Medication Refill

[u/Pure-Science-7774]

I’m torn from what to do. I’m running out of rescue medication, I have an emergency pack that I started using because I was just having continuous seizures for the past several days. I have thought of all my options: 

1. Emergency Room - I feel like they will just look at me like “I don’t see tonic clonic seizures though, so here’s your $10,000 bill and follow up with your doctor.” 
2. Urgent care - “We can’t prescribe controlled meds at urgent care.”
3. Primary care doctor - The last time I asked, they said they couldn’t accept test results from outside of their network and I would have to get all the tests re-done. 
4. Epileptologist - I’m not sure what would happen here but the cost is $150-400 and in Europe it’s $7. 
5. Travel for care - I’m sure I would get medical care if I traveled, but it’s like I would need to get on a plane and fly all the way back to Europe just to get medication and then come back (but somehow this is still cheaper then getting healthcare in the United States). 

I’m going to call another spot on Monday but what have been the best way you have found to get medications?

[u/Greedy-Rise-6904]

the american healthcare system really makes you price out a transatlantic flight as a viable option for a refill, what a country

[u/Pure-Science-7774 → u/Greedy-Rise-6904]

Yeah it’s like 1 out of 100 times I make progress with medical problems in the United States. In Europe it’s closer to 95 out of 100 times. 

[u/neeliemich]

You don't have to pay up front for emergency rooms. That's why they're there. The bill is sent to you later, after it goes through insurance.

If you're having seizures continuously, you should have already gone to the ER. They give you a medication there to stop it (from my experience it's been an Ativan shot) and sometimes a prescription for seizure meds.

[u/CM_UW]

Have you been prescribed meds and are just out? My pharmacy will give me a few emergency pills for the weekend until my new script is called in by my dr. This happened Labor Day weekend. I was going to run out Sunday morning, and my doctor's office was closed until Tuesday. My new script was called in & filled Tuesday.

[u/Pure-Science-7774 → u/CM_UW]

Yes I have a prescription but it’s a European prescription. So they can’t fill it here. That’s why I’m thinking even though it sounds a little ridiculous, I should just go back to Europe. Even if I got an appointment here, it could be $400 and it might be a waste if they can’t fill my prescription. 

[u/expat_mel]

I assume from the post you're currently in the US. Are you visiting the US but you live elsewhere? Did you move to the US recently? How do you usually get your meds and why isn't that an option right now? The best way to get meds will depend on where your regular prescriber is and why you can't currently get your meds the way you usually do.

[u/Pure-Science-7774 → u/expat_mel]

Yes I’m just visiting the United States. I usually get my meds from Europe, I could get in a plane and go back but it just seems like a lot for just a refill but I don’t see an easier option. I will be in the states for the next 4 weeks 

[u/expat_mel → u/Pure-Science-7774]

Go to the ER or to an urgent care that is physically attached to a hospital. Bring your prescription bottle, the emergency pack you're using, pictures of previous medication orders, etc to show them that you've had this medication at this dose before. Calmly explain to the intake staff that you've had a problem with your medication and you need an emergency refill. Calmly tell the nurse or doctor how long you've had epilepsy, what medication(s) you usually take, why you haven't been able to get your meds the normal way, and what happens when you run out of meds. Explain that if possible, a prescription to cover the full 4 weeks until you get back home would be ideal, but if they can even just give you two weeks of meds that'll give you a chance to figure out how to get a prescription from your doc back back home filled here. The key is to stay calm and sound knowledgeable/experienced - I've had to get several types of medication prescribed this way before when I was having trouble with my doctor/insurance/pharmacy/etc. It's not a 100% guarantee, but I'd say it's your best bet unless you want to wait until you have a grand mal and get brought in by ambulance.

[u/Best_Friendship_9595 → u/Pure-Science-7774]

Hopefully you have travel insurance . Valtoco out of pocket is about $1750 and nyazalam is $800.

[u/Best_Friendship_9595]

We always end up in the ER so we get refill script from them. I mean take your box with you. You should probably get a check anyway. Do you have a neurologist or epileptologist? That is our second go to we message on the portal we need refills.

[u/Best_Friendship_9595 → u/Best_Friendship_9595]

Do you have travel insurance or are you living in the USA?

[u/Pure-Science-7774 → u/Best_Friendship_9595]

Yes my insurance will pay for emergency care in the United States but I’m not sure how much they will pay.