Why cant I have a lifetime Prescription??!!
By bonnie
@bunnybon7 (50973)
Holiday, Florida
January 14, 2010 1:57pm CST
This morning i had to call my doctor because my prescription for my inhaler ran out. they informed me to call the pharmacy, which in turn said call my doctor and he should fax it!!
Now heres what im wondering..why do I always have to do this only to get a prescription that lasts 3 or 4 refills? My emphyzema is not going to miraculously disappear and be cured EVER!
I will have it till I die and its probably whats going to get me
So, why dont doctors give you a lifetime prescription for such things? Im at a real lose here as to their thinking. what about you? dont you think this makes sense? Do you have something like this thats not going to go away and yet you hassle for the prescription every few months.
Now heres what im wondering..why do I always have to do this only to get a prescription that lasts 3 or 4 refills? My emphyzema is not going to miraculously disappear and be cured EVER! I will have it till I die and its probably whats going to get me So, why dont doctors give you a lifetime prescription for such things? Im at a real lose here as to their thinking. what about you? dont you think this makes sense? Do you have something like this thats not going to go away and yet you hassle for the prescription every few months.7 people like this
30 responses
@mlhuff12 (797)
• United States
14 Jan 10
It is pretty obvious as to why you don't get a lifetime prescriptions. A person may become addicted to the medicine. So they will take out the prescriptions more frequently. Or a person may become desperate and decide to try to sell it to somebody. I would think that normally a new written prescription from a doctor would least a year. Perhaps it was only for 3 or 4 refills because sometimes doctors want to see the patient in person when they write prescriptions with more available refills.
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
15 Jan 10
Thankfully NO asthma inhaler I take is not habit forming (Ventolin) or I'd be in serious trouble I've been on it for years and yet go for days at a time without it. It's all about the need depending on asthma conditions. There's always a fancy excuse for doctors to grease their pockets with money.
1 person likes this
@icepalace (67)
• United States
17 Jan 10
true but i wish some people would stay on life time meds if unbalanced or get serious counseling every month!!! prescriptions are abused for sure and i agree dr should see pt. i am so sick of people taking too many anti depressants and not being able to think right or behave properly but some need to take something like bi polar friends i have- i just was told some awful stuff by a friend i have spent so much time emailing and conversing personal stuff over the yrs for her to throw everything back in my face and hurt us deeply- i let her rant and rave for yrs about stuff and could always tell when she was upset but friends weather storms!shes funny talented smart and other side i just discovered really ugly nasty- a friend who people wouldnt work with yet i always stepped up to the plate and volunteered! little does she know and i never told her that- didnt want to tell her to hurt her feelings -maybe i should have!!! make her aware of what was going on-being bi polar is an illness but it can be controlled and handled correctly- he rlatest rant blew us out of the water-she mentioned i was in a pickle now? no we dont think so-she is!she threw away our friendship of many yrs! sad.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
15 Jan 10
Hey bunny! I have the very same problem with my prescriptions!
I went to see my doctor today and told him to write all my
prescriptions for 5 month at least so I won't have to bother
him! He is giving me a new inhaler too so he wrote that one
for only two months, I guess to see how I feel after using it!
I know exactly what you mean though because I have to keep
calling his office and keep waiting for them to fax it over
and then more confusion and more waiting! Nope! The have no
way to make life simpler for us!
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
well they already changed my inhaler to the most strength and highest level for at least a year now. so this is it. looks like he could keep it at this.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
15 Jan 10
Well funny you ask. Yes I am having the same issue. I normally use up my inhalers in time and like you every three months I'm on the phone but I need to actually go to the clinic and I'm in and out of there in three minutes which the doctor has been paid for by the government, handsomely paid no less and I have a hard time getting around and these unnecessary appointments are hard on me. I have had asthma since I was first diagnosed at age 17 and I'm now 59. I doubt it'll just go away any time soon.
What really chaps my butt is I need to use Nitro spray since my heart attack and would you get a load of this, I have to watch my bottle of Nitro because I don't use a lot of it and it expires at which time I need to go back to my doctor for another unnecessary apt. so I get a refill and my doctor get more bucks.
OMG you rattled this old girls cage. hehehehehe
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
its the same here. i really have a tough time getting to a doctors appointment because of sons working and worst of all is i left my car in florida gave it to my daughter. because i was promised before moving here that my sons gf at the time would drive me. well, since the big fall out at my house im pretty much up "you know what" creek.
@celticeagle (168367)
• Boise, Idaho
15 Jan 10
By law they must not be able to give you a lifetime perscription. Probably because the product could inprove and you wouldn't be able to get that one if you have a Rx for this one. Also, doctors want to keep an excuse to see you and get updates on your condition whether it would seem it would stay the same or not.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168367)
• Boise, Idaho
17 Jan 10
I think it is just a way for the doctor to keep tabs on you. Giving you a life-time prescription would give you too much license. In their way of thinking you could sell them or be free to do alot of things they don't want done.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
you may be right but i wonder why they havent managed yet. this seems like the best one. they havent any stronger or better for many many years.
1 person likes this
@malamar (779)
• Canada
14 Jan 10
Hi bunnybon, it is frustrating, isn't it? I too have an inhaler and refilling it is a pain. When I lived in another province, my doctor would give me one year supply (forcing me to come in for an annual checkup) which was great.
Now, the pharmacy charges over ten dollers JUST to fill the prescription, and the doctor has to issue a new one each month (or as needed). Bull crap! If my doc does me a favour like giving me a three month supply, the pharmacy still charges ten dollars for each inhaler. It is a giant and stupid money grab.
If you don't go to see your doctor, they charge five dollars for every time they have to phone or fax a prescription in, and you still pay the extra pharmacy charges. Can't win this war....
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
in a way you are a little luckier then me. i have to pay 36 dollars for mine each time/ but no choice still need it.
@trruk1 (1028)
• United States
14 Jan 10
When I lived in Florida a few years ago, one of my friends was a guy who had lost a leg in a car accident. He had a handicapped emblem on his license plate, which allowed him to park in the allotted spaces. Once, when he went to renew his registration, he was informed he would have to bring a note from his doctor saying he still had his disability. He said (to the state agent who was standing right in front of him) "I lost my leg. Did you think it would grow back?" Nonetheless, rules are rules and he had to bring a note from his doctor saying that he still had only one leg.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
14 Jan 10
maybe this is because your doctor wants to monitor your condition. the same is for me. i have asthma and i see my doctor every 6 months for a new supply. i also have thyroid issues and will be on pills for the rest of my life probably but i still have to keep going back too.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
15 Jan 10
so sorry. and dont we just hate doctor visits..uuuhhh!
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
14 Jan 10
hibunnybon7 no they cannot do that as medications often change manufactureres and strenghts change, even you may change,your emphyzema may get worse or better so the doctor may have to change the strength or even the kind of medication, there is too
'many variables to give anyone a lifetime prescription. but he pr she should be able to give you a longer prescription so you do not have such a frequent hassle with the prescription refills. here at Gold Crest the nurse does this prescription bit for me so am saved that hassle.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
15 Jan 10
i guess thats understandable but as you say they should be able to give me more months. this time its 5 mths. maybe hes getting the idea a little at a time.
maybe hes getting the idea a little at a time.1 person likes this
@walijo2008 (4644)
• United States
14 Jan 10
Yes, I know what you mean, I have a chronic condition that I take medicine for and its one that I will be on for the rest of my life, there's no if's about it, I hate that they only give me a month's worth at a time, they don't put any refills on the bottle, so that means every month I have to call in and order it, and I can't do it like I do all my other medicines where they have an automated pharmacy refill line, and I just punch in the refill numbers, real easy, I have to talk the pharmacist first, and they okay it, then I have to wait till the next day to get it. I don't think it makes any sense either, but I guess they have their way of doing things.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
wow and i was complaining! gee, glad i dont have one that hard to renew. or that often.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
15 Jan 10
Hi bunnybon7,
I have asthma inhalers myself and I normally sent an e-mail for repeat prescriptions once in every two months, then I go to my pharmacy to collecr it, but know I don't have to do all that, I just go to my pharmacy to collect it every two months, I don't have any problems.
Tamara
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
it really does seem like the UK has a better deal over there.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
14 Jan 10
No I don'tbut if I did have then I would be as cross as you are over it.sucha waste of time. Unless of course, the doctor needs to see you for an examination after the third refill or something?However, in your case why not even a prescription for a year?
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
15 Jan 10
exactly. why not a long time between prescription renewal?
@happy6162 (3001)
• United States
14 Jan 10
The reason was maybe because after using a prescription for a long time sometimes it stops working like it is suppose too. After refilling for so many times a doctor will usually tell you need to come in for a checkup to make sure things have not change and if so he may need to change your prescription.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
well yes i imagine mine is going to change but only to get worse and he should know a person would come in if they need more help or its not working.
@good2go2001 (915)
• United States
14 Jan 10
I agree that having a standing order at the pharmacy for long term medications is very helpful. Some doctors use the expiring of a script to reel you into the office to check you condition. It can be annoying but they are basically covering themselves. When a doctor prescribes a medication they are basically putting their lisence out on the line saying you need this and they must have documented your condition. If something where to happen to you and this doctor had not seen you to check condition for 10 years or more they may have to answer to why they didnt give you a different medication to help better. I guess its done this way to cover the doctor and to protect you too so youre getting proper care.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
well then they should do it like they do drivers liscense. have you renew it every year or even 2 yrs.
@darleneL2010 (114)
• United States
14 Jan 10
I fully agree with you on this one....the only answer to why you cannot get a lifetime prescription is because then all the people involved in all the steps to get your meds...would not make any money. Not like they need to! Sadly, medicine has become more about money than what is best for the patients. I feel for you...
Wishing you the best....
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
16 Jan 10
yes i guess thats most peoples opinion here. so that must be it.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
21 Feb 11
I think it is just so that they can continue to have the $$ coming in to satisfy them that you are worried about your Health and taking the medications as they have prescribed for you as well. It does continue to amaze me as well, and often times they end up even having to send you to another doctor or two, to make sure they are still diagnosing you right as well. For me, it is always either medications for the migraines I get from time to time, or for my Diabetes. Makes no sense to me as well.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
21 Feb 11
you are right and obviously they like helping each other out with referrals also. 
@jdyrj777 (6528)
• United States
19 Jan 10
Seem like they always find a way to get us. I wear glasses. They are so expensive. Think how much oxygen is for a person that needs that. My landlord lost his leg as a child and has always been on disability since then. Would you believe he has to prove to ssi he handicapp every year? Like hes gonna grow anotrher leg or something.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
19 Jan 10
there are ones you could buy off the shelf. im not sure they have them any more. maybe because some were using them that didnt need them. but mine is prescription strength but im at the top strength and will always need it.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
15 Jan 10
I guess they are all that way, mine is. It is aggravating but goes along w/it i guess. Guess they have some kind of rules they have to follow. I think alot of time they feel like they are not making enough money off u so they want u to come in for an office visit. That's waht mine tried to pull. She told me i was going to have to come in every month to get my pain pills. I wasn't going to do that so i changed to another dr. & he doesn't give me any hassle at all.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
17 Jan 10
yes i'll have to admit this one doesnt make me come in but always makes me call for the scripts.
1 person likes this
@mentalward (14690)
• United States
14 Jan 10
I've known a few people who have had lifetime prescriptions but they are rare. You could ask your doctor why. If he/she can't give you a good enough reason why they won't do it, I see no reason why they shouldn't.
My prescriptions are usually for 2 or 3 months, the length of time between my doctor visits. My cardiologist didn't want to see me again for a year (unless I have new problems) and gave me two prescriptions with 12 refills. That was pretty cool.
I think they should give us lifetime prescriptions but they probably don't because they want to make sure we'll go back to see them. They've gotta pay for those expensive houses and cars somehow, right? 
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
15 Jan 10
i guess thats the idea. i did have one "nurse practitioner" that filled in for my doctor in florida once when i lived there and she was so nice she gave me 12 months prescription. but that was 3 yrs ago. 1 person likes this
@thedailyclick (3017)
•
23 Jan 10
Well in your situation I can't see why they can't give you a lifetime precription which is tied in to some sort of check up plan to make sure everything is alright. Although I am sure you are sensible enough that if things weren't right you would be calling the doctor anyway.
It's similar for me as due to medical problems I am destined for a life on prescription pain killers and other medication. It's a bit better system over here with my prescription runs for 6 months and then all I have to do is get it dropped into the doctors where he will write a new repeat prescription without any hassle. All I have to do is see him once a year to make sure all is well and the medication is still working.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
24 Jan 10
yes that would be so good if he at least would make it six months
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
14 Jan 10
It is a pretty good idea. However, the doctor needs to check you out every now and then, especially with chronic illnesses!
If the inhaler isn't working well enough it needs to be changed. some of us (myself included) would never visit the doctor if we had lifetime prescriptions.
If the inhaler isn't working well enough it needs to be changed. some of us (myself included) would never visit the doctor if we had lifetime prescriptions.1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
14 Jan 10
well you may be right there in a way but if my meds were not working id expect to go in to change them. but he never says i have to come in he just renews it. for only a few months tho.1 person likes this
