Prescription Refills

I have a similar problem but have never had to test it. I was told to take a written prescription by the chemical name or common name and NOT by the brand name. Also a short note from the dr describing my condition and the treatment. Pharmacies in Europe greater latitude than pharmacies in the US and often can filled prescriptions without Dr. orders. But as I said, I have never tested this approach.

I think the above responses are good. One thing to add, make sure you know from your doctor if therapeutic substitution is okay (in other words can you take another drug that does the same thing). If not, make sure your doctor notes that on your prescription. It's common in Canada or Europe to have government lists of covered medications. Unlike the US, the pharmacy isn't likely to tell you they are substituting the drug. In all but a few cases, it's no big deal. Occasionally substitutions can have disastrous effects.

I take Metformin for my diabetes and ran into the same issue. What I did was have my doctor write me my regular script that I fill at my local pharmacy, and then another that I filled at the three month pharmacy online (apparently that is neither illegal nor immoral, as it was my dr.'s idea not mine). So I am leaving with 4 months available (we are only gone for 3 weeks, but my refill was 1 week in). I don't know, but I was told most European pharmacies will want a local dr. to write the script, and when I called my insurance they swore on a stack of Bibles that no one else had ever asked something so ridiculous. They also told me that I have to see the dr. there, that they will deny the claim the first time and then approve it on appeal -- tell me insurance isn't a racket! Call your insurance to see what they say.

I have had to have a perscription refilled before the insurance said it was time because I was going out of town. It is not that it is not refillable, the issue is, the insurance company will not pay for it. So, I had to fork over the money to have it refilled. It was very costly, but I had the peace of mind that I had my meds.

My pharmacist calls my insurance company and tells them that I will be out of the country for an extended period. They have allowed me to fill prescriptions for up to 3 months of travel.

Charity,
Can you change Insurance companies? Or at least chance your particular plan/coverage? It might be worth looking into.

As for the BCP...You could consider another form? Or use another form while at home and stockpile your pills? Or try the shot? But that's every 3 months and you'd have to get it while away so maybe not so good an idea for 6-9 months of travel...

I think a Prescription from home will be fillable abroad no problem. But as for coverage from abroad, do check into it from home before you go. Generic names are a good idea. Make sure you have your Dr and Pharmacy fax # incase you need to contact them.

Any Pharmacists on here tonight? I know we have a few who visit us here.

Speak to your Doctor or Pharmacist. Maybe they will be able to suggest something.

Try not to stress. I'm sure an answer will be found :-)

Safe Travels...

F/A

Charity- I am a pharmacist. I have never tried to fill a prescription outside the US but I would think that each country you visit will have differing laws concerning it. Different insurance companies and different prescription plans within your insurance company will handle the situation differently. Call your insurance company and speak to a supervisor to see if they can give you a waiver on the 1 month limit. I have seen up to 3 month supplies done on a waiver. Other possibilities include having a friend get your refills done and have it fed-ex'd to Europe. Another possibility is talk to your MD about switching to a generic cholesterol medicine that would be cheaper to pay for without insurance. For the birth control- pay cash or buy condoms. The fed ex idea might be the easiest on your nerves. Good luck.

As for birth control you might be able to ask your OB for some samples. My OB gave me 6 months free once. They get them free from the companies.

Another tip for birth control- you may try Planned Parenthood or another agency like that to get more than 1 month if you explain your situation.

We spent a year in Europe and we had to deal with our HMO that finally agreed to give us a 6 months drug supply. We also took short descriptions of our conditions with a perscription and found that in Germany especially large cities or the heavy travel sites like Rothenburg that we could have gotten the drugs refilled. We did have trouble with our daughter sending a second 6 month supply to us: they were returned because she identified them as drugs--so lie on the declaration and they went right through. Pharmists in Europe are WONDERFUL, if you need help go to one and they will work it out. Have fun! Paula

Hello,

I work for a health insurance company, and even though your plan may say you can only have 30 days at a time, every insurance company (at least in CA) will to a vaction override once per year. This is usually up to 90 days at a time, you will have to pay a copayment for each 30 days. Also, as was said, you can still get the meds here; but, you might have to pay out of pocket. I would try first by calling your insurance company. Let me know if that doesn't work out.

Greetings

I'm not sure about prescription med costs in Europe. I wouldn't count on prices being any cheaper because a) the US dollar is so weak and b) in many countries prescriptoin meds are covered by national plans so someone outwith the national plan may pay a lot more.

I do know that in the UK, in order to get a foreign prescription filled you must see a UK licensed doctor to have the prescription rewritten. A UK pharmacist will not fill as prescription written by a doctor not licensed in the UK.

BTW, have you checked to make sure your trip is within Schengen regulations? You can't be in the Schengen Union (most of Europe except UK and Ireland) for more than 3 months without a special visa. After 3 months you must leave the Schengen Union for a minimum of the 3 months.

Kate

Kate

Hi everyone- Thank all of you so much for your advice. I'm going to call my insurance company to see what they can do and if they won't cooperate, you've given me some good ideas for alternatives.

Anyone know if Europe charges less for prescriptions than the US? I remember seeing a documentary where people actually get their meds from other countries because the drug companies charge so much in the US... I'm hoping that if I have to pay out of pocket, at least they won't be as expensive as they are here.

Thanks again everyone!

Hi Kate,
Thanks for your reply!

When you mention "re-write" a prescription, does that mean I've got to get the whole exam again, or will the doctor take my medical history, my current prescription and re-write based off that?

As far as Schengen, we did finally figure that complication out. We are starting in Schengen areas for 3 months, then heading out to the UK for 3 months and then back into Schengen for another 3... Makes it more complicated and you have to back track a bit, but it's do-able! Thanks again! :-)

Here is a link to the FDA's website explaining why you should have the generic drug name NOT!! the brand name.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/reports/confusingnames.html

I need to send my son his Migrane medicine Topamax. He is in Paris. Can I just put it in a FedEx package and send it?