Quick Medication Reminder: Be Your Own Self Advocate!

I know that I have harped on this before, but once again, my prescription dosage is in my hands. Since my recent PCR went from undetectable to .40, my oncologist increased my dose of Sprycel from 70 mg to 100 mg. I receive my medication from a mail order pharmacy called Optum Rx.

They called as usual, stating that my prescription was due to be refilled; fortunately I asked them what the prescription was for, their response was 70 mg of Sprycel. Now my dose of Sprycel has fluctuated between 140 mg (2, 70’s), 100 mg and 70 mg for over three years, but for some reason or another, they only ever have the last prescription on file despite the fact that every prescription is for twelve months.

This is TOTALLY annoying because trying to get a “new” prescription from my oncologist’s office can be like pulling teeth! I cannot tell you how many emails and phone calls it takes to get one prescription correct. Yesterday, being no different from time in the past I received the infamous phone call; “Hello Michele, we received your new prescription and would like to set up delivery.” Me: “And what is that prescription for?” Them: “It is for 70 mg of Sprycel.” Me: “Of course it is; that is exactly what you HAD on file; I need 100 mg.”

So, needless to say, I am back on the phone and sending emails AGAIN today; luckily I have/had a spare bottle of 100’s. Moral of the story; ALWAYS double check your pharmacy and your pill bottle with your prescription and your doctor. And always verbally confirm, with your doctor what medications he is prescribing, how much and how often. We cannot afford to rely on anyone, except ourselves, when it comes to our health.

Errors are made daily; do not fall prey to mistakes made by others. Educate yourself and be your own self advocate.

Addendum: I just made "that" phone call, my oncologist's "go-to" person actually answered the phone; shocker! When I told her who I was and why I was calling she said, "Oh, Michele! Dr. and his nurse practitioner have been going round and round about this all day; let me call you back!" All I could do was shake my head and laugh; I give!