Coumadin shortage

Granbonny · Sep 6, 2006

Don't panic..just telling what happened when I went to pick up my warfarin.I always call for my refill at least 3 days before I need it.when I went in to pick it up. my Pharmacist told me..they only had 27 left...that they had called 5 days before and no shipment.But, sure it would come in tomorrow...I was shocked that they (Eckerd's)Large drugstore would run out.

On the way home, I was thinking. what if anyone was down to their last one today..could they have gone over to another drugstore and got a refill?I'm sure if that had happened the Pharmacist would have worked with them...We have 2 other smaller drugstores.Just surprised when she said, the order had been placed 5 days before.

Could the long 3 day Holiday have had anything to do with it? Bonnie

Ross · Sep 6, 2006

I would think it's just the holiday and timing. I haven't heard of any shortages anywhere as of yet.

ALCapshaw2 · Sep 6, 2006

I use a 90 day mail order provider and place my reorders two to four weeks in advance.

In addition, I was using 3 mg and 1 mg tablets but switched to 3's and 4's so that I only had to take one per day (lower out of pocket cost). That left me with a partial bottle of 1 mg doses for emergency backup.

Many Doctors and Coumadin Clinics have 7 day packets that they will give out for 'emergencies' or as 'starter kits' for their patients.

'AL Capshaw'

Guest · Sep 7, 2006

It was probably the holiday weekend. It is not surprising that a large chain would be low on a drug. One of the ways that they keep prices low is by keeping a minimum amount of product on hand. They replinish their stock "just in time". That way they can have it sold before they have to pay for it.

The rules about transferring prescriptions from one pharmacy to another vary by state and circumstances. (For instance, in Hawaii you cannot transfer prescriptions for controlled drugs like Vicodin from one island to another.) In general, if there is a shortage, you would be able to get it at another pharmacy.

LUVMyBirman · Sep 7, 2006

Hi Bonnie,

I have had issues (small) with a larger chain pharmacy. They would only fill 10 tabs. When mentioning I required the entire RX because I would be away for two weeks.... they magically came up with the rest within an hour. Telling me they were conserving. Low stock. Coumadin is a widely used med....having access should never be an issue. I do feel certain suppliers do not regulate their "inventory" as well as others.