FYI, I've done a lot of digging into this one. I have a very good friend who is a pharmacist helping me.
There is NO shortage across the country whatsoever on this drug. It's due mainly to lazy pharmacists who can't get it from suppliers/wholesalers.
The reason wholesalers don't stock is it because malaria doesn't exist / is not a true medical issue in the U.S. The manufacturer Novartis claims absolutely no backorder issue.
Pharmacists are not inclined to take time out of their busy days to find a way to get patients a drug most of the time. The answer is this:
Have Novartis 'drop ship' the drug directly to the pharmacy you see. It can get there in 2-3 days. The catch is when pharmacies buy from wholesalers they can return unused stock I believe.
Under a drop ship scenario, the product is the pharmacies so they better be darn sure a patient will actually buy the drug if ordered! They don't like holding useless stock as it's not like Joe Blow comes into Walgreens with malaria much and desperately needs Coartem.
So that's the scoop. Hope it helps someone. All that aside, I hope this drug doesn't kill me when I take it this week!
Posted by jellybean (Member # 16575) on :
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Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Not always true. Not all pharmacists are lazy.
My pharmacy was ordering Coartem directly from the manufacturer. I was able to get it in early Aug but then there was a shortage. They could not get any product from the manufacturer. Then I was able to get a refill last week with no problem.
The pharmacist also asks me how much I think that I will need for the month supply and orders that amount (this is over the phone before I drop the paper RX off to be filled). I never know if my doctor will keep or change my meds after my f/u each month so I don't expect them to order or keep in stock any extras.
If your pharmacy is unwilling to take the time to help you then find another one. Remember you are a customer and you are trusting them with a very important part of your health care.
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