How to prescribe over state lines?

TheresaM · 07-21-2007, 07:06 PM

Hello all: I have a problem I hope someone can help with. I cannot get my general oncologist (the only doc available to me where I am) to prescribe xeloda/tykerb for me because it ceased to work on me before.

However, a stage IV breast cancer specialist/researcher in another state whom I respect much more and whose advice I have been following, thinks xeloda/tykerb are worth another look for me especially because I'm so near death (I am nearly maxed out on the amount of oxygen I'm taking in, will suffocate soon). These two drugs are the only two that ever produced a response in my cancer and xeloda is known to be helpful for lungs especially.

Problem is, my expert onc is not licensed to prescribe in my state. Is there any way to get around this in a legal way? Could she prescribe it to me in her state, as her patient, and then order it through a pharmacy network like procare pharmacies that could ship it to me in my state? Would that solve the licensing problem?

Thanks for any and all advice,
Theresa
PS I actually had a lot of xeloda/tykerb left over when I stopped using it before, and I gave it all away for free to other needy patients! Who would have thought I'd need it again for myself? : )

Becky · 07-21-2007, 07:50 PM

Mail order could work. What would work better is having your onc in Oregon call the Hawaiian onc and confer with him. That doctor might be able to convince the Hawaiian onc to prescibe asap there. It is the quickest way considering I am not even sure the mail order route would work.

Just a thought - if you can get the drugs, you might feel good enough to change treatment to Abraxane (which the Hawaiian doc wants) and it might do the trick.

I hope this helps. I am thinking about you.

hutchibk · 07-22-2007, 12:43 AM

I think Becky is right. Get the two docs talking to each other and have the closest one prescribe it. It is mail ordered anyway no matter who precribes it, it has to be sent from a mail order pharmacy. (well, the Tykerb does, not necessarily the Xeloda)

I am thinking of you and praying for you.

TheresaM · 07-22-2007, 12:44 PM

Thanks all for your suggestions. I know my onc here is unlikely to take call from the out of state doc. He does't return calls, even my urgent ones to get a CT read, for example. I know my out of state doc's assistant already tried by email but no response.

My out of state doc has asked me for the pharm. tel nr. she will have her office register me tomorrow officially as her patient (she's been consulting me by phone for free) then prescribe the drugs thru the local mailorder phar. who will mail to me. keep ur fingers crossed it all works out and most importantly, the drugs help at least for a while cuz Ican hardly breathe today.

T

Becky · 07-22-2007, 01:44 PM

Hang on and try to imagine the cancer making room for air NOW until those drugs come in the mail. I am routing and cheering for you.

We will all pray for you and that time is on your side on this one.

Love and hugs

tousled1 · 07-22-2007, 02:03 PM

Stay strong as it won't be long before you have the drugs. I'm praying that the combo will again help you.

Karen Weixel · 07-22-2007, 07:45 PM

I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for you.

Karen

Vanessa · 07-23-2007, 01:15 PM

You are in my thoughts and prayers, also.

Soccermom · 07-23-2007, 07:35 PM

Me too..praying for you,Theresa..

Mary Jo · 07-23-2007, 07:43 PM

Been thinking about often today, Theresa, and hope things are working out for you.

God Bless,

Mary Jo