Accounting for Lost Medications

[Guest guest]

Jim,

You wrote, " My GP doesn't like the fact that I get nauseous and throw up my

meds. He seems to think that pain management is an exact science and doesn't

like me going thru my meds before the exact date I should. When I throw them

up, they get flushed down the toilet and I try to take them again when things

calm down. So, I end up looking for a refill a few days early. "

I understand your dilemma, but also the dilemma the physician is in when he

has his prescriptions reviewed by the FDA. It is unfortunate that there has

been so much drug abuse that those who truly do have problems are adversely

affected by this. The FDA and the doctors have been trained to look out for the

signs of possible drug diverters, and one of those signs is the patient who

requests refills early on more than one occasion.

To avoid throwing up I take Zofran as soon as I am nauseated. In the event I

have thrown up my medications, I literally save them in a container to take

to the doctor as evidence. I understand that a red flag is reported to the FDA

if he write scripts early and he needs proof as much as I need proof. This

may be unpleasant, but ....

Some say that using a topical narcotic such as Fentanyl will alleviate this

problem, as they cannot be thrown up. They can, however, be ruined when they

stick together and are unable to be separated and placed on the skin. Be sure

and save these in the event this happens and return them to the doctor, as

well.

Karyn E. WIlliams, RN

Executive Director, PAI

_www.pancassociation.org_ (http://www.pancassociation.org/)