I keep running out

[vermont-blue]

I get two pens sent to my home via mail. I take .5mg every Friday, weekly. I always miss my last dose because there’s not enough medicine in the pen and have to wait for my insurance to mail me my next two pens. Does anyone else experiencing a shortage, despite taking the correct dosage? I have started taking less per dose so, that I can make it to my next delivery and not have to miss a Friday. This Friday for example, I didn’t get to the .25 dose mark with my last dosage. I had been rationing across the two pens by dialing back my .5 mg prescription. Not sure what to do. I have alerted my doctor and essentially they have suggested I take the doses correctly, which I am. I’ve offered to have them administer my doses. They didn’t reply. , I’m curious if anyone else is experiencing a shortage?

 

[Amelia]

Hello, @vermont-blue and welcome to the forum!
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your medication dosages. It must be frustrating to deal with this kind of shortage, especially when you are diligently following your prescribed regimen.

Firstly, I want to assure you that you're not alone in facing issues like this. Medication shortages or inconsistencies in dosages can be a common problem, and it's commendable that you've taken steps to manage your situation responsibly by contacting your doctor and attempting to adjust your doses to stretch the supply. However, handling such adjustments under medical supervision is crucial to ensure it doesn't affect your health adversely.
Given your doctor's response and the lack of a solution from their end, there are a few steps you might consider:

• Contact Your Insurance Company: Sometimes, explaining your situation directly to your insurance provider can help. They might have a process for exceptions in cases like yours where a shortage leads to missed doses.
• Seek a Second Opinion: Consulting another healthcare provider could provide a fresh perspective or alternative solutions that your current doctor hasn't suggested.
• Pharmacy Consultation: Speak to a pharmacist about your issue. Pharmacists can often offer practical advice on medication management and may suggest ways to ensure you get your full dosage.
• Patient Advocacy Groups: Some organizations work to support patients facing similar issues. They can offer advice and support and sometimes intervene on your behalf.
• Documentation: Keep a detailed record of your dosages and the shortages you're experiencing. This documentation can be crucial when advocating for a resolution with your doctor, insurance, or a patient advocacy group.

It's important to continue communicating with your healthcare provider about your situation, especially if you are making any adjustments to your medication regimen. They should understand the seriousness of the issue and work with you to find a solution.

Lastly, you've taken a great step by reaching out to the community here. Sharing experiences can often lead to discovering solutions that you might not have considered. Hopefully, others can share their insights or how they navigated similar challenges. Please keep posting so we know how it all worked out.
Best wishes,
Amelia