Walgreens drug rationing

[SnikPlosskin]

I needed to get refills on injectable Vitamin B12 so I called it in to CVS. They told me they haven't had any in stock for over 4 months and the item is on indefinite backorder. :sadangel:

I jumped on-line and found that all Canadian and US mail order pharmacies are noting a "North American shortage".

Called Walgreens and they said that don't have the issue and they have 24 single dose vials.

Had my doc call in script - 3 vials with 9 refills. I said "I'll pay cash for all of them at once."

Walgreens pharmacist says they will only sell me 6 (out of 27 vials) - "so we don't run out for other people.".

Why is that MY problem? I have a prescription from my doctor for a VITAMIN (in my case an essential one since I can't absorb B12 from food). I told them I'm stocking up so I don't run out. Yet they won't sell me more than 6.

Does this seem like bullshit? I'm thinking of calling higher up the chain at Walgreens. How can they stand in the way of a prescribing physician?

Insurance isn't an excuse. I'm paying cash.

thoughts?

[Ruffy]

It sucks but I don't think they are required to fill a prescription. The prescription just says you're allowed to buy it.

The bigger question is how the hell is there a shortage of B12?

[SnikPlosskin]

It sucks but I don't think they are required to fill a prescription. The prescription just says you're allowed to buy it.

The bigger question is how the hell is there a shortage of B12?

Hmmm.

There are only two manufacturers for injectable. One apparently had significant production problems. Too many people using it like a placebo too. For most people, it is debatable if it gives any benefit.

In my case, lack of B12 is a root cause of many of my medical problems. It's a complication of Crohn's disease. In my case, my immune system eliminated a vital protein (Intrinsic Factor) that moves B12 from your gut to your blood.

You can't make or replace Intrinsic Factor. Once it's gone, many vitamins from food just pass through. Hence the need to inject intramuscular.

Without B12 in your system you can't produce red blood cells (I have pernicious anemia), manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters.

I already have permanent memory loss from deprivation. If I don't get B12 injections I could end up with brain damage, vision loss or death from anemia.

And some f*cking clock puncher at Walgreens is telling me I can't buy what I need. :issues:

It shouldn't even be a prescription. You can't OD on it. It's a friggin' vitamin! :issues:

[Ruffy]

That is rough.

Too bad you can't freebase oranges or something. Is there any alternative?

[JRD77VET]

Pete
If a prescription isn't required, have friends and family purchase additional vials to help you out. :yesnod:

Good luck
Jeff

[SnikPlosskin]

Pete
If a prescription isn't required, have friends and family purchase additional vials to help you out. :yesnod:

Good luck
Jeff

Prescription is required in US.

[JRD77VET]

Prescription is required in US.

So much for that brilliant idea :slap:

[Ruffy]

Make a run for the border?

[SnikPlosskin]

Make a run for the border?

Canadian pharmacies are bone dry. I'm good for about six weeks. But I'd like a year's worth on the shelf.

Not sure about Mexican mail order. Doesn't seem wise.

[SnikPlosskin]

So much for that brilliant idea :slap:

Better than freebasing oranges.

[99 pewtercoupe]

Hmmm.

There are only two manufacturers for injectable. One apparently had significant production problems. Too many people using it like a placebo too. For most people, it is debatable if it gives any benefit.

In my case, lack of B12 is a root cause of many of my medical problems. It's a complication of Crohn's disease. In my case, my immune system eliminated a vital protein (Intrinsic Factor) that moves B12 from your gut to your blood.

You can't make or replace Intrinsic Factor. Once it's gone, many vitamins from food just pass through. Hence the need to inject intramuscular.

Without B12 in your system you can't produce red blood cells (I have pernicious anemia), manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters.

I already have permanent memory loss from deprivation. If I don't get B12 injections I could end up with brain damage, vision loss or death from anemia.

And some f*cking clock puncher at Walgreens is telling me I can't buy what I need. :issues:

It shouldn't even be a prescription. You can't OD on it. It's a friggin' vitamin! :issues:

Interesting. I take B12 supplement and get quarterly injections from my doctor. Was diagnosed seven years ago with Hairy Cell Leukemia . Pernicious anemia is a symptom. Been in remission for the HCL for over 5 years. Had no idea there was a shortage of B12 but what I take daily are 2000 IU, I'm sure what you are taking is considerably more

[SnikPlosskin]

Interesting. I take B12 supplement and get quarterly injections from my doctor. Was diagnosed seven years ago with Hairy Cell Leukemia . Pernicious anemia is a symptom. Been in remission for the HCL for over 5 years. Had no idea there was a shortage of B12 but what I take daily are 2000 IU, I'm sure what you are taking is considerably more

I just self inject every two weeks 1000 mcg/1 mil. I get zero absorption from oral. No shortage of oral or sub-lingual.

Glad to hear you are in remission. My blood cells are unusually shaped and small. Some sort of genetic deal. Oh well.

[Will]

Canadian pharmacies are bone dry. I'm good for about six weeks. But I'd like a year's worth on the shelf.

Not sure about Mexican mail order. Doesn't seem wise.

I've taken drugs from Mexico and Guatemala. I'm still breathing.

[ApexOversteer]

I've taken drugs from Mexico and Guatemala. I'm still breathing.

Dude, Marijuana doesn't really count...

[Bill]

Dude, Marijuana doesn't really count...

That's exactly the smart ass comment I was going to make.

:cert:

[99 pewtercoupe]

That's exactly the smart ass comment I was going to make.

:cert:

:lol::lol::lol:

[MrPeabody]

I needed to get refills on injectable Vitamin B12 so I called it in to CVS. They told me they haven't had any in stock for over 4 months and the item is on indefinite backorder. :sadangel:

I jumped on-line and found that all Canadian and US mail order pharmacies are noting a "North American shortage".

Called Walgreens and they said that don't have the issue and they have 24 single dose vials.

Had my doc call in script - 3 vials with 9 refills. I said "I'll pay cash for all of them at once."

Walgreens pharmacist says they will only sell me 6 (out of 27 vials) - "so we don't run out for other people.".

Why is that MY problem? I have a prescription from my doctor for a VITAMIN (in my case an essential one since I can't absorb B12 from food). I told them I'm stocking up so I don't run out. Yet they won't sell me more than 6.

Does this seem like bullshit? I'm thinking of calling higher up the chain at Walgreens. How can they stand in the way of a prescribing physician?

Insurance isn't an excuse. I'm paying cash.

thoughts?

Seriously, Imagine an alternative scenario: I'm sorry, Mr. Plissken, we had a 24 vials this morning, but some guy came in and bought them all, so we're all out.

The point is, perhaps the reason they any at all to sell you is the very rationing policy you are objecting to. As a business, they do have other customers whose needs are every bit as important to them as yours are.

I hope the shortage doesn't last long and you get what you need. I understand because even though I take no meds, my wife's life and well being depends on a number of them. We buy online and three month supplies are mailed to us.

[SnikPlosskin]

Seriously, Imagine an alternative scenario: I'm sorry, Mr. Plissken, we had a 24 vials this morning, but some guy came in and bought them all, so we're all out.

The point is, perhaps the reason they any at all to sell you is the very rationing policy you are objecting to. As a business, they do have other customers whose needs are every bit as important to them as yours are.

I hope the shortage doesn't last long and you get what you need. I understand because even though I take no meds, my wife's life and well being depends on a number of them. We buy online and three month supplies are mailed to us.

You mean the same scenario that is happening to me? Except I got my ducks in a row, found a supply and got there first.

Anyone can do that too if they choose. It's called "free markets"

I am working on having at least three months on hand of every drug.

This just is a reminder that our very lives are controlled by the government, insurance companies and corporations.

If they arbitrarily decide who gets medicines (and B12 is not a medicine) we get shafted.

If you needed a drug to survive - who is to tell you you can't have it?

[MrPeabody]

You mean the same scenario that is happening to me? Except I got my ducks in a row, found a supply and got there first.

Anyone can do that too if they choose. It's called "free markets"

I am working on having at least three months on hand of every drug.

This just is a reminder that our very lives are controlled by the government, insurance companies and corporations.

If they arbitrarily decide who gets medicines (and B12 is not a medicine) we get shafted.

If you needed a drug to survive - who is to tell you you can't have it?

Did they tell you can't have any? You miss the point that Walgreens is not responsible for the shortage. They are trying to keep as many people supplied with a reasonable amount as possible. And yes, it is a retailer's right to put limits on what amounts customers can purchase. They do it all the time. Like I said, I understand your situation and can sympathize with it, but you are letting your emotions get in the way of logic and having no consideration for others that may be in the same situation as you.

[SnikPlosskin]

Did they tell you can't have any? You miss the point that Walgreens is not responsible for the shortage. They are trying to keep as many people supplied with a reasonable amount as possible. And yes, it is a retailer's right to put limits on what amounts customers can purchase. They do it all the time. Like I said, I understand your situation and can sympathize with it, but you are letting your emotions get in the way of logic and having no consideration for others that may be in the same situation as you.

My DOCTOR decides how much I need.

[Bill]

Did they tell you can't have any? You miss the point that Walgreens is not responsible for the shortage. They are trying to keep as many people supplied with a reasonable amount as possible. And yes, it is a retailer's right to put limits on what amounts customers can purchase. They do it all the time. Like I said, I understand your situation and can sympathize with it, but you are letting your emotions get in the way of logic and having no consideration for others that may be in the same situation as you.

:iagree:

This is it in a nutshell. If we are talking about free market, then Walgreens does what it feels is in the best interest of Walgreens. If that means rationing its products so that it can sell something to more customers, then that is what it means. Free market means, if you don't like that sales strategy, you go somewhere else. It also means, feel free to enter the pharmacy business and do it your way.

Again, I agree with Peabody, and I have no doubt that he and I would be just as frustrated as you if we were in your shoes.

Q: Is there any way to buy the oral B-12 and "convert" it to an injectable liquid? Perhaps that is the answer, because there are plenty of bottles of B-12 at my local pharmacy, with no limits on sales.

Q2: Can you "pharmacy shop" that prescription? Go to a Walgreens across town or out of area and get some more doses that way?

[MrPeabody]

:iagree:

This is it in a nutshell. If we are talking about free market, then Walgreens does what it feels is in the best interest of Walgreens. If that means rationing its products so that it can sell something to more customers, then that is what it means. Free market means, if you don't like that sales strategy, you go somewhere else. It also means, feel free to enter the pharmacy business and do it your way.

Again, I agree with Peabody, and I have no doubt that he and I would be just as frustrated as you if we were in your shoes.

Q: Is there any way to buy the oral B-12 and "convert" it to an injectable liquid? Perhaps that is the answer, because there are plenty of bottles of B-12 at my local pharmacy, with no limits on sales.

Q2: Can you "pharmacy shop" that prescription? Go to a Walgreens across town or out of area and get some more doses that way?

My wife uses a heart medication that is very rare and expensive. Because so few people use it, some pharmacies seem to put a low priority on keeping it in stock. We have driven 100 miles to get it when it's not available locally. We haven't had any problems lately, but my wife established a small network of other users so that it could be shared if necessary when someone can't get theirs. Technically illegal, but you do what you gotta do. We've helped someone out once and someone helped us once.

Snake opens up a good discussion topic with this thread. The simple availability of some drugs can be and I'm sure is a problem more often than we may realize.

[Bill]

One other thought. WTF is B-12 a prescription med in the first place? Again, WTF? Nobody is getting high from B-12. Of course, I think no med should be prescription only, anyway. Got money? Get all the meds you want, including the narcotics. If the pharmacy wants to sell it and you want to buy, that's free market, right?

[MrPeabody]

One other thought. WTF is B-12 a prescription med in the first place? Again, WTF? Nobody is getting high from B-12. Of course, I think no med should be prescription only, anyway. Got money? Get all the meds you want, including the narcotics. If the pharmacy wants to sell it and you want to buy, that's free market, right?

I think it's the fact that it's injectable is what makes it a prescription drug. I can't think of anything injectable that is sold OTC.

Quick story - My wife and I were on a cruise ship when she developed some heart trouble symptoms. I wanted her to see the ship's doctor, of course, but she said no way. The ship's doctor has the legal authority to put you off the ship at the next port, and she feared that's exactly what he would do. The next port was in Mexico, so we didn't want that to happen.

My wife, being an RN knew exactly what medication would probably stop the symptoms she was having and she knew she could buy it OTC in Mexico. We were only hours away from the port so that's what we did. Problem solved, vacation saved.

My point is there are probably a lot of prescription drugs that should be sold OTC. In the early days of Prilosec, it was a prescription drug and I saw doctors just to get it. I've now been buying it OTC for years with no adverse side effects, and although my doctor is aware that I take it, no prescription is needed.

[benny42]

It is a simple business model really. Make 4.5 customers (kind of) happy a 6 vials per... or 1 customer happy at 27 vials. I'm a former employee and DON'T love them, but i understand why they chose to do it that way.

[Will]

Got a pet or a vet friend OP???

Vitamin B-12 Injectable Rx (http://www.lambertvetsupply.com/product.asp?itemid=3750&gclid=CLP84uKTpr0CFaVxOgodOnUA2A)

[Will]

Got a pet or a vet friend OP???

http://www.lambertvetsupply.com/product.asp?itemid=3750&gclid=CLP84uKTpr0CFaVxOgodOnUA2A

[wwomanC6]

Reason for the Shortage

American Regent had temporarily suspended manufacture of most drug products including cyanocobalamin injection in April, 2011.
American Regent resumed manufacturing in Shirley, New York in early-May, 2011.
Fresenius Kabi (formerly APP) has cyanocobalamin injection on shortage due to increased demand for the product.



-Why is there a shortage?
-What needs to be done to alleviate the shortage?
-Is this medication available from foreign sources? Canada, Europe, etc.

People's Pharmacy response: The companies don't always tell why there is a shortage. Two firms supply this product in the U.S. One or both of them may have had manufacturing (possibly quality control?) problems. The other firm cites increased demand. As to why there might be increased demand, we have no idea. Perhaps it is because so many people are now taking PPIs for heartburn and these interfere with vitamin B12 absorption. Speculation!


Bing search results.

[Jeff '79]

Prescription is required in US.

Call Kingpin and see if he'll send you some. :seasix:

[VITE1]

From what I have read there are growing drug shortages of several kinds happening across America and possibly the world. I don't know the root cause but my guess is it's Alli about the money.

[Vette40th]

Any overseas country's? Is China making any of this?

[LATB]

From what I have read there are growing drug shortages of several kinds happening across America and possibly the world. I don't know the root cause but my guess is it's Alli about the money.

Obamacare

[VITE1]

Obamacare

Small part of it. Decades of failure by so many.

[Nox]

Now I know why no one can get any ammo..

[bsmith]

You mean the same scenario that is happening to me? Except I got my ducks in a row, found a supply and got there first.

Anyone can do that too if they choose. It's called "free markets"


So if Walgreens decided to raise the price 10x, you'd be fine with that?
Supply & damand...free markets and all that.

[SnikPlosskin]

Now I know why no one can get any ammo..

We have plenty of ammo. No shortage here.

So if Walgreens decided to raise the price 10x, you'd be fine with that?
Supply & damand...free markets and all that.

Yes. It's not an optional thing for me. If I run out I am in serious trouble. I'm going to check some other locations and get the other 21 doses I was prescribed.

Keep in mind, Walgreens says they have not seen a supply disruption so they can order more. Not sure how they can get it when everyone else can't...

[Burro (He/Haw)]

damand
*demand

[Ruffy]

*demand

*da man

[Nox]

We have plenty of ammo. No shortage here.





I'm still looking for .22 rimfire at a decent price. Some jackass keeps buying all of it everytime it comes in.

[bsmith]

*demand

Oh the humanity!
A typo!!!!

[Burro (He/Haw)]

Oh the humanity!
A typo!!!!

Ummm, you new here? :bslap:

:funniest:

[SnikPlosskin]

I'm still looking for .22 rimfire at a decent price. Some jackass keeps buying all of it everytime it comes in.

That is the one caliber we don't have either. I'm not buying it up. I hate those guys.

I am, however, stockpiling medication, food, water, fuel, etc. Goal is to have t least six months stored.

Call me crazy.

Meds are a PITA. Wish I didn't need them.