I take Imitrex for Migraines. I get 9 a month in the package. Some months I use all 9, some months I have a couple of leftover. After 3 months when I call in the prescription it says I need drs authorization. I do know that I can only pick up on the 10th of the month, that is for insurance purpose. I tried to pick up earlier then the 10th one month, and Walgreens explained that with the insurance I have to wait. Ok, I understand it is an insurance thing.
So today I just called my drs office and talked to the receptionist. I explained I needed them to call in a refill on the prescription the receptionist asks me "WHY?", and then proceeds to ask me "Is it because of the insurance?". I tell her I am not sure. I then went on to say I have only one pill left, and wont be able to pick up a new prescription until the 10th. I then asked if there was a way I could get a couple of samples from them to hold me over. It is that time of the month, and I always get 2-3 BAD migraines during this time, today starting the first.
She said she had no idea if I could or not, and would have to ask the dr about all of this.
Honestly the receptionist seemed so clueless on Imitrex and why I was calling and why I needed more.
Does it seem unreasonable for me to ask for a few samples from them in case I need them.

By Tarable on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 - 02:34 pm:

No my dr is always helpful this way unless they don't have any samples at the moment. You should also find out if your insurance will only pay for 9 a month. My insurance will only pay for 5 at a time of my Zomig but I can refill it as many times as possible. You might see if your dr will write it for more than 9 at a time. Mine would give me as many as my insurance will give me at a time.

As far as the receptionist being clueless the one at my dr office is that way also. But she just takes messages and the nurse calls me back.

Good luck. I know what it is like to not have any left and need it now not in 7 days.

By Cocoabutter on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 - 02:55 pm:

It may require a personal visit to your doctor's office to speak with the nurse or the doctor. Maybe even an office visit. Maybe it's just me, but whenever there is confusion, I prefer to take care of these things in person.

The insurance is probably trying to regulate the drug to avoid addiction and abuse. Either that or it's an especially expensive drug.

But to answer your question, I don't think your request is unreasonable. Your doctor prescribed the medicine so that it could help you, and as long as you think you need help, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable about going to your doctor. Don't let the office help intimidate you.

I don't have migraines (although I get radical sinus headaches once in a while) so I may not be qualified to give advice, but have you and your doctor researched other ways to cope with your heacaches? I know there are other thing that can be done, like avoiding triggers and not drinking caffiene, and things like that. Just wondering.

By Jackie on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 - 03:07 pm:

Imitrex is an expensive drug, and I know that is why it is so regulated.
I know all about triggers and such. I know that I get bad migraines during that time of the month.There is no way around it.
Some foods I stay away from because I know are triggers.Sometimes I eat something and get a migraine, no rhyme or reason.
I very rarely ever have caffiene, so thats not a problem.
Sometimes I know stress causes them, but again sometimes its hard to avoid stress.
I just want my medicine LOL