Prescription Order Woes, March 25, 2024 398 words

This past week, modern medicine made national news with a genetically altered pig’s kidney transplanted into a 52 year old man. New hope for patients waiting for organs. I wonder if we are looking for a quick fix to our medical problems. Are we spending millions on research and not enough on other medical concerns, such as procuring prescriptions drugs.
Last October, I was told by my endocrinologist that my bones were very brittle. I have had two hip replacements, a pelvic fracture and a wrist/ arm fracture in 5 years. I needed a drug to strengthen my bone density. The problem: the drug “Tymlos” is expensive and not offered by many pharmacies. The search for the steps to obtain this drug has been continuing for over three months.
In January, my doctor wrote a prescription sending it to our local pharmacy. We were informed the drug must be ordered from a special pharmacy. Fine! To date, we have talked to half a dozen people at the drug ordering center. responses included;
” We need a new prescription”
A new prescription has been sent to the pharmacy with the last one good through 2025.
“We need an authorization number for this order.”
We were assured by our provider that they have approved the generic form of this drug.
” There is no file for this patient.”
With the number of calls, there should be a large file of trying to order this drug.
Last week, we thought we had finally made headway. “Yes, I see you can get a starter kit with one dose to check for side effects.”
“Great.”
“You should receive your dosage in 24 to 72 hours.”
That was over a week ago. Calling the center Friday, we were told;
” There is no record of this prescription, We must order another prescription from your doctor.”
So at the end of three months, back to square one. I have two friends with the same condition. They have fallen resulting in several fractures and one closed head injury.
I do applaud the inroads modern medicine has provided, but simplifying the drug distribution may be as important and effect many more patients. The mundane is not showy for news time.
The Wall
Humpty Dumpty walked by a wall.
a slip, a fall, emergency call,
several fractures, broken head
not the same, least he’s not dead!
carolaspot@aol.com March 25, 2024