[House] Ordering refills from Optum Rx

[kj Cottrell]

I agree that starting something new while I am away is not ideal, so if she
has enough to get her thru until March, that's perfect.  I went ahead and
sent in the prescription for Focalin XR 15mg (which should default to the
generic, dexmethylphenidate ER), to Walgreens for a 30d supply.  I agree
that makes the most sense with a new medication, just wanted to double
check. They will hold on to it for a while, though you may get a call that
it's ready.
Dexmethylphenidate ER 15mg should be roughly equivalent to Concerta 36mg,
but they are just different enough that it's not exact.  If the
dexmethylphenidate works, but the dose seems off, we can adjust that later.

I'm sorry we're all having to deal with this.

Take care,

-kj



On Thu, Feb 9, 2023 at 10:32 AM Ruth Anne <raladue at digitalkingdom.org>
wrote:

> On Tue, 7 Feb 2023, kj Cottrell wrote:
>
> > There is a national shortage of Concerta and Optum is currently out,
> with no
> > ETA on getting it in stock. As far as I know, there's no clear end point
> to
> > the shortage. Many folks are switching to other options.
> > There are several other forms of long acting methylphenidate we can try
> > switching to.
>
> Thanks for the update and list of alternatives. We currently have
> about 35 days of generic Concerta left, as well as a 30 day supply of
> Ritalin LA that we had for emergencies. We are probably ok while
> you are on vacation. I don't really think that I want to start
> something new while you are gone. Do you disagree?
>
> > Let me know what you'd like to do. Focalin XR makes the most sense to
> me.
> > You may want to check with your insurance to confirm it's covered (there
> is
> > a generic, so it should be).  Also, let me know if you want me to send
> the
> > new rx to Optum, and if you want a 30 or 90 day supply of the new med.
>
>
> I agree about the generic Focalin XR.  dexmethylphenidate
> hydrochloride ER does seem to be on their list of covered medications
> (though we have a high deductable and we pay for it until we meet
> the deductable). However, I don't like to get more than 30 days until
> we know that it works for Kelly, especially since we pay out of pocket
> for it. If you'd like to send a prescription so that we have it
> on hand, that would be great; send it to the Walgreens at 2494 SAN
> BRUNO AVE SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134 as the 30 day cost seems to be the
> same everywhere. Once we determine how K handles it, we can discuss
> where to send the 90-day prescription.
>
> > Optum has the rx for Concerta 36mg, and if they get it in stock, may let
> you
> > know.  If we start something new, she can switch back to Concerta at any
> > time, just *not on the same day*.
>
> Indeed! :)
>
> Thanks again for such detail.
>
> --Ruth Anne
>
> CC'd to other parents
>


-- 
kj Cottrell, MD
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist
Pronouns: she/ her/ hers
*VOICEMAIL *415.355.4470  *FAX *415.276.4551
*EMAIL * kj at drkjc.com


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