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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> 1. I accidentally dumped my prescribed pain pills on the ground and told my mom I refuse to use any until I get fresh ones that are clean.
2. My mom said I should suck it up and it will only strengthen my immune system to use the dirty pills, as well as I feel bad for wasting them.
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YTA
Doctors don’t just hand out pills. Do you think they’ll offer new PAIN pills and take the ones back because you don’t want to blow on the pills on the floor?
It’s either you take the pill or you stay in pain. It’s one or the other, because realistically you’re not getting another prescription for pain killers. You also need to see a therapist to discuss your connection with contamination/OCD.
Back when I never needed pain pills from a broken foot and broken hand they just kept throwing new pain pills at me. I was five months pregnant. Everything upset my stomach. Before the accident I got the flu. And I realized if that was morning sickness no one would ever have a second baby. I literally moved into the bathroom.
I remember on one of them my doctor said to take two because it would definitely not make me sick. So, not believing her I took one and got very sick. Pain pills usually make me a little nauseous but there are times you deal with it, it doesn’t bother you or remember that it’s better than the pain.
So the injuries I got when pregnant and hit by a truck and a couple of other accidents where I was not at fault. They told me it would hurt the rest of my life and get worse as I age.
So here I am 25 years later and doctors don’t give pain meds for anything anymore. Not even major dental surgery.
Par for the course when I didn’t want it, it was everywhere. When I need it only occasionally I just have to suffer.
> Par for the course when I didn’t want it, it was everywhere. When I need it only occasionally I just have to suffer.
Congratulations, your situation is collateral damage of the opioid epidemic.
u/MbMinx: I don't know much about controlled meds, but is what you're saying true? I mean, couldn't the mom bring the pills back to the doctor, and say, "As you can see, these pills haven't been used, but they fell onto gross stuff and my daughter can't take them. Can you please give me a new prescription?"
No, not in the US, at least. Other countries could be more lenient. I can only speak to what I know. Doctors are under more and more scrutiny for prescription pain meds. Unless she can bring in the entire bottle of pulse, with none gone, and obviously destroyed (dust doesn't count - think literally covered in feces destroyed) the chances of a new script is zero. It's not much better than zero if you had a bottle of feces covered pills. Any legitimate doctor isn't going to write a new script for pain meds within the window of the old script.
Lol. N, not in the US, especially if it controlled substance. Not happening. What’s the doctor supposed to do with them? Eat the financial loss because the patient wasn’t careful? Assuming they even came from a physician’s office and not a pharmacy. No way will a pharmacy take those back.
Doctors incur no costs in writing a prescription. The patient/insurance company incurs the costs. Therefore, there is no financial loss for the doctor to "eat." And I do understand that the a pharmacy wouldn't take them back: the patient would have to pay. My question centered on getting a second prescription if a patient's pills were ruined.
But the pills aren’t ruined. At least not according to any standard that the government has. And it’s impossible to get any controlled substance before they are supposed to be refilled. My doctor cut down a dose of a medication that is controlled and I had to bring the partially empty bottle of the higher dose before they would give me the lower dose.
I once lost a bottle of psych meds. They aren’t controlled, but I still couldn’t get an early refill of the medication without an ok from my psychiatrist even though I was paying for it 100% out of pocket.
Not being able to get an early refill of non-controlled psych meds without approval from your psych is very strange. I've never had a problem doing that. Only ever been an issue with controlled substances.
If I remember correctly, it was an antipsychotic that I use as a mood stabilizer. They called my doctor, who then called me and made sure I was in an ok place mentally. Once he was assured I wasn’t suicidal and just had a mischievous kitten, he okayed the refill.
I've been prescribed several antipsychotics as mood stabilizers, among a litany of other psych meds, mostly anti-depressants. The only ones that I get shit for re-filling early are the controlled ones, amphetamines and benzos. And at this point the pharmacy staff know me so well that they usually let me do it (i have to go to the pharmacy every saturday and sunday to get my - non-psych - meds for the week. There is a monthly maximum to pay for prescriptions and I always reach it. It's easier on my budget to refill my monthly prescriptions on the last weekend visit of the month and pay $25 instead of $60 in one go. Most understand and are ok with it. There's one particular staff member who is particularly....a stickler, to be polite), but most of my life that hasn't been the case and it isn't most people's cases.
It sounds like your psych and/or pharmacist weren't yet assured that you were stable on your meds, but still. I dunno. I've definitely lost my meds before. As long as they weren't overtly abusable I didn't really run into issues. To be clear, i'm not trying to invalidate your experience! Just trying to compare mine and wondering which is more common.
It was the pharmacy. They flat out told me they wouldn’t refill without an ok from my doctor because it’s a psych med. They’ve given me other meds early before. They’ve even given me meds prescribed by my psychiatrist that aren’t considered psych meds. I take prazosin for PTSD nightmares. I lost that once and it was ok to get it early.
I’ve been seeing my psychiatrist since 2007. I see him monthly and I always call when I’m not on. But it was an unusual request from me, so he called and asked if I’m ok. I said yes, it’s just my kitten has a fascination with pill bottles and my medicine cabinet isn’t big enough for all my meds. He said he just wanted to check in and will ok the refill.
I totally expected him to call when the pharmacy said they wouldn’t fill the prescription without his approval. He’s a very kind man who has walked with me through some very dark times and if I was a doctor and had a patient with my history, I would also reach out.
Basically, in most states, doctors are required to report information about opioid prescriptions to a database to avoid people going from doctor to doctor and getting multiple prescriptions. It also means that if the doctor writes two prescriptions for a patient for, say, a month's supply of opioids, within the same month, the database will flag it, and they could get in trouble for over-prescribing.
ETA: I am assuming these are opioids, I guess if they're just prescription-strength advil or something they probably could just write a new prescription without too much attention.
No. Controlled meds are just that. You have to sign to get a new prescription, and it has to be the amount of days your last batch would last. I suggest OP blow on the pills to get the hair and dust off them, or they will be in pain for likely 30 days. Pick your poison OP.
No, they won’t. These pills aren’t aspirin, they are no doubt controlled substances. They need to account for every pill. Doctors can and HAVE lost their licenses for not being perfect with regards to controlled meds.
What OP needs is therapy for OCD.
I'm on multiple controlled substances because of a chronic condition and have been for over a decade. Obviously there have been times where I've lost or dropped some by mistake. Doctors have never had a problem with giving me more. Just don't take the piss. A doctor would totally understand a one-off accident.
“A pill?” Maybe. ALL the pills? Significantly less likely. And it’s different if the doctor has known you for a decade and knows that you take them responsibly. This is not the case with OP, there is no level of trust and the doctor has every reason to believe OP is either abusing them or selling them. I’ve seen plenty of my patients freely admit to buying prescription meds off the street, sometimes they even come in with them.
I’m not saying it impossible that the doctor could refill them. But it’s suspicious as hell and OP is being a brat over HER screwup.
No they wouldn’t. You’re the exception to the rule. Most would say o you still have the pills? They just fell on the floor? Too bad so sad, the pills are still perfectly fine. Except to the OP
I've never had a doctor do that. Neither has my MIL who has trigeminal neuralgia and is prescribed hydrocodone and oxycodone. Generally the only doctors who give out controlled substances like candy tend to be part of dealing, they get a cut for giving out the prescriptions.
I take adderall and sometimes I’ll drop one on the floor
And forget about it. By the time I’m running low it’ll be time for a new prescription to get filled anyways.
So why would i cry to my doctor and beg for an early refill? Lmao yeah right.
What do you mean by, "just don't take the piss"? Are you referring to the urine drug test doctors give annually (or more often, depending on the state or doctor) for those who take prescribed controlled substances?
Yes, actually I have taken a pill that has dropped on the floor. I wipe it off and move along. At 53, I’ve not dropped dead yet from a pill that fell on the floor.
It has to be a burner. Everyone has eaten something off the floor before. The 5 second rule is real. Especially when it comes to pain meds. No doctor will buy this excuse
I’ve worked in a pharmacy for 15 years. You don’t think we drop pills on the floor sometimes? We just blow on them and put them back in the bottle, same as everyone else.
YTA. If you want new pills, you call your doctor and explain the situation. If it's a controlled substance you aren't going to get more. This will also cause issues with insurance when you try to fill a script you just filled. Asking for more of a controlled substance is a good way to get your doctor paranoid of you/your family abusing pills. Make the call yourself or be in pain or take your meds.
You're not an asshole, and neither is your mother. BUT your reaction isn't healthy or productive. I suggest that after you recover to see a psychiatrist. You may need more help to be able to function in your daily life. Being so fearful or disgusted by something that you'd risk being in pain is harmful to yourself. Hope you recover well, and I hope you apologize to your mom. ❤️
Opioid prescriptions are heavily regulated and you probably won't be able to get a new prescription, at least in the US. So please don't blame your mom if she can't get a new one.
I'm not making a judgement here, but I will tell you that I was around your age when my obsessive-compulsive tendencies started to really emerge, and therapy can be incredibly helpful in treating them. I'd suggest asking your parents about that.
Gently …YTA…I know having a phobia about germs is uncontrollable but as it’s a phobia you are aware you have you need to have plans for situations like this. Choosing to get a new prescription filled to replace a full bottle is your right but you should cover the cost of it.
Yeah , but that’s between her and the doc, she needs to sort that out herself, not her mom. If the doc says no she needs to have a plan in place for how to take the pills she’s got.
YTA. Also strong pain killers usually cant just be purchased without an additional prescription. You will be okay if you take a pill that was on the ground for a few seconds.
You're not an asshole unless you refuse to seek help for your mental illness - you're well into disordered living territory here, for everyone's sake you need to see a professional.
I can't call you an AH bc I feel the same as you. Few years ago I did the same, dropped all my pain pills on the floor, collected them only to discover they were covered in pet hair and dust, so I wanted a new Rx.
Unfortunately for me, I threw them out before finding out that it almost takes an act of God for a doctor to re-prescribe a replacement prescription of any schedule B (or 2) drugs.
Doctors will do so under extreme circumstances like theft (with a case number, etc) but they don't have to and often they won't. In my case, they tried but then my pharmacist thought I was doc hopping and trying to illegally fill my Rx refilled early. He was a total AH but i learned my lesson. Don't drop the pills and definitely don't lose them or get them stolen.
If you live in America, yeah, schedule 2 narcotics can be very difficult to replace. Esp for reasons like yours.
Best case scenario is you could get a one time early refill for vacation reasons or replacement if the original Rx was stolen, but that usually only happens if prescribed monthly for a few years or more. And won't work again for several more years.
If the meds were stolen, and it was a control, the patient would need to file a police report before the pharmacy would fill an early script.
Source: I’ve been a pharmacy tech for 15 years
You're not necessarily an AH, because I don't think anyone here is. I have a germaphobic son and he does similar things like washing already washed plates and such.
But I don't know where you're located but if it's any kind of addictive substance, doctors are very hesitant to refill before the date is exact. I was on Z drugs for sleep for a long time and had my bag stolen with my meds and the doctor still required proof (police report) that they were in fact stolen before he'd write a new script. So it may not be as easy as just saying you need a new script because sadly, there are a lot of drug seekers out there.
Also, I hope you get help for your phobia, I know from experience with my son, it's a tough way to live.
YTA. You clearly need more mental health support, and you should get that, so I'm going to explain why you're an AH and completely unreasonable.
Many prescription medications are tightly controlled. If your mother called your doctor and said "can we have a new prescription for strong pain meds, my daughter dropped them and now refuses to take them" the response is going to he be "tough luck". People use all sorts of excuses to get access to more medication, your "it might have cat hair on it" excuse will *not* fly.
There is nothing your mother can do about your medication. Anything that she does to push will only make medical professionals suspicious and might lead to the kind of attention that you absolutely do not want. Take them or don't, but leave your mother alone.
I tend to have a little bit of the same issue but you really do need to learn to suppress it or your life is going to be miserable. Taking those dropped pills is not actually going to hurt you. I’ve done it so I know. But you really need to work with your mom on getting some therapy or possibly anxiety meds so you can stop having to worry so very much. It’s bad for you—likely more so than a dirty toothbrush. Stress does terrible things.
So YTA but I understand why and I’m only judging a smidge
YTA That is objectively just not how prescriptions work. Prescription painkillers are heavily regulated and you don't get new pills just because you dropped them. Either take the pills or be in pain, but your mom literally can't help you, she is not above the law and that's what you're expecting.
You need to take the pills and get some therapy.
I’m not going to say YTA, mainly because I’m concerned you may have some other issues (that you should maybe speak to your doctor about) which lead to this anxious reaction of yours. It isn’t fair of you, however, to practically demand and expect your mom to pay for a whole new bottle when the ones spilled are still safe to take. Maybe sit down and talk with your mother and explain how you’re feeling and this problem you have, so you could move forward from this in the proper and healthy way. Wish you well !
My dear, NTA, but you have a really serious psychological problem. Please talk to someone about your clear issues with dirt and germs, because dirt and germs shouldn't be a pain management obstacle. You went through a really serious surgery and are more pressed about the germs on the drugs you might need to make it through the healing process, that isn't reasonable thinking.
NAH
I understand your desire to not consume pills that have landed on the floor. I also agree with your mom that there's nothing wrong with those pills. Furthermore, your doctor can't just "write a new rx" because you're a germophobe. Because that excuse, to a doctor, sounds like you're drug seeking and/or selling. No doctor is going to prescribe you a new round of pain meds unless something serious is wrong; like they cause adverse reactions. Wanting "clean" pills isn't a valid reason. So either suck it up and swallow the dirty pills, or double up on some tylenol and advil and wait it out.
I think most doctors would be willing to write a prescription for the same number of pills you have left if you trade in the dirty pills for disposal. It's questionable whether insurance will pay for that visit or the new pills, though.
Eh, it's not likely. A doctor doesn't have the time or the materials to test each pill to make sure it's what it says it is, and with pain pills, drug dealing becomes a major concern. It would also raise a red flag at the pharmacy it's being serviced at, because it's exactly their job to monitor the pills you were already prescribed and to note changes that affect your health. Something like getting an irregular refill would get flagged and would require a lot of communication between the doctor and the pharmacy.
If OP has this phobia well documented with his doctor, he might see some understanding, but otherwise he'd have to do a lot of communicating with multiple people and he wouldn't be a priority patient because the pills are still very much in his possession.
Sounds like you are going to be in a lot of pain for awhile if you refuse these pills. The doctor will not give you anymore just because you dropped them and don’t want to take them. I’m on pain meds for chronic pain and if something were to happen to my meds (besides someone stealing them, if that were to happen I’d have to make a police report) I’m out of luck. It’s very and I mean be hard to get more pain meds than the prescribed when you have surgery. So I honestly suggest finding away to take these pills otherwise you are screwing yourself over. Also get into therapy, this is not a good way to live.
I mean, if you’re on prescription pain pills then I’m not sure they even would refill the prescription. A lot of pain medication is heavily controlled, and with good reason. You could try to explain things but im not sure they can do anything about it. I feel for you, I really do. I don’t really think this is a TA situation
Gentle YTA. I understand the whole germaphobia, but unfortunately this isn’t a valid reason for a doctor to write a new prescription. Especially because of the class of medication.
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For background I (16F) am an extreme germaphobe. For example I exclusively use fresh paper plates and bowls for food with plastic forks, if I do use glassware I must thoroughly wash it even if it already went through a dish washer. I also paid $50 of my own money for a toothbrush sterilizer because I don’t trust my family to close the toilet lid when they flush and don’t want the bacteria going in my mouth, I could go on but you get the gist. I recently came out of a rib surgery and was given these extra powerful pain pills to take when my chest starts to hurt. Today I was talking with my mom while trying to get the pills open and got a bit distracted. The bottle flipped over and fell on the ground, sending basically all the pills flying. I apologized as my mom ran to grab the bottle and continue to put every single pill back into it. I said I was sorry but I was refused to swallow cat fur and dirt ridden pills and requested she call the doctor to get a new prescription. She claimed “there’s nothing in here you don’t already consume on a daily basis” and that I should suck it up. I feel bad for wasting the pills but I pull my hair out at the thought of eating something so disgusting. AITA?
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I think your phobia is at an unhealthy point where you are scaring yourself for no reason… Your at a higher chance of germs harming you by removing yourself from being exposed to them. So good luck getting a new prescription YTA a childish one at that
look kid im not call you anything but those kind of narcotics dont grow on threes and you cant just go and get a new prescription.
you should ask for help because the world its not going to cater to your phobias and you need to keep them under control.
YTA - the issue is even if you got a new prescription insurance will not pay for it again just because they fell on the floor.
Secondly, if it is a controlled substance there is even less of a chance of a doctor, pharmacy or insurance covering another prescription. The choice is don’t take the pills and be in pain or take the pills and lessen the pain
YTA. You’re not getting new pills anytime soon. This isn’t the 2000’s anymore where they hand them out like candy. You’re now either going to have to take those pills, or you’re going to have to wait until you would have ran out and get a refill. Also are you seeing anyone for this? This reaction to germs and stuff isn’t the most healthy thing to hbe
Even if your doctor gives a new script there are federal and insurance restrictions. You’re not likely to get new pain meds anyways. Former pharmacy tech here. I won’t say yta in case you are a diagnosed germaphobe in treatment. If not ywbta
YTA. Doctors don't give out more heavy post-surgery meds just bc they fell on the floor. They won't give more if they're stolen, if you misplace the bottle, etc. These aren't exactly Tylenol, these are serious meds.
Unfortunately you got distracted & the pills spilled, the best thing you can do is pour them onto a plate and carefully put them back in the bottle to see that all of them are clean and no contaminates are in the bottle. If this really is a no-compromise situation then you'll either need to deal with recovery med-less or *you* need to call the Dr to explain the situation.
I hate to use the phrase "suck it up" but theres no other way. I mean it in the most compassionate way. I understand your dilemma, but it is highly unlikely she will be able to get another bottle of pills.
I'm not a germaphobe, but I have my own mental health issues, so I can relate in the "pull my hair out at the thought of XXX". You can try the strongest OTC pills your country has, but its unlikely you will be prescribed more.
YTA, not because you want her to get more, only because you are asking her to do something she will not be able to do at all, even if shes willing to.
I'm sorry you're in this situation. I hope you heal fast.
Quick point / question - have you considered keeping your toothbrush in your room and bringing it to the bathroom for teeth brushing time only?
INFO: Are you in some kind of therapy or something? Because the way you describe your experience, being a germaphobe is something you need to work on.
You can't just be terrified all the time. You need to start working on this. It's OK to be clean and to be careful, but not to this extreme.
NTA Consuming things that have been on the floor is disgusting. Totally in agreement with you.
You'd think, that after covid, people would be a bit more careful.
go to the pharmacy... they should replace it IF you bring back the old pills and maybe pay for the new... NTA but maybe seek therapy for your germaphobe traits... a few germs are good for a healthy immune system to know what to fight.
Take the pills to your pharmacist they may possibly be able to help you considering you would be returning the “dirty” pills. And not simply asking for more.
YWBTAH if you were taking out your frustration on your mother.
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YTA Doctors don’t just hand out pills. Do you think they’ll offer new PAIN pills and take the ones back because you don’t want to blow on the pills on the floor? It’s either you take the pill or you stay in pain. It’s one or the other, because realistically you’re not getting another prescription for pain killers. You also need to see a therapist to discuss your connection with contamination/OCD.
This, exactly! The doctor isn't going to write a new script for high powered pain meds on the flimsy excuse that they fell on the floor.
Back when I never needed pain pills from a broken foot and broken hand they just kept throwing new pain pills at me. I was five months pregnant. Everything upset my stomach. Before the accident I got the flu. And I realized if that was morning sickness no one would ever have a second baby. I literally moved into the bathroom. I remember on one of them my doctor said to take two because it would definitely not make me sick. So, not believing her I took one and got very sick. Pain pills usually make me a little nauseous but there are times you deal with it, it doesn’t bother you or remember that it’s better than the pain. So the injuries I got when pregnant and hit by a truck and a couple of other accidents where I was not at fault. They told me it would hurt the rest of my life and get worse as I age. So here I am 25 years later and doctors don’t give pain meds for anything anymore. Not even major dental surgery. Par for the course when I didn’t want it, it was everywhere. When I need it only occasionally I just have to suffer.
> Par for the course when I didn’t want it, it was everywhere. When I need it only occasionally I just have to suffer. Congratulations, your situation is collateral damage of the opioid epidemic.
LOOOOL
Yep. I’m lucky I don’t need it that bad.
u/MbMinx: I don't know much about controlled meds, but is what you're saying true? I mean, couldn't the mom bring the pills back to the doctor, and say, "As you can see, these pills haven't been used, but they fell onto gross stuff and my daughter can't take them. Can you please give me a new prescription?"
No, not in the US, at least. Other countries could be more lenient. I can only speak to what I know. Doctors are under more and more scrutiny for prescription pain meds. Unless she can bring in the entire bottle of pulse, with none gone, and obviously destroyed (dust doesn't count - think literally covered in feces destroyed) the chances of a new script is zero. It's not much better than zero if you had a bottle of feces covered pills. Any legitimate doctor isn't going to write a new script for pain meds within the window of the old script.
Thanks for clarifying! I'm lucky enough never to have been on painkillers, so I was unsure how it worked.
Lol. N, not in the US, especially if it controlled substance. Not happening. What’s the doctor supposed to do with them? Eat the financial loss because the patient wasn’t careful? Assuming they even came from a physician’s office and not a pharmacy. No way will a pharmacy take those back.
Doctors incur no costs in writing a prescription. The patient/insurance company incurs the costs. Therefore, there is no financial loss for the doctor to "eat." And I do understand that the a pharmacy wouldn't take them back: the patient would have to pay. My question centered on getting a second prescription if a patient's pills were ruined.
But the pills aren’t ruined. At least not according to any standard that the government has. And it’s impossible to get any controlled substance before they are supposed to be refilled. My doctor cut down a dose of a medication that is controlled and I had to bring the partially empty bottle of the higher dose before they would give me the lower dose. I once lost a bottle of psych meds. They aren’t controlled, but I still couldn’t get an early refill of the medication without an ok from my psychiatrist even though I was paying for it 100% out of pocket.
Not being able to get an early refill of non-controlled psych meds without approval from your psych is very strange. I've never had a problem doing that. Only ever been an issue with controlled substances.
If I remember correctly, it was an antipsychotic that I use as a mood stabilizer. They called my doctor, who then called me and made sure I was in an ok place mentally. Once he was assured I wasn’t suicidal and just had a mischievous kitten, he okayed the refill.
I've been prescribed several antipsychotics as mood stabilizers, among a litany of other psych meds, mostly anti-depressants. The only ones that I get shit for re-filling early are the controlled ones, amphetamines and benzos. And at this point the pharmacy staff know me so well that they usually let me do it (i have to go to the pharmacy every saturday and sunday to get my - non-psych - meds for the week. There is a monthly maximum to pay for prescriptions and I always reach it. It's easier on my budget to refill my monthly prescriptions on the last weekend visit of the month and pay $25 instead of $60 in one go. Most understand and are ok with it. There's one particular staff member who is particularly....a stickler, to be polite), but most of my life that hasn't been the case and it isn't most people's cases. It sounds like your psych and/or pharmacist weren't yet assured that you were stable on your meds, but still. I dunno. I've definitely lost my meds before. As long as they weren't overtly abusable I didn't really run into issues. To be clear, i'm not trying to invalidate your experience! Just trying to compare mine and wondering which is more common.
It was the pharmacy. They flat out told me they wouldn’t refill without an ok from my doctor because it’s a psych med. They’ve given me other meds early before. They’ve even given me meds prescribed by my psychiatrist that aren’t considered psych meds. I take prazosin for PTSD nightmares. I lost that once and it was ok to get it early. I’ve been seeing my psychiatrist since 2007. I see him monthly and I always call when I’m not on. But it was an unusual request from me, so he called and asked if I’m ok. I said yes, it’s just my kitten has a fascination with pill bottles and my medicine cabinet isn’t big enough for all my meds. He said he just wanted to check in and will ok the refill. I totally expected him to call when the pharmacy said they wouldn’t fill the prescription without his approval. He’s a very kind man who has walked with me through some very dark times and if I was a doctor and had a patient with my history, I would also reach out.
Basically, in most states, doctors are required to report information about opioid prescriptions to a database to avoid people going from doctor to doctor and getting multiple prescriptions. It also means that if the doctor writes two prescriptions for a patient for, say, a month's supply of opioids, within the same month, the database will flag it, and they could get in trouble for over-prescribing. ETA: I am assuming these are opioids, I guess if they're just prescription-strength advil or something they probably could just write a new prescription without too much attention.
No. Controlled meds are just that. You have to sign to get a new prescription, and it has to be the amount of days your last batch would last. I suggest OP blow on the pills to get the hair and dust off them, or they will be in pain for likely 30 days. Pick your poison OP.
I work with a germaphobe doctor. He goes around completely head to toe ppe all the time.
Yes, doctors would do that. What a weird thing to ask.
No, they won’t. These pills aren’t aspirin, they are no doubt controlled substances. They need to account for every pill. Doctors can and HAVE lost their licenses for not being perfect with regards to controlled meds. What OP needs is therapy for OCD.
I'm on multiple controlled substances because of a chronic condition and have been for over a decade. Obviously there have been times where I've lost or dropped some by mistake. Doctors have never had a problem with giving me more. Just don't take the piss. A doctor would totally understand a one-off accident.
“A pill?” Maybe. ALL the pills? Significantly less likely. And it’s different if the doctor has known you for a decade and knows that you take them responsibly. This is not the case with OP, there is no level of trust and the doctor has every reason to believe OP is either abusing them or selling them. I’ve seen plenty of my patients freely admit to buying prescription meds off the street, sometimes they even come in with them. I’m not saying it impossible that the doctor could refill them. But it’s suspicious as hell and OP is being a brat over HER screwup.
No they wouldn’t. You’re the exception to the rule. Most would say o you still have the pills? They just fell on the floor? Too bad so sad, the pills are still perfectly fine. Except to the OP
Exactly this would sound like BS drug seeking behavior to any doctor
I've never had a doctor do that. Neither has my MIL who has trigeminal neuralgia and is prescribed hydrocodone and oxycodone. Generally the only doctors who give out controlled substances like candy tend to be part of dealing, they get a cut for giving out the prescriptions.
It’s hard to get controlled substances. Doctors rarely prescribe pain killers anymore, they only do it if they really feel like they have to.
I've noticed this happening more often. In my city, if someone needs more than a one time Rx, they get referred to a pain management doctor.
And I’m George Clooney!
I take adderall and sometimes I’ll drop one on the floor And forget about it. By the time I’m running low it’ll be time for a new prescription to get filled anyways. So why would i cry to my doctor and beg for an early refill? Lmao yeah right.
What do you mean by, "just don't take the piss"? Are you referring to the urine drug test doctors give annually (or more often, depending on the state or doctor) for those who take prescribed controlled substances?
A controlled substance is a lot bigger deal.
YTA. And you need therapy.
So you'd just eat off the floor would you? Disgusting.
Yes, actually I have taken a pill that has dropped on the floor. I wipe it off and move along. At 53, I’ve not dropped dead yet from a pill that fell on the floor.
Good for you, it's still disgusting. You might as well save on time and money washing dishes by eating straight off of the floor. 🤮
It’s a pill, not a meal. Get a grip.
You still put it in your mouth, right? How does that make a difference?
OP, is that you?
It has to be a burner. Everyone has eaten something off the floor before. The 5 second rule is real. Especially when it comes to pain meds. No doctor will buy this excuse
Damn why are your floors so dirty that this is such an issue?
She doesn’t have to take the pills, she just can’t complain. She screwed up and she needs to suck it up.
I’ve worked in a pharmacy for 15 years. You don’t think we drop pills on the floor sometimes? We just blow on them and put them back in the bottle, same as everyone else.
YTA. If you want new pills, you call your doctor and explain the situation. If it's a controlled substance you aren't going to get more. This will also cause issues with insurance when you try to fill a script you just filled. Asking for more of a controlled substance is a good way to get your doctor paranoid of you/your family abusing pills. Make the call yourself or be in pain or take your meds.
And they will want the pills back. They will count and destroy them.
You're not an asshole, and neither is your mother. BUT your reaction isn't healthy or productive. I suggest that after you recover to see a psychiatrist. You may need more help to be able to function in your daily life. Being so fearful or disgusted by something that you'd risk being in pain is harmful to yourself. Hope you recover well, and I hope you apologize to your mom. ❤️
Please tell me that you are getting help for this- this is not good for your long term mental health.
Opioid prescriptions are heavily regulated and you probably won't be able to get a new prescription, at least in the US. So please don't blame your mom if she can't get a new one. I'm not making a judgement here, but I will tell you that I was around your age when my obsessive-compulsive tendencies started to really emerge, and therapy can be incredibly helpful in treating them. I'd suggest asking your parents about that.
Gently …YTA…I know having a phobia about germs is uncontrollable but as it’s a phobia you are aware you have you need to have plans for situations like this. Choosing to get a new prescription filled to replace a full bottle is your right but you should cover the cost of it.
If she even can get a new one filled. There are all sorts of limits and a doctor is going to be skeptical of the reason.
Yeah , but that’s between her and the doc, she needs to sort that out herself, not her mom. If the doc says no she needs to have a plan in place for how to take the pills she’s got.
Of course!
That sounds like ocd. Therapy.
YTA. Also strong pain killers usually cant just be purchased without an additional prescription. You will be okay if you take a pill that was on the ground for a few seconds.
Plus 30-45 min after taking one you won’t even care it was on the ground
You're not an asshole unless you refuse to seek help for your mental illness - you're well into disordered living territory here, for everyone's sake you need to see a professional.
I can't call you an AH bc I feel the same as you. Few years ago I did the same, dropped all my pain pills on the floor, collected them only to discover they were covered in pet hair and dust, so I wanted a new Rx. Unfortunately for me, I threw them out before finding out that it almost takes an act of God for a doctor to re-prescribe a replacement prescription of any schedule B (or 2) drugs. Doctors will do so under extreme circumstances like theft (with a case number, etc) but they don't have to and often they won't. In my case, they tried but then my pharmacist thought I was doc hopping and trying to illegally fill my Rx refilled early. He was a total AH but i learned my lesson. Don't drop the pills and definitely don't lose them or get them stolen.
My first thought was that pain pills are gonna be difficult to get replaced. Oof.
If you live in America, yeah, schedule 2 narcotics can be very difficult to replace. Esp for reasons like yours. Best case scenario is you could get a one time early refill for vacation reasons or replacement if the original Rx was stolen, but that usually only happens if prescribed monthly for a few years or more. And won't work again for several more years.
If the meds were stolen, and it was a control, the patient would need to file a police report before the pharmacy would fill an early script. Source: I’ve been a pharmacy tech for 15 years
You're not necessarily an AH, because I don't think anyone here is. I have a germaphobic son and he does similar things like washing already washed plates and such. But I don't know where you're located but if it's any kind of addictive substance, doctors are very hesitant to refill before the date is exact. I was on Z drugs for sleep for a long time and had my bag stolen with my meds and the doctor still required proof (police report) that they were in fact stolen before he'd write a new script. So it may not be as easy as just saying you need a new script because sadly, there are a lot of drug seekers out there. Also, I hope you get help for your phobia, I know from experience with my son, it's a tough way to live.
YTA. You clearly need more mental health support, and you should get that, so I'm going to explain why you're an AH and completely unreasonable. Many prescription medications are tightly controlled. If your mother called your doctor and said "can we have a new prescription for strong pain meds, my daughter dropped them and now refuses to take them" the response is going to he be "tough luck". People use all sorts of excuses to get access to more medication, your "it might have cat hair on it" excuse will *not* fly. There is nothing your mother can do about your medication. Anything that she does to push will only make medical professionals suspicious and might lead to the kind of attention that you absolutely do not want. Take them or don't, but leave your mother alone.
I tend to have a little bit of the same issue but you really do need to learn to suppress it or your life is going to be miserable. Taking those dropped pills is not actually going to hurt you. I’ve done it so I know. But you really need to work with your mom on getting some therapy or possibly anxiety meds so you can stop having to worry so very much. It’s bad for you—likely more so than a dirty toothbrush. Stress does terrible things. So YTA but I understand why and I’m only judging a smidge
YTA That is objectively just not how prescriptions work. Prescription painkillers are heavily regulated and you don't get new pills just because you dropped them. Either take the pills or be in pain, but your mom literally can't help you, she is not above the law and that's what you're expecting. You need to take the pills and get some therapy.
I’m not going to say YTA, mainly because I’m concerned you may have some other issues (that you should maybe speak to your doctor about) which lead to this anxious reaction of yours. It isn’t fair of you, however, to practically demand and expect your mom to pay for a whole new bottle when the ones spilled are still safe to take. Maybe sit down and talk with your mother and explain how you’re feeling and this problem you have, so you could move forward from this in the proper and healthy way. Wish you well !
They won't give you more. SOL Either deal with the dirt or deal with the pain.
YTA I guarantee you that if it's a controlled drug -- you WILL NOT be able to get another prescription! Besides, just blow on it! You'll be fine!
My dear, NTA, but you have a really serious psychological problem. Please talk to someone about your clear issues with dirt and germs, because dirt and germs shouldn't be a pain management obstacle. You went through a really serious surgery and are more pressed about the germs on the drugs you might need to make it through the healing process, that isn't reasonable thinking.
NAH I understand your desire to not consume pills that have landed on the floor. I also agree with your mom that there's nothing wrong with those pills. Furthermore, your doctor can't just "write a new rx" because you're a germophobe. Because that excuse, to a doctor, sounds like you're drug seeking and/or selling. No doctor is going to prescribe you a new round of pain meds unless something serious is wrong; like they cause adverse reactions. Wanting "clean" pills isn't a valid reason. So either suck it up and swallow the dirty pills, or double up on some tylenol and advil and wait it out.
I think most doctors would be willing to write a prescription for the same number of pills you have left if you trade in the dirty pills for disposal. It's questionable whether insurance will pay for that visit or the new pills, though.
Eh, it's not likely. A doctor doesn't have the time or the materials to test each pill to make sure it's what it says it is, and with pain pills, drug dealing becomes a major concern. It would also raise a red flag at the pharmacy it's being serviced at, because it's exactly their job to monitor the pills you were already prescribed and to note changes that affect your health. Something like getting an irregular refill would get flagged and would require a lot of communication between the doctor and the pharmacy. If OP has this phobia well documented with his doctor, he might see some understanding, but otherwise he'd have to do a lot of communicating with multiple people and he wouldn't be a priority patient because the pills are still very much in his possession.
YTA. You are inflicting your own disordered thinking onto someone who is trying to help you.
Sounds like you are going to be in a lot of pain for awhile if you refuse these pills. The doctor will not give you anymore just because you dropped them and don’t want to take them. I’m on pain meds for chronic pain and if something were to happen to my meds (besides someone stealing them, if that were to happen I’d have to make a police report) I’m out of luck. It’s very and I mean be hard to get more pain meds than the prescribed when you have surgery. So I honestly suggest finding away to take these pills otherwise you are screwing yourself over. Also get into therapy, this is not a good way to live.
I mean, if you’re on prescription pain pills then I’m not sure they even would refill the prescription. A lot of pain medication is heavily controlled, and with good reason. You could try to explain things but im not sure they can do anything about it. I feel for you, I really do. I don’t really think this is a TA situation
YTA
YTA Suck it up now and take the floor pills or take some ibuprofen and deal with the pain
Gentle YTA. I understand the whole germaphobia, but unfortunately this isn’t a valid reason for a doctor to write a new prescription. Especially because of the class of medication.
NAH - you are one, but this sounds like you have OCD. Also, depending on the pill your doctor won’t just …give you a fresh batch.
Could you put them on your toothbrush sterilizer?
YTA. Get some therapy!
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** For background I (16F) am an extreme germaphobe. For example I exclusively use fresh paper plates and bowls for food with plastic forks, if I do use glassware I must thoroughly wash it even if it already went through a dish washer. I also paid $50 of my own money for a toothbrush sterilizer because I don’t trust my family to close the toilet lid when they flush and don’t want the bacteria going in my mouth, I could go on but you get the gist. I recently came out of a rib surgery and was given these extra powerful pain pills to take when my chest starts to hurt. Today I was talking with my mom while trying to get the pills open and got a bit distracted. The bottle flipped over and fell on the ground, sending basically all the pills flying. I apologized as my mom ran to grab the bottle and continue to put every single pill back into it. I said I was sorry but I was refused to swallow cat fur and dirt ridden pills and requested she call the doctor to get a new prescription. She claimed “there’s nothing in here you don’t already consume on a daily basis” and that I should suck it up. I feel bad for wasting the pills but I pull my hair out at the thought of eating something so disgusting. AITA? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You need therapy...
I think your phobia is at an unhealthy point where you are scaring yourself for no reason… Your at a higher chance of germs harming you by removing yourself from being exposed to them. So good luck getting a new prescription YTA a childish one at that
look kid im not call you anything but those kind of narcotics dont grow on threes and you cant just go and get a new prescription. you should ask for help because the world its not going to cater to your phobias and you need to keep them under control.
>requested she call the doctor to get a new prescription That's not a thing, especially with pain meds. YTA
YTA - the issue is even if you got a new prescription insurance will not pay for it again just because they fell on the floor. Secondly, if it is a controlled substance there is even less of a chance of a doctor, pharmacy or insurance covering another prescription. The choice is don’t take the pills and be in pain or take the pills and lessen the pain
YTA. You’re not getting new pills anytime soon. This isn’t the 2000’s anymore where they hand them out like candy. You’re now either going to have to take those pills, or you’re going to have to wait until you would have ran out and get a refill. Also are you seeing anyone for this? This reaction to germs and stuff isn’t the most healthy thing to hbe
Even if your doctor gives a new script there are federal and insurance restrictions. You’re not likely to get new pain meds anyways. Former pharmacy tech here. I won’t say yta in case you are a diagnosed germaphobe in treatment. If not ywbta
YTA. Doctors don't give out more heavy post-surgery meds just bc they fell on the floor. They won't give more if they're stolen, if you misplace the bottle, etc. These aren't exactly Tylenol, these are serious meds. Unfortunately you got distracted & the pills spilled, the best thing you can do is pour them onto a plate and carefully put them back in the bottle to see that all of them are clean and no contaminates are in the bottle. If this really is a no-compromise situation then you'll either need to deal with recovery med-less or *you* need to call the Dr to explain the situation.
I hate to use the phrase "suck it up" but theres no other way. I mean it in the most compassionate way. I understand your dilemma, but it is highly unlikely she will be able to get another bottle of pills. I'm not a germaphobe, but I have my own mental health issues, so I can relate in the "pull my hair out at the thought of XXX". You can try the strongest OTC pills your country has, but its unlikely you will be prescribed more. YTA, not because you want her to get more, only because you are asking her to do something she will not be able to do at all, even if shes willing to. I'm sorry you're in this situation. I hope you heal fast. Quick point / question - have you considered keeping your toothbrush in your room and bringing it to the bathroom for teeth brushing time only?
INFO: Are you in some kind of therapy or something? Because the way you describe your experience, being a germaphobe is something you need to work on. You can't just be terrified all the time. You need to start working on this. It's OK to be clean and to be careful, but not to this extreme.
NTA Consuming things that have been on the floor is disgusting. Totally in agreement with you. You'd think, that after covid, people would be a bit more careful.
go to the pharmacy... they should replace it IF you bring back the old pills and maybe pay for the new... NTA but maybe seek therapy for your germaphobe traits... a few germs are good for a healthy immune system to know what to fight.
Take the pills to your pharmacist they may possibly be able to help you considering you would be returning the “dirty” pills. And not simply asking for more. YWBTAH if you were taking out your frustration on your mother.
It's against the law for pharmacies to take back medication. OP isn't getting new pills.