Need info. on child's RX while in PDC

CandKRich · 01-31-2008

We will be in Playa for 5 weeks after the kids get out of school in May. Half-way through our stay, my son will need his meds refilled.
By law in the U.S., his particular RX can only be filled every 30 days - - so I can't get the amount needed before we leave. How can I find out if his med is readily available to have it filled while there? It has to be the exact med and not something similar.
Thanks - - I appreciate any info. you can give me!!

osuchic10 · 01-31-2008

I had the same problem once but we called the insurance company and got approval for the pharmacy to fill it a week early due to the situation. Don't know if that would work for these particular meds but maybe it's worth a shot. Good luck!!

CandKRich · 02-02-2008

Thanks, osuchic. I'll talk to his doctor - - - I'm pretty sure, though, that it's an "only every 30-day" thing by our state law and not because of the insurance (because of the nature of the med.) That's why I was hoping I could get it readily in Playa. Thanks again.

Weave · 02-02-2008

Recently read the following in "Choose Mexico for Retirement" (Ninth Ed 2005):

"most medications, with the exception of 'controlled substances'...are available in Mexican pharmacies w/o prescription....advisable to seek a physician's advice on whether a Mexican generic or equivalent can be substituted... Returning to the US with medications with medications purchased in Mexico is usually not a problem, providing they do nota fall into the controlled category. When crossing the border, be sure to carry a prescription for the medications with you, and do not fail to declare them if questioned."

I have gotten anti-biotics directly from Mexican pharmacies, for what it's worth. Hope this helps you some.

Magemay1120 · 02-02-2008

I actually work in a pharmacy and usually how it works is if the doc ok's an early fill then the pharmacy staff can call the insurance company and attempt to get an override. Usually that type of medication is on a 30 day basis only but for these type of situations I'm sure something could be done for you. I'm pretty sure that it is not mandated by law but I could be wrong, at least in Wisconsin its not. Sometimes the insurance will not cover an early fill and in that case you may have to pay out of pocket for the medication. Hope this helps.

CandKRich · 02-02-2008

Hey - thanks for the replies. I was under the impression from his doctor that the requirements were such because it is actually a "controlled substance" prescribed for adhd. Hopefully when I talk to her, we can come up w/a solution that will work

(god forbid he was without them) - - - okay, so that's not even funny - - - I'm just kiddin' about that!

gingele · 02-02-2008

Ritalin and similar drugs are Schedule II controlled substances and are strictly controlled by federal law. No insurance company can "get around" these laws.

Talk to your doctor.

CandKRich · 02-02-2008

"That's it" gingele - - - schedule II controlled substance - - - I knew there were some tight regulations here in the US. I'll do my best to get the meds beforehand (have a thought that may work - - will have to see what doctor says), rather than come with an RX in hand only to have trouble getting that particular med!

Sol · 02-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CandKRich

Hey - thanks for the replies. I was under the impression from his doctor that the requirements were such because it is actually a "controlled substance" prescribed for adhd. Hopefully when I talk to her, we can come up w/a solution that will work

(god forbid he was without them) - - - okay, so that's not even funny - - - I'm just kiddin' about that!

I asked my partner/boyfriend/significant other who is a pharmacist. Your son's medication is a controlled substance and that is why his prescription is for thirty days. The laws regarding controlled substances vary from state to state. Here is Dave's advice. Have the doctor write two Rx's: one to fill for his current use and another to fill right before you leave for vacation. Ask your pharmacist to call the insurance company and tell them on what dates you will be out of the country. Also, you should call the insurance company to advise them of your trip. Another thing, if the insurance company doesn't allow an early refill, you will have to pay full price for your son's medication.

Sol · 02-02-2008

[quote=CandKRich;1051044]"That's it" gingele - - - schedule II controlled substance - - - I knew there were some tight regulations here in the US. I'll do my best to get the meds beforehand (have a thought that may work - - will have to see what doctor says), rather than come with an RX in hand only to have trouble getting that particular med![/quote]
It's best that you try to get your son's meds in the states. Sometimes you cannot get the exact dose that you need or at times time-released medications are not available. This has happened to me.
Dave just explained to me that federal laws regarding schedule II controlled substances have been loosened up in the last year, however state laws can be stricter than these. But most states have modified that their laws to coincide with federal guidelines.

P.MorelosFrank · 02-05-2008

Just a FYI. Prescriptions from doctors outside of Mexico are not valid here if Mexico requires a prescription for the drug.

Sol · 02-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.MorelosFrank

Just a FYI. Prescriptions from doctors outside of Mexico are not valid here if Mexico requires a prescription for the drug.

You are right. Prescriptions are required for controlled substances. Also, we found this out on our last trip, prescriptions are required for insulin and Byetta (few pharmacies carry this).

Page · 02-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sol

Another thing, if the insurance company doesn't allow an early refill, you will have to pay full price for your son's medication.

If you do have to pay full price for the med, you should be able to claim it back from the insurance co. afterwards.

Caroline

01-31-2008	#1 (permalink)
CandKRich lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 15	Need info. on child's RX while in PDC We will be in Playa for 5 weeks after the kids get out of school in May. Half-way through our stay, my son will need his meds refilled. By law in the U.S., his particular RX can only be filled every 30 days - - so I can't get the amount needed before we leave. How can I find out if his med is readily available to have it filled while there? It has to be the exact med and not something similar. Thanks - - I appreciate any info. you can give me!!

01-31-2008	#2 (permalink)
osuchic10 into ruins Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 75	I had the same problem once but we called the insurance company and got approval for the pharmacy to fill it a week early due to the situation. Don't know if that would work for these particular meds but maybe it's worth a shot. Good luck!!

02-02-2008	#3 (permalink)
CandKRich lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 15	Thanks, osuchic. I'll talk to his doctor - - - I'm pretty sure, though, that it's an "only every 30-day" thing by our state law and not because of the insurance (because of the nature of the med.) That's why I was hoping I could get it readily in Playa. Thanks again.

02-02-2008	#4 (permalink)
Weave way into it Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 239	Recently read the following in "Choose Mexico for Retirement" (Ninth Ed 2005): "most medications, with the exception of 'controlled substances'...are available in Mexican pharmacies w/o prescription....advisable to seek a physician's advice on whether a Mexican generic or equivalent can be substituted... Returning to the US with medications with medications purchased in Mexico is usually not a problem, providing they do nota fall into the controlled category. When crossing the border, be sure to carry a prescription for the medications with you, and do not fail to declare them if questioned." I have gotten anti-biotics directly from Mexican pharmacies, for what it's worth. Hope this helps you some.

02-02-2008	#5 (permalink)
Magemay1120 very sparkly Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 37	I actually work in a pharmacy and usually how it works is if the doc ok's an early fill then the pharmacy staff can call the insurance company and attempt to get an override. Usually that type of medication is on a 30 day basis only but for these type of situations I'm sure something could be done for you. I'm pretty sure that it is not mandated by law but I could be wrong, at least in Wisconsin its not. Sometimes the insurance will not cover an early fill and in that case you may have to pay out of pocket for the medication. Hope this helps.

02-02-2008	#6 (permalink)
CandKRich lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 15	Hey - thanks for the replies. I was under the impression from his doctor that the requirements were such because it is actually a "controlled substance" prescribed for adhd. Hopefully when I talk to her, we can come up w/a solution that will work (god forbid he was without them) - - - okay, so that's not even funny - - - I'm just kiddin' about that!

02-02-2008	#7 (permalink)
gingele añejo Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,522	Ritalin and similar drugs are Schedule II controlled substances and are strictly controlled by federal law. No insurance company can "get around" these laws. Talk to your doctor.

02-02-2008	#8 (permalink)
CandKRich lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 15	"That's it" gingele - - - schedule II controlled substance - - - I knew there were some tight regulations here in the US. I'll do my best to get the meds beforehand (have a thought that may work - - will have to see what doctor says), rather than come with an RX in hand only to have trouble getting that particular med!

02-02-2008	#10 (permalink)
Sol Chupacabras Whisperer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Gem State Posts: 10,470	[quote=CandKRich;1051044]"That's it" gingele - - - schedule II controlled substance - - - I knew there were some tight regulations here in the US. I'll do my best to get the meds beforehand (have a thought that may work - - will have to see what doctor says), rather than come with an RX in hand only to have trouble getting that particular med![/quote] It's best that you try to get your son's meds in the states. Sometimes you cannot get the exact dose that you need or at times time-released medications are not available. This has happened to me. Dave just explained to me that federal laws regarding schedule II controlled substances have been loosened up in the last year, however state laws can be stricter than these. But most states have modified that their laws to coincide with federal guidelines.

02-05-2008	#11 (permalink)
P.MorelosFrank toe in water Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Puerto Morelos, Mexico Posts: 44	Just a FYI. Prescriptions from doctors outside of Mexico are not valid here if Mexico requires a prescription for the drug.

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