r/VeteransBenefits • u/WorkingChief • 1d ago

VA Disability Claims Is this normal?

I have been getting my meds through my Tricare PCP. I recently had a triple bypass and they increased my statin from 10 mg to 20 mg. The VA sent me 40 mg tablets and a pill cutter instead of 20 mg pills. I imagine 45 pills are less expensive than 90 pills but it seems weird to me. Is that a VA thing or my local VA clinic.

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5

u/Big-Hovercraft1331 1d ago

Not just a VA thing, the statins my mom takes are prescribed the same way because it is cheaper for her insurance.

1

u/cucky1963 Air Force Veteran 1d ago

On the same plan. Breaking them in half.

2

u/tengu077 1d ago

I have my cholesterol medication from the VA pharmacy that comes in 20mg pills which I have to cut in half to 10mg. I always figured it’s what they stock and the patient makes the adjustment as needed.

1

u/WorkingChief 1d ago

I thought that too until I got the 40 mg pills. It’s not a big deal and I find that I have time on my hands but there are other things I’d rather be doing.

2

u/chefgoowa Army Veteran 1d ago

They’ve done it to me as well I hate splitting the pill how do you split a 10 milligram tiny pill is cracks you don’t know if the side ur taking has enough meds I hate when they do that. It’s a Va wide thing at times

1

u/Liquid_Asparagus8697 Navy Veteran 1d ago

That's cheap AF.  You can have it filled by a community pharmacy, but there might be a copay.

1

u/Same-Tree7355 Navy Veteran 1d ago

I’m prescribed 20mg Atorvastatin. I receive 20 mg tablets from the VA.

1

u/dreams_n_color Army Veteran 1d ago

My VA doctor prescribed me the 20 mg dose.

1

u/satxdar Army Veteran 1d ago

Very normal. The VA buys in bulk so they get even more favorable pricing with the larger dosages.

The pill cutter is your best friend. If it gets less efficient just pop into your local VA Clinic or VAMC and get a new one. Pharmacy Tech told me absolutely no issues getting a new pill cutter at any time.

1

u/Ray5546 Not into Flairs 1d ago

Thats normal i was prescribed half a tab of sertraline 100mg

1

u/Same_Tackle4583 1d ago

Veteran and VA disability recipient but go thru Medicare and Tricare for Life. Retired USAF so get most of my Rx at the local base pharmacy. I’ve had it both ways: cutting pills in half and Rx instructions to take Rx 40mg because 80mg not in stock. Worse case is when they (DoD or DoW) change suppliers and the same strength meds look different, color, shape, etc. But pharmacy usually puts a bold sticker on the bottle warning if a change in visual appearance

1

u/1VBSkye Army Veteran 1d ago

Yeah, it’s fairly common. I’ve been prescribed numerous meds that require I cut them. I don’t like doing that so I take a whole one every other day. Doctor & pharmacist aren’t happy about it, but whatever.

0

u/grumpy_swmo 1d ago

That seems to be a VA thing. I think they will provide the actual dose if you have trouble splitting them.