Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Whatsupwiththis on October 21, 2022, 01:57:34 PM

Title: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on October 21, 2022, 01:57:34 PM
So I have been on Vagifem 5x a week for approx. 4 years.  No issues getting it refilled.  I recently moved to a new city and my NP sent in my prescription for Vagifem to a new pharmacy.  They have refused to fill order because they said it is only to be used 2x a week!  How dare they tell a 71 year old woman that I am not intelligent enough to understand our own body.  Guess what I'm going to tell them! 
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: jaypo on October 21, 2022, 02:00:50 PM
I had the same problem,my pharmacy said I was ordering vagifem too soon as it's 2x weekly, I tried to explain that I sometimes increase the dose after my Dr said it was ok,they were having none of it,said they'd never heard of having higher doses,it took my Dr to ring them and tell them it was ok,just shows you how little some people actually know about these things  >:(
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: CLKD on October 21, 2022, 02:31:21 PM
Go on You Tell 'EM!  with 'photos!!!

If a GP has sent the prescription to the Pharmacy there shouldn't B a query.  MayB print of the NICE guidelines to take with you or ask where they got the idea from?
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Ayesha on October 21, 2022, 02:45:09 PM
I am thinking this forum is not good for my health!!
Another post here that has got me spitting bullets, how very dare that pharmacy refuse a prescription from a doctor, who the hell do they think they are!!

Are they getting a bit above themselves now that they have been given more responsibility regarding meds and what can be bought over the counter, bloody jobs worth!!  Anyways, give them hell  >:(

At the time of writing, I am having no problem in getting my daily vagifem prescription filled!
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: CLKD on October 21, 2022, 02:52:00 PM
I spit bricks  ;) ........
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Katherine on October 21, 2022, 02:53:10 PM
How annoying. It’s hard enough having to navigate these issues without people making it even harder for us. And trying to override a gp, they have ideas above their station. Yes you tell them and report back to us!
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Katejo on October 21, 2022, 03:50:05 PM
So I have been on Vagifem 5x a week for approx. 4 years.  No issues getting it refilled.  I recently moved to a new city and my NP sent in my prescription for Vagifem to a new pharmacy.  They have refused to fill order because they said it is only to be used 2x a week!  How dare they tell a 71 year old woman that I am not intelligent enough to understand our own body.  Guess what I'm going to tell them!
  The twice a week dose was based on the old 25 mcg Vagifem.  Now they are 10mcg. Urogynaecologist told me that it was fine to use 5 a week if needed.
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on October 21, 2022, 04:25:06 PM
It is bloody frustrating.  I spoke with my NP and she  told me the pharmacist was giving her grief.  I then phoned the pharmacy and told them I was going elsewhere.  Well the pharmacist said the guidelines are daily for 2 weeks and then ONLY 2x a week.  I blew!  They decided that they would go with NP'S orders.  No wonder.  Here in Canada we have to pay and for a box of 18, it is $99.90 so I guess they wisely decided that $300 was better in their pocket then someone else's   
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on October 21, 2022, 04:28:19 PM
And yes Jaypo, that's EXACTLY what the pharmacist  said.  I was ordering them more than what I was allowed!  Guess what THEY can do.
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: jaypo on October 21, 2022, 05:08:10 PM
It's really awful isn't it? Will you have to do the same as me? My Dr changed my prescription to use as required
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: discogirl on October 21, 2022, 05:23:52 PM
This annoys me so much. Who do the pharmacists think they are.

I try and order my patches a wee bit early to make sure they have them in, in case they have to order them in or something, and I actually get nervous in case they won't process my prescription.

It's really not right at all.
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: CLKD on October 21, 2022, 06:34:07 PM
No NICE-type guidelines in Canada then! 
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Taz2 on October 21, 2022, 11:01:52 PM
I'm only allowed enough for twice a week after initial loading.

Taz  :meltdown:
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: CLKD on October 22, 2022, 08:57:44 AM
?? 'allowed' ??
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Taz2 on October 22, 2022, 09:28:41 AM
?? 'allowed' ??

I can't put in my repeat prescription too early. My surgery go by the manufacturer's recommendations.
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: jaypo on October 22, 2022, 09:34:05 AM
Thing is(as an ex pharmacy dispenser) the pharmacy can only go by what dosage is on your repeat,it HAS to be the Dr that changes the dosage on the prescription,then the pharmacy will give you it as and when
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Whatsupwiththis on October 22, 2022, 01:16:28 PM
The problem, Jaypo, is the NP did write daily but apparently the pharmacist argued with her and told her the dosage is 2 weeks daily and then ONLY 2x a week.  As she is not overly familiar with vagifem, she went with their recommendations.  It better be changed 2day or all hell is gonna break loose.  Men can buy testosterone and viagra over the counter but women...well we're not smart enough.  Makes me LIVID.
Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: Ayesha on October 22, 2022, 02:43:37 PM
Whatsupwiththis. sorry didn't realise you were in Canada  :)

We can now buy Vagifem over the counter here in the UK under the name Gina. I had a quick look at the leaflet, and it says that you can keep upping the maintenance dosage if the two a week is not enough. I think we can say that it's a very safe medication, but it shouldn't be up to us to have to tell those who should know better.

Title: Re: Pharmacy refusing NP's prescription for Vagifem
Post by: jaypo on October 22, 2022, 03:43:04 PM
The problem, Jaypo, is the NP did write daily but apparently the pharmacist argued with her and told her the dosage is 2 weeks daily and then ONLY 2x a week.  As she is not overly familiar with vagifem, she went with their recommendations.  It better be changed 2day or all hell is gonna break loose.  Men can buy testosterone and viagra over the counter but women...well we're not smart enough.  Makes me LIVID.

Ah I see,please let us know how you get on my lovely,I don't think they realise that things like this get us so anxious and stressed, I wish you luck,sometimes mentioning this forum can be a good thing x