Why my pharmacist hates me...

[jordozmom]

So the other day my doc gave me an RX for Restasis and when they went to ring it up at the pharmacy my copay was $132.  I was like SAY WHAT?!  (No, really, People, I said:  "SAY WHAT?!" outloud.)  I asked the Pharmacist if it would by chance give me xray vision or something for that much money.  He didn't say anything - he just looked at me.

It is the same pharmacist who was not amused when I asked if the "avoid alcohol while taking this medicine" sticker on the side of the Plaquenil bottle was just a "guideline" or "suggestion" rather than an actual warning.  And if it was a warning, what exactly would happen - would I have a stroke or a seizure or something?  And what kind of seizure were we talking?  Like would I just flop around on the floor for a little bit or would it cause actual brain damage?  I mean, these little facts were important in my decision about whether or not I was actually going to take a chance and have a few beers.   

Just an FYI people:  Pharmacists do not think these kinds of questions are very funny, apparently.  My best friend told me she thought I was being very responsible about it.  And that, people, is why she is my bet friend.   

[Joe S.]

Some companies have reduced or hardship levels. You may want to check into it.

[Carebear]

Hi jordozmom,

My opthamologist gave me a package from the manufacturer of Restasis that included a $20 off card.  I believe when you register you receive the $20 off of each dispensing.  Maybe check it out for next time.

[newhorizons]

Hi jordozmom, A couple of the pharmacist at the local pharmacy where I go all the time do not CARE for me... 

BUT, the owner, also a pharmacist, loves me... I have traded at this location for 30 plus years.

It is evident the owner has TOLD the staff to be nice to me and answer my questions...

Though, pharmacist Butch is still a butt hole!!! 

Notice last time there, forms in the seating area to rate different things, courtesy of pharmacy personnel being one!!! 

Oh goodness, he or his buddy may one day let the air out of my tires while I'm there!!!   Joy

[harlin]

I hope my pharmacist doesn't hate me! She is my daughter, haha.

seriously, I use restasis also and I pay 50.00. My eye specialist said I could use each tube more than once. I put in glass and cover with plastic wrap and I get couple of uses out of it.

[nancylee]

What? I dont get it. What tube do you use more than once?

[stickgal]

Jordoz:
A+ for the humor...had me in stitches!! Think I'll have a drink when I'm out playing music tomorrow night and see what happens!!

[nancylee]

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geez...I can not be responsible for this.

[Rose G]

Hi, I also use the restasis 2 times.  It comes in little plastic vials so you twist the top off and use a few drops in each eye, then I just stand it up in the medicine chest and use it again that night.  This is my second time trying it, but I don't think it is helping.  A lot of money to spend and not have it help.  So my suggestion would "if it don't work, don't get it agan".

And OMG I didn't even know about the plaquenit and alcohol.  It is not on my pill bottle.  I just pulled out the long explantion that came with it and I see it.  I have had alcohol a few times.  Some rum and cokes and some flavored beer (takes like wine coolers).  Well I am still here and had no ill affects that I know of.  I had a liver function test for a different reason and it was ok.  Guess I will be even more careful from now on.  I do though think that an occasional drink would be ok but that is for me, not my call for anyone else.

Rose

[stickgal]

Nancy:
If you're referring to my comment, I was just letting Jordoz know I thought the WAY she was addressing it was funny. I'm not on Methyltrexate (sp?), but am on Plaquenil and Elavil low dose to sleep. I would not even think of having a drink. I always drink water because I'm singing anyway. Only thing I used to do was have one shot to reduce the nervous jitters about performing, but don't have those any more (the jitters or the shot)!

[jordozmom]

Stickgal - actually, I was totally being funny with this! I am so glad you picked up on it!  I am poking fun at how totally ridiculous this whole thing is, AND how totally ridiculous I am.  I have cried so much over this disease and everything that goes with it that now I've decided to kind of make fun of it.  I mean come on $132 for eye drops?  For that much money it should do WAY more than just water my eyes!  I should be able to see through walls or into the future for that much money!!!

[stickgal]

LOL...you'd think they'd add that as a bonus. Or maybe you could choose what color your eyes would be for the day?

[quilt4fun]

My pharmacist told me that drug companies do not use artificial colors in pres. drugs.  I took it upon myself to call the pharmaceutical companies to get information. He was wrong, 2 of my medicines had artificial colors.  Time to educate the pharmacist.  Think he'll like that?

[sis]

I loved this!  I needed a good laugh!

You think the pharmacist would be extra accommodating as much $ as we spend there!

I feel embarrassed I'm in there so much!

Your pharmacist should be happy and enjoy a good laugh once in a while.

I'd love to be in line behind you and hear this!

[irish]

We have had quite a few threads on the use of Restasis to get the most bang for your buck and I will just add to it quickly.

My optometrist told me that I can use each of the small vials(squeezable containers) for 2 days. In other words you can get 4 dosing schedules (2 times a day for 2 days each eye = 4 dosing schedules for this thread) and it is still good.

It is best if you place the little vial in a plastic container with a cover to keep it from getting further air contamination or from tipping over and touching something that could place germs on the end. You can get a little blue vial holder from your eye doctor. These work great to place the vial in so it won't tip over.

Some people place the drop in the refrigerator which is a good way to slow down bacterial growth. Also, by placing in the frig the drops are cold and are really soothing for those of you who suffer from bad itching, burning eyes.

My optometrist said that last year at the Minnesota Optometrists convention the main topic was education of the fact that this 2 day use of Restasis was possible so docs could tell their patients.

I have been using the Restasis for about 6 years and have been placing in the plastic convered container and I don't refrigerate mine. I have never had an eye infection or any problem dosing this way. I figure that as long as this works I will continue this way. If I ever get an eye infection I will probably then start placing it in the refrig. Irish