours of chemist. So there comes a point at least once a month when I can't pick them up.

I have gone in day before, they phone doctor and refuse. On Friday I asked my best friend to collect them on my behalf, they cracked up and apparently were saying 'holly better not make a habit of this' and phoned the doctor and again refused to hand over, saying that the meds could only be given to me.

I mean what the hell can I do? I managed to get them on Saturday morning as I was off, but had I been working or slept in (of course this would of required sleep) then I wouldn't have got my meds till Monday afternoon after work...

What can I do? Can the pharmacist refuse, I mean why can't someone get my meds but say, it is okay for me to get my dads. I know they are weekly, but it aint as if I need to take when I'm in there.

I've always used the same chemist, and I can't do anything about my shift pattern :(

Anyone got any ideas/advice???

Popple · 22-02-2009, 04:31 PM

I know alot of chemists do a collection and delivery thing now could you ask about that?
Sorry I don't have much advice
Hope you get it sorted
xx

whirlpools · 22-02-2009, 04:34 PM

the pharmacy can refuse, but i can hear what a difficult situation this is.

do you feel that the weekly dispensary if good for you? does it help? if so, that's great, but if you're in a place now where you don't feel as impulsive and risky, maybe you could start working with your team for fortnightly dispensary? obviously if your risks are still high this wouldn't be a good idea.

Katy's idea is a good one, i didn't know about collection and delivery.

one_step_closer · 22-02-2009, 05:08 PM

Are you able to ask to start work later or finish earlier? Maybe you could talk to your doctor about collecting a monthly prescription but giving the meds to a friend or family member who could drop off what you need to your house each week? I hope you manage to sort something out. Take care.

Hollz · 22-02-2009, 05:15 PM

Unfortunately there is no flexibility with my shifts in work, and I am on a shaky peg anyway with lateness and absense, when I frst started last March, first 6-8 months in the company I maybe wasn;t that reliable and had a few instances of being off and late, but I had put myself in hospital a few times and now I am walking on a fine line, to even keep hold of my job.

I don't think they deliver, I'm not 100% sure but it is worth looking into I suppose. I just don't get why it was such a problem to ask someone to collect on my behalf.

I don't think there is any chance of my doctor allowing my meds to be picked up more recently, I have put myself in hospital recently due to impuslive behaviours etc.

I'm working 7-3 this week (so shouldn't have no problems) but I also see my CPN tomoz after work, so I shall see if she has any suggestions.

Wonderland. · 22-02-2009, 05:17 PM

Sweetie I really think you need to tell your doctor all of this and see what they can do. They do have a duty of care and that is why they have refused them as they don't want to risk you overdosing but there is also the other side of missing meds which is obviously not good.
Hopefully your doctor can sort something out for you as this is important.

Take care.
Amy x

whirlpools · 22-02-2009, 05:18 PM

do you think your doctor would allow it if you went to the chemist to pick up the meds 1-2 times a month if you went with a relative or friend, who would take the meds and then dispense them to you weekly, like one_step_closer suggested?

hope your CPN comes up with solutions :)

Hollz · 22-02-2009, 05:42 PM

I'll ask my CPN tomoz, the irony is my best friend is currently at uni training to be a mental health nurse, and even she thinks it is slightly OTT...

Who am I to argue though eh - the pharmacist who normally dispenses wasn't in when I got them on Saturday morning, but I really wanna go in and have it out with her tomorrow too :(

Breeze · 23-02-2009, 10:20 AM

I have had similer problems but not as often. mainly when I have been going away. It is hard to get chemist to listen and if I am able to get to Dr's I ask for 8 days worth or a 6 day script and then a normal one so I can get it early.

It can be frustrating. My Dr is normally OK it is the chemist that can be a pain.

23-02-2009, 10:37 AM

i dont know whether this would be an option where you stay, but my outpatient mental health team dispense medication, they get it from the hospital/pharmacy and they may be able to do it? i know that not every centre does this, but its worth asking. failing that, your cpn may be able to help you out. i think shed agree that work is important and maybe she could collect them at the times when you cant and make arrangements with you? its definately worth talking to your cpn about this cos im sure theyve had this come up for other patients!

Hollz · 23-02-2009, 07:58 PM

My CPN said they were being unreasonable and to speak to my gp about it :(

l'il esky · 23-02-2009, 08:31 PM

hey,

i would suggest speaking to you gp about it so something can be put in place for the days that you can get to the chemist.

or

could you speak to your work about getting a sec during the day to go and collect you meds? or do you have long enough at lunch time ....ok so prob not other wise you would have already thought about that.....

um.......kinda outta ideas. but maybe if you spoke to you dr,either about getting 2 oneday or about speaking to the pharmacist about a designated person and that person only to pick up the meds on that day.

stoopid people, hope things work out for you hun xxx