If you got a new script, still have 1 refill left on the old lower dose one, can u fill it later?
Question posted by saylee on 8 Nov 2012
Last updated on 8 November 2012
Question simplifed : Can you still refill old low dose pain medication if you have 1 refill left on it even tho your doctor just prescribed a new script for the same med just a stronger dose?
Have been on vicodin 5-500 for a very long time for chronic pain and i guess it got to point either my pain was worse or my body was just too use to it. The pain was increasing every other year, this year it got to a point where i couldn't even walk. (I have been on low dose vic for 5 years.) Anyway my doc increased dose to 7.5 finally when I just broke down and explained this can't be good for me, because i was out of my 5-500 i went ahead and filled the new script, so happy it will be better on my liver. I also got another new script for ms contin and it's showing some improvement for me. I am wondering if later (after a month when i run out of this norco script if i can refill the old lower dose one and use it up or if I should just let it go to waste and stick to the new norco which is only 40 pills compared to 90 like i use to have.) Kinda pointless question maybe, am just curious if this is something people do or don't do? I think i'll probably not do this because the ms seems to be working ok right now, and I have only needed norco in the mornings for breakthru pain so I may start my day without terrible nagging pain. The only reason i'd use the old pills would be because there is more of them as well as the cost of the old ones is less than the new script, also they would last longer amount of days (i would guess up to a month and a half if my pain level continues to mellow out) so it would just save me money is all I see really. Sorry if this question is stupid I am just curious. I honestly don't think a person can refill old lower pain med after getting new script for higher pain med, cuz then they would just look like a junkie, not a money saver. Lol, am I right?
Added 9 Nov 2012:
Yeah, I figured it was bad and the back of my head told me the old stuff just isnt working and going back to it even after a month of being off it still probably wouldn't work like it use to work when i started it 5 years ago, thanks for verify. I am not gonna fill the script, my doc knows what he is doing cause I am feeling fine so far and have needed very little norco like he said would happen, finally!! Only been 3 days since the new change but those 3 days have me feeling back to my normal self and it's a great change (Hope my body doesn't build up tolerance to my new medicine, thats the only thing I could see going wrong at this moment) It sucks I have to pay more money to get the relief I need but this is life of people in pain! lol Anyway thanks for the answers, I knew it was a stupid question, but it's also nice to be for sure instead of wondering what if. Take care to you all!
Sorry to tell you, but you have already heard that you are being monitored by the powers that be... and if you fill the old script, you will be labeled as drug seeking, and you can say goodbye to any pain management for the rest of your life. Just the facts.
Votes: +0
KA
kaismama
8 Nov 2012
Big brother is watching, lol
IN
Inactive
8 Nov 2012
So true!
IN
Inactive
8 Nov 2012
Dear Saylee, not only might it get you flagged at the pharmacy and also cause problems with your drs care, but it likely will NOT work like it used to anyway. Anytime a person takes opiates, or opoids for long enough, their tolerance increases, this is normal. So weaker opiates or opoids, once you are bumped up to a stronger one, will have little effect of the pain. Don't fill that refill. Patti
Votes: +1
KA
kaismama
8 Nov 2012
The rules change with narcotics. The date on the script should be current. They monitor narcotic prescriptions now and any discrepancy will cause them to follow you and your doc closer.
Votes: +0
HE
HeadStarter
8 Nov 2012
Hello saylee and welcome to DC. I wouldn't do that because your doctor is changing your meds for a reason. You are on a higher dose now and naturally a lower quantity of meds. Don't get confused here thinking you are getting more bang for the buck if you fill the old script. You are setting yourself up for the potential of taking too many during that month or mixing them with your new meds. What are you going to do then when you run out of the old script and only have the new ones??? That is the start of how people get themselves screwed up and start looking for more and taking more. Also, you do NOT want to fail a drug test by having too much in your system or perhaps even too little. What is the point then?
It is only one month's worth and your doctor is trying to help you. Don't do it and I'm sticking with my story. Please take good care of yourself because you are the only one who can...
