What do you do when your pain meds have disappeared!?
Question posted by cleo130 on 7 March 2012
Last updated on 5 July 2018
I went into my drawer where I keep all my medications and one was missing... my Avinza 120mg. I got this refilled on 2/29 and filled up my weekly pill container. This morning I it was time to fill it again and my Avinza seems to have disappeared. I dumped both drawers out, thinking it might have fallen into the bottom drawer, and even pulled both drawers completely out to see if the pills were in the bottom of the dresser. They were not, and now I'm panicking!! This has never happened to me before, and I am going to call my Pain doc as soon as they open, but I'm worried about what they'll say.
Has anyone ever had an experience like this, and how did you resolve it? Any answers would be greatly appreciated, as I'm freaking out and don't want to go through withdrawal, not to mention the pain!1
Thanks, Beth
Added 9 March 2012:
The above email was from Wednesday. I called the doctor and they said they would have to get back to me. Then they asked me to get a police report, which the Sheriff's office would not do because there was no evidence of a crime. So another call back, this time had to leave a voicemail. Called first thing yesterday and was told they were still making a decision. Then I got a call around 3pm and they had a script for MS Contin 60mg tablets to take twice a day, but only enough for 15 days. They said I'll have to ration it. By the time I picked it up (a 45 minute drive one way) and dropped it at the pharmacy, I was really suffering with mega pain and the creepy crawlies. I took two right away and after about an hour I felt human again. I slept really well last night, and made it work both days. I took one this morning and will take the second when I get home. I am extremely greatful my doc was willing to work with me. I realized I accidentally threw out my new bottle after I filled my weekly pill container when I found last month's empty container.
No way will THAT happen again!! Thanks to all for your replies.....this was very scary for me!
It could be the pharmacist. Start counting your meds before u drive off. It's happened to my husband and I several time. Once it was 20 pills and the pharmacist said," they was short and needed to order more, that they would be there the next day". But she didn't tell me until asked. So I stopped using my local town hospital pharmacy's, and start using a pharmacy's like CVS or Walgreens. Not local hospital pharmacy's! The one I used wasn't in the hospital and we have several clinics and pharmacy's that's affiliated with the local hospital around town. There regulations could be different, and get a way with more. Probably more so in smaller towns.
Votes: +1
LM
Lmzarow
8 Nov 2016
I have a similar problem. I've had two major surgeries in 13 months. I've taken Vicodin for about 8 years, but since the first surgery, I've noticed large quantities of pills missing. Recently, I noticed 33 pills missing in five days. I live alone. I have no workers in my home. I wonder if I have somnambulism. I can get my docs to give me new prescriptions without telling the full story. It scares me that my pills are disappearing. I hate to think that I'm taking them without knowing it. I'm in daily pain until I have two more surgeries, so I'll needs meds for another year or so. I honestly don't know where the pills go.
Votes: +0
CA
cathail
17 Nov 2016
My wife and I have a similar problem. We both take pain meds and have at different times come up short... and then have the dreaded going without until a prescription is re filled. We have tried everything we can think of... me taking them and hiding them... only to end up telling her where they are when she's in more pain than usual..only to find there's not as many there as there should be. Other times we have simply lost them. It has happened so many times that we are both questioning our own sanity and memories. It really does a number on you when you've only had your prescription for five days and suddenly come up 45 pills short. No way in hell either of us could take that many. We do have neighbors that have asked us in the past to "share" or sell them, but neither of us have ever done that and never would.
My wife and I trust each other and I know we are both being honest, but this really creates a strain when we both are looking at each other wondering... "does he/she have a problem?" Is my wife getting up at night and splitting them up and hiding them? Am I? Am I losing my frigging mind? Is someone stealing them? We don't usually let people into our home, and when we do, we are very aware of where our medications are. The reason my wife gives them to me after filling her pill container is because she doesn't trust herself. One day she was in so much pain she too seven pills trying to stop the pain. This scared her into having me take care of them. Then when I go get them, there is less there that there should be. WTF!!! I am going nuts over this! I can't wait until she has her surgery and is off of them! I only take them when I really need them, but it seems like I end up giving her all of mine. I feel like I have been pretty careful with them, and I try to pay pretty close attention to be sure she doesn't have a problem... other than a lot of pain. I have actually really wondered if there was a pill goblin/ghost/demon in my house! (other than my wife). I know... there are more realistic things to consider. If you feel like making a comment like the guy above who didn't stay in his english class... do me a favor and just don't. I am pissed off enough that this is even happening and I don't want to be rude on here. I'm not really looking for answers... I guess I am simply venting. If you have a sense of humor, or if you can relate... I would welcome your comments.
EN
Enigma516
10 Dec 2016
As a person who's had 9 surgeries in 6 years, I can tell you what pain feels like. On the other hand, some pills make you unaware of what's going on and can affect your mind and I say this from experience. One day I took my opana in the mornin as I always do and a few hours later when it was time to take my ER I was about to take a regular one too. I'm my mind I hadn't taken the original pill to begin with. Now I'm only 45 so it's not like my mind is gone and I have no clue what reality is but when you're dealing with narcotics it all goes out the window.
What I started doing was this. I grabbed 4 of those pill containers so that it can hold my pills and marked them 1-4. I take them in that order and will only take what is in those containers. That eliminates the chance that I'm taking the wrong meds and at the same time makes sure that I'm taking the dire t meds at the correct time.
I've been on pain meds for over 7 years due to my conditions and have found different ways to make sure I don't make any mistakes because mistakes with narcotics can be fatal. I hope that this little story can help anyone when it comes to taking their meds and making sure they're taking the right ones at the right times.
EN
Enigma516
10 Dec 2016
As a person who's had 9 surgeries in 6 years, I can tell you what pain feels like. On the other hand, some pills make you unaware of what's going on and can affect your mind and I say this from experience. One day I took my opana in the mornin as I always do and a few hours later when it was time to take my ER I was about to take a regular one too. I'm my mind I hadn't taken the original pill to begin with. Now I'm only 45 so it's not like my mind is gone and I have no clue what reality is but when you're dealing with narcotics it all goes out the window.
What I started doing was this. I grabbed 4 of those pill containers so that it can hold my pills and marked them 1-4. I take them in that order and will only take what is in those containers. That eliminates the chance that I'm taking the wrong meds and at the same time makes sure that I'm taking the right meds at the correct time.
I've been on pain meds for over 7 years due to my conditions and have found different ways to make sure I don't make any mistakes because mistakes with narcotics can be fatal. I hope that this little story can help anyone when it comes to taking their meds and making sure they're taking the right ones at the right times.
EN
Enigma516
10 Dec 2016
As a person who's had 9 surgeries in 6 years, I can tell you what pain feels like. On the other hand, some pills make you unaware of what's going on and can affect your mind and I say this from experience. One day I took my opana in the mornin as I always do and a few hours later when it was time to take my ER I was about to take a regular one too. I'm my mind I hadn't taken the original pill to begin with. Now I'm only 45 so it's not like my mind is gone and I have no clue what reality is but when you're dealing with narcotics it all goes out the window.
What I started doing was this. I grabbed 4 of those pill containers so that it can hold my pills and marked them 1-4. I take them in that order and will only take what is in those containers. That eliminates the chance that I'm taking the wrong meds and at the same time makes sure that I'm taking the right meds at the correct time.
I've been on pain meds for over 7 years due to my conditions and have found different ways to make sure I don't make any mistakes because mistakes with narcotics can be fatal. I hope that this little story can help anyone when it comes to taking their meds and making sure they're taking the right ones at the right times.
MA
Masonadam11
5 July 2018
Sorry think I lost what I wrote. I have pills disappearing on a daily basis. Is a mom and pop pharmacy. One night I have 59 the next morning I have 41 for example and I keep them in a place where I couldn’t do this in my sleep. I’ve kept them in all places of the house and they go. I have friends who recently told me they buy the chemicals off the black market and a pill press and it’s so easy to make fake pills. I also know there fake bc the imprints which are wrong. No real pills from a manufacturer would just disappear. To prove I’m right I am having a pill tested. I know it’s so much weaker then it should be ( compared to an ER pill of the same stuff). My pharmacist is a crook and can’t wait to see what they find. He also fills prescriptions without any refills! So if you think your going crazy or sleep eating them think again.
My wife’s a nurse and she’s never ever seen something like this happen ( and we have literally watched a whole pill dissolve slowly into mid air... thanks to everyone who’s making fake pills, your destroying our quality of lives, plus who knows what’s in the pills
I don't mean to be wrud but I don't beleave u at all I think u have a drug problem... And your dr is most likly going to start giving u pee test I know for all u stuped people that are feeding this person with ways to help them u need to tell them to stop calling ther dr if u keep up u will be taken off your pane contract they don't mess around with it and the first time u get told we need a pee test from u and it comes up with no pane pills in your system your dr will take u off of it u can't leave the drs office u haft to do it right ther and if u leave then they take u off so of u want to keep gating your pills stop with the lies and if u run out I guess u haft to deal with it... I'm just trying to help u if u get kicked of the pane contract u will not be able to get back on one and if u do u will be really LUCKY!:)
Votes: +0
CL
cleo130
12 Feb 2013
Your answer is not even worth a comment besides this one... you are so very rude and have no idea who you're talking to... much less how to spell. I suggest you keep your accusatory opinions to yourself in the furture.
IN
inthefaceofpain
14 Feb 2013
I just happened to come across this, noticed it was a little older, but also had recent response. I signed on to this forum just to say the person above may be on something themself, and definitely deserves this response. First, if you are going to attempt to be RUDE, perhaps you should have a dictionary handy. Secondly, it is very possible to drop medication while filling weekly pill containers, and lastly, anybody abusing pain medication knows that they wouldn't have a chance at all in their doctor writing them another prescription. The fact that the doctor was willing to even help this patient speaks volumes about who they are, or aren't. This does, however, sound like if not an accidental drop of the medication that maybe a maintenance worker may know too much and thinks one or two may not be noticed, or easier to get. Hide or lock up your medications.
CL
cleo130
14 Feb 2013
This comment is for "inthefaceofpain". I tried to respond to you direcly and got this loser again. Thanks for your kind and logical comment. I realized later that I must have tossed the new bottle of avinza instead of the empty when refilling my meds. I'm still on MSContin 60mg twice daily, and it is at least saving me $40 a month and seems to work as well as the Avinza, so maybe something good came out of it.
Your comment was like a breath of fresh air on this rainy Florida morning. So Happy Valentines Day to you... and in the future I will try to ignore the rude, poorly worded comments like the one from "Jadag36".
Have a good one!!
IN
inthefaceofpain
14 Feb 2013
You are very welcome! Yes, MS Contin (Morphine Sulfate ER) for pain works very well. Good luck to you! And thank you for your kind words, as well!
CL
cleo130
14 Feb 2013
Thanks again... and I like your "handle". It speaks volumes!
OU
ouchie2001
6 May 2014
I cannot believe senor "anonymous" response... how rude!!! I actually had a very similar issue this weekend... we took the kids to a waterpark... my oldest daughter needed her inhaler from the humidity so she went into our locker (where my medicine and over 800 dollars was) and didn't realize she hadn't locked the locker :-( of course someone took the medicine and cash!!! I called my pain clinic and the officers in that area immediately. ... A whole day later... and myself sick... I get a call saying they will not refill the medicine and no other solutions! !! I am super upset... I have NEVER miss used my pills... and with 3 kids I always keep them on my person unless I have no choice!!! I have also been on this medication for 5 plus years and have never gone up in strength of medicine when offered! I am insulted that they offered no solution and that a doctor I have never seen but once... 2 years ago for 5 mins...
made this call :-( so when I see someone jump to nasty conclusion it makes me mad... Some people live everyday on medication just to feel semi "normal"... we shouldn't be looked at like druggies... we shouldn't be sneered at at the pharmacy... or when we explain... yet we are... it's never a good feeling!!! So if anyone has solutions to my problem I would appreciate it :-) my appointment is not until June 1st :-(
OU
ouchie2001
6 May 2014
I cannot believe senor "anonymous" response... how rude!!! I actually had a very similar issue this weekend... we took the kids to a waterpark... my oldest daughter needed her inhaler from the humidity so she went into our locker (where my medicine and over 800 dollars was) and didn't realize she hadn't locked the locker :-( of course someone took the medicine and cash!!! I called my pain clinic and the officers in that area immediately. ... A whole day later... and myself sick... I get a call saying they will not refill the medicine and no other solutions! !! I am super upset... I have NEVER miss used my pills... and with 3 kids I always keep them on my person unless I have no choice!!! I have also been on this medication for 5 plus years and have never gone up in strength of medicine when offered! I am insulted that they offered no solution and that a doctor I have never seen but once... 2 years ago for 5 mins...
made this call :-( so when I see someone jump to nasty conclusion it makes me mad... Some people live everyday on medication just to feel semi "normal"... we shouldn't be looked at like druggies... we shouldn't be sneered at at the pharmacy... or when we explain... yet we are... it's never a good feeling!!! So if anyone has solutions to my problem I would appreciate it :-) my appointment is not until June 1st :-(
PK
pkaytn47
24 Sep 2017
I don't mean to be 'wrud' to you but I am suggesting a spelling class of some sort. The kind like they offer very young children in elementary school, it's painfully obvious that you didn't complete elementary school let alone middle school. They do offer help through the help of our tax dollars, possibly a GED would be of use once you complete the elementary school portion?
This happened to me once with my Lortab, someone broke into my house and stole them all!! The stealer left foot prints too what a idiot!!! My Dr. wouldn't refill my meds and I had to go through a crazy amount of pain waiting for my next appointment. You should def. call the police tho. Also check and see if anything else may be missing.
Votes: +1
DZ
DzooBaby
7 March 2012
Do you think it is possible your daughter may have grabbed them? Or if not her then the only other person to blame is the apt manager. Did you have any workers in to fix anything recently? Sometimes apt handymen come into your place when you are not home to fix something. If you have then it is possible they could be the culprit. It is mightly tempting to either a drug addict or someone who knows the value of these medications on the streets. An almost months supply of Avinza will pay a lot of bills if sold on the street!! If you are absolutely sure that you didnt misplace them, put them somewhere else in the house and are sure your daughter didnt take them then you should make a police report. I know my pain Dr will not replace any meds without a police report being filed. You might need to get a lock box for your meds if you live in an apt where you cant trust management. Be sure the box is secured so that they dont simply walk off with the box.
I have had this happen to me twice and I got to thinking about it and both times pills went missing one certain boy was here so I'm pretty sure he was the one. Once they (the pills) were in my purse so I moved them out of my purse and into my bedroom. the second time, this boy was with my younger son alone in the house and I think he snagged them right off my nightstand so now I keep them out of sight. I would almost wonder in your case because it seems to me that it was someone who knew you kept the meds in your drawer. Just think about who could have known this and when were they in the house and that is likely your culprit.
Votes: +0
DZ
DzooBaby
7 March 2012
It is your responsibility to keep your pills secure.
CL
cleo130
7 March 2012
I'm well aware of that!
VI
viqodsmith
30 Sep 2015
I just looked at this forum becauswe I lost some of my pain meds. They have a limit to how many times I can report them stolen and I am taking a large amount so I will be careful and ween myself off.
Hmmmm, well first of all do you have children in the house? Think of all the people that have been in your house n the past week, & I'll bet you find the culprit. Also since you caled the police, get a copy of the report before your doctor gets suspicious. Show him the copy of the report too. If you need it before then, call them, & tell them what has happened, & you need a new script. Your insurance may not go for it, but your doc may have some samples he could give you in the meantime... Mary
Votes: +0
CL
cleo130
7 March 2012
I live alone, well I have 2 cats, but no one else has been in my place. The only extra keys belong to the apartment complex and my daughter. I did NOT yet call the police but I will do so if necessary. Thanks for the reply!
RA
Rajive Goel
7 March 2012
Indeed it could be a problem, as your doc might be suspicious of you overdosing, recommend you take it easy & try & search again for the missing pill, could be possible that the pill would be in the drawers.
I wish you the best, please take care.
Votes: +0
CL
cleo130
7 March 2012
I've done a very thorough search with no luck. It stands out because it is in a deep blue pill bottle.
RA
Rajive Goel
7 March 2012
I trust you friend, it must have been misplaced, maybe try taking to the doc hope he/she would understand you.
I wish you all the luck, take care!
CL
cleo130
7 March 2012
Yes, I've already called the office and am waiting for a call back. Will post when I get an answer. Thanks for your replies!
RA
Rajive Goel
9 March 2012
Great, you must be careful with you pills, take care & thanks!
