Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant What is This Site Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyChronicPainTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Having Trouble Getting Meds Filled?

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Philadelphia Area, PA

I'm in a Pain Management office today hearing from patients who can't get their controls filled at any of the retail pharmacies. Here in the Delaware Valley we know CVS, RiteAid, and others are saying, "No" to chronic pain patients and leaving them with nowhere to go. Are you have this experience in your area?

September 4, 2024
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members across multiple states shared their frustrating experiences being denied pain medication refills at retail pharmacies like CVS and... Read more

Members across multiple states shared their frustrating experiences being denied pain medication refills at retail pharmacies like CVS and Walmart, with some reporting that pharmacists cited national shortages of extended-release medications while others faced outright refusals without clear explanations. Several members described finding relief by switching to pharmacies in different counties or seeking out specialty pharmacies that focus on chronic conditions, where they encountered less resistance and more consistent inventory. A recurring theme was the belief that chronic pain patients are caught in the middle of regulatory pressure on pharmacists, artificial shortages, and a healthcare system that prioritizes acute care over long-term patient needs.

A MyChronicPainTeam Member

It seems to be the season for BS from the DEA, CDC, and others.

September 11, 2024
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I was told by every pharmacy in Sussex/Morris counties in NJ that all extended release hydromorphone and hydrocodone are on back order due to a national shortage. I have a strange feeling this is due to a purposeful interference.

October 10, 2024
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

That makes a lot of sense to me.

January 17, 2025
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

Thanks for the advice

October 28, 2024
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I just heard a similar story from a prescriber in Somerset. It's hard to tell if any particular pharmacist can't fill or just doesn't want to fill. If a med is not available it could be because immediate release are the issue and prescribers are compensating with with other drugs, causing them to be in shortage. Generally, prescribers know that regulators want to see IR reduced, and patients feel the impact. One thing you can do is to find a pharmacy that caters to chronic conditions. This way you're not competing for inventory with patients that have a short-term need.

October 28, 2024

Related content

View All

Dilaudid

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Runcorn, UK
September 24, 2017

Is Anyone Having Trouble Filling Scripts For Pain Meds?

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kelseyville, CA
December 18, 2022

How Do You Find A Good Pharmacy?

A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boise, ID
January 5, 2017

Trouble Filling Pain Medication and Chronic Pain
Getting Started on MyChronicPainTeam
The Importance of Trusting Yourself
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In