How Do I Pick Up Narcotic Meds After Surgery?
February 13, 2025 1:15 PM Subscribe
I live alone and am planning to get laparoscopic hernia surgery next month. I live a small block from the hospital and a small block from my supermarket pharmacy. The hospital says they should be able to help me out with someone to walk me home, but they do not have a pharmacy on-site. So how do I pick up narcotic meds from my supermarket pharmacy: do I just have to go stand in line, 2hrs after surgery? I've never done this before: is that do-able?
You are not the only person who has even been in this situation. Make some calls now and you can get this sorted.
First, talk to your surgeon/care team and tell them the situation. I think it's likely they can to send the prescription to your pharmacy so that you can pick it up the day before your procedure so you have the meds on hand when you get home.
If this isn't possible for some reason, go talk to your pharmacy and ask them what kind of delivery options they have. If they don't have any, ask what is required if you arranged a third party - a friend, a person hired on taskrabbit, a courier - to pick up your meds for you.
posted by minervous at 1:22 PM on February 13 [4 favorites]
First, talk to your surgeon/care team and tell them the situation. I think it's likely they can to send the prescription to your pharmacy so that you can pick it up the day before your procedure so you have the meds on hand when you get home.
If this isn't possible for some reason, go talk to your pharmacy and ask them what kind of delivery options they have. If they don't have any, ask what is required if you arranged a third party - a friend, a person hired on taskrabbit, a courier - to pick up your meds for you.
posted by minervous at 1:22 PM on February 13 [4 favorites]
It has been my experience that they will prescribe them a few days before so you can walk there on your own. Ask. Tell doctor you are on your own so need to do some pre surgery logistics
posted by JohnnyGunn at 1:22 PM on February 13 [8 favorites]
posted by JohnnyGunn at 1:22 PM on February 13 [8 favorites]
In NY, narcotics are not deliverable. Not sure where poster lives or the law there if not NY
posted by JohnnyGunn at 1:24 PM on February 13 [1 favorite]
posted by JohnnyGunn at 1:24 PM on February 13 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Sorry: I did ask if they could send the prescription through in advance and they said no. I think that because they're narcotics this adds an extra wrinkle.
posted by 4th Matryoshka Doll at 1:24 PM on February 13
posted by 4th Matryoshka Doll at 1:24 PM on February 13
My experience with the same kind of surgery was in a different state, but indeed it required stopping at the pharmacy on the way home. I strongly recommend having a friend, relative, or even a paid courier take care of it so that you can go directly home and not do any unneeded walking or standing.
posted by jedicus at 1:31 PM on February 13 [7 favorites]
posted by jedicus at 1:31 PM on February 13 [7 favorites]
Call pharmacy and explain. Tell them time you will arrive at pharmacy. Ask if they could have an employee meet you at door, maybe provide a wheelchair to get to pharmacy section, and back out to your car again. Would Uber pickup be a possibility, even though it's a short ride?
posted by Czjewel at 1:47 PM on February 13 [1 favorite]
posted by Czjewel at 1:47 PM on February 13 [1 favorite]
I wish I could remember the specific question, but there has definitely been an AskMe recently where the answer to a similar problem was to contract with a home-care agency for 2-4 hours of a home care assistant's time (not sure of the specific job title). In your case, this person could accompany you home and then go back out to pick up the prescription. If the pharmacy genuinely won't release the prescription to anyone but you, then I suppose the person could accompany you to the pharmacy and then home (using a rented wheelchair if needed).
posted by spamloaf at 2:08 PM on February 13 [1 favorite]
posted by spamloaf at 2:08 PM on February 13 [1 favorite]
I have picked up my friends' post-surgery meds many times, even when they're narcotics. Do you have a friend who can help?
posted by BlahLaLa at 2:14 PM on February 13 [6 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 2:14 PM on February 13 [6 favorites]
I have never been in this situation, as have had a person.
But most hospitals have a pharmacy in house. You should have these before you leave after your surgery. The nurses should be giving these to you before you leave. Call everyone. Complain.
You might have insurance issues, but, you need to take the pain meds.
posted by Windopaene at 2:28 PM on February 13
But most hospitals have a pharmacy in house. You should have these before you leave after your surgery. The nurses should be giving these to you before you leave. Call everyone. Complain.
You might have insurance issues, but, you need to take the pain meds.
posted by Windopaene at 2:28 PM on February 13
Response by poster: Just a quick note in case the question was not clear: the hospital does not have a pharmacy on-site. Thanks!
posted by 4th Matryoshka Doll at 2:36 PM on February 13 [2 favorites]
posted by 4th Matryoshka Doll at 2:36 PM on February 13 [2 favorites]
but they do not have a pharmacy on-site.
Please read the question, OP says they do not have a pharmacy at the hospital.
Call your doctor and ask for help. They might give you pain meds that last a long time right before they release you, so you can get set up and sorted out before they wear off. Your pain might not be so intense, if it’s a very efficient surgery and your body is well suited to the procedure, enough that you can squeak by with a large dose of OTC pain relief before you can pick up the good stuff.
For instance, my most recent kidney stone pain was endurable with a combination of ibuprofen and Tylenol, for the most part, and I only took my narcotics at night so I could get better rest, and once or twice during the day. They gave me a big IV dose of basically ibuprofen before discharging me from the ER and I was fine to pick up my meds at the pharmacy a few hours later, and then I could take whichever combination of pain relief was needed until I passed the stone. Your pain will be much more predictable, so they should be able to more easily solve the problem.
posted by Mizu at 2:37 PM on February 13 [3 favorites]
Please read the question, OP says they do not have a pharmacy at the hospital.
Call your doctor and ask for help. They might give you pain meds that last a long time right before they release you, so you can get set up and sorted out before they wear off. Your pain might not be so intense, if it’s a very efficient surgery and your body is well suited to the procedure, enough that you can squeak by with a large dose of OTC pain relief before you can pick up the good stuff.
For instance, my most recent kidney stone pain was endurable with a combination of ibuprofen and Tylenol, for the most part, and I only took my narcotics at night so I could get better rest, and once or twice during the day. They gave me a big IV dose of basically ibuprofen before discharging me from the ER and I was fine to pick up my meds at the pharmacy a few hours later, and then I could take whichever combination of pain relief was needed until I passed the stone. Your pain will be much more predictable, so they should be able to more easily solve the problem.
posted by Mizu at 2:37 PM on February 13 [3 favorites]
I agree with Mizu. Call someone -- doctor, hospital -- to ask for advice. You are certainly not the first person to be in this situation, and they will be able to outline your options.
I have no idea what kind of condition you'll be in, but they think you're going to be okay to WALK home? If so, would stopping off at the pharmacy with the walking companion be doable?
posted by swheatie at 2:46 PM on February 13 [3 favorites]
I have no idea what kind of condition you'll be in, but they think you're going to be okay to WALK home? If so, would stopping off at the pharmacy with the walking companion be doable?
posted by swheatie at 2:46 PM on February 13 [3 favorites]
Just as an FYI for anyone curious, all hospitals have a pharmacy to verify/dispense meds ordered for patients on site. A retail pharmacy that dispenses meds to consumers for home use is something many hospitals have (since it’s convenient for patients in general and particularly for cases like this) but the rules and regs that govern them and the way insurance pays for the meds are not the same as for regular hospital pharmacies, so setting one up can be complicated.
At my hospital, before we had an on-site retail pharmacy, there was a pharmacy we had an arrangement with to get discharge meds filled and couriered to the patient before discharge (although this was often for compounded meds patients couldn’t get from their local retail pharmacies). You may try asking the hospital if they have anything like this- you would probably need to reach out directly to the hospital/surgery center etc and their staff (try asking for social work or case management) not your surgeon because your surgeon and their staff may not know hospital procedures as well as the actual hospital staff (although try your surgeon’s office too!).
posted by MadamM at 2:48 PM on February 13 [3 favorites]
At my hospital, before we had an on-site retail pharmacy, there was a pharmacy we had an arrangement with to get discharge meds filled and couriered to the patient before discharge (although this was often for compounded meds patients couldn’t get from their local retail pharmacies). You may try asking the hospital if they have anything like this- you would probably need to reach out directly to the hospital/surgery center etc and their staff (try asking for social work or case management) not your surgeon because your surgeon and their staff may not know hospital procedures as well as the actual hospital staff (although try your surgeon’s office too!).
posted by MadamM at 2:48 PM on February 13 [3 favorites]
Mod note: Hi, one comment removed as it advises something that the OP already stated was not possible. Not harm done, but just a reminder that AskMe operates under a stricter Contect Policy where answers have to be relevant to the questions.
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 3:09 PM on February 13 [4 favorites]
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 3:09 PM on February 13 [4 favorites]
After I was sent home from the hospital following surgery I had a friend literally go to the supermarket pharmacy for me, my narcotic prescription in hand. They made him show them a picture of my drivers license (to make sure the name matched the script) but other than that it was pretty straightforward. Which was a necessity - there was absolutely no way I was in any condition to do this myself.
I would definitely try a find a friend, neighbor, or hired care aid to do this for you.
posted by cgg at 3:18 PM on February 13 [2 favorites]
I would definitely try a find a friend, neighbor, or hired care aid to do this for you.
posted by cgg at 3:18 PM on February 13 [2 favorites]
Mod note: One comment removed. Thanks for the suggestion, but OP is unable to get the medications before surgery.
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 6:05 PM on February 13
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 6:05 PM on February 13
Response by poster: OK: I just went to the pharmacy and they said anyone can pick up my prescription on my behalf - they just need my full name and DOB, and their ID, narcotics or not. So now I just need to find an anyone - thanks, everyone!
posted by 4th Matryoshka Doll at 6:34 PM on February 13 [13 favorites]
posted by 4th Matryoshka Doll at 6:34 PM on February 13 [13 favorites]
Golly; what a pain in the ass. As if healthcare couldn't get more unhealthy and stress-inducing.*
The hospital has someone walking you home? Awesome. If you can handle it, take a detour to the pharmacy with them or give them $20 to get the meds; I am sure they will be thankful for the break.
If they can't, I'd reach out to friends or acquaintances--this is one of those times you definitely don't want to ask for help on Facebook. Maybe someone who works at the pharmacy?
* I will say that after day surgery, I did actually have to go to a drugstore the next day to get pain meds. It wasn't fun but I got through it.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:42 AM on February 14 [1 favorite]
The hospital has someone walking you home? Awesome. If you can handle it, take a detour to the pharmacy with them or give them $20 to get the meds; I am sure they will be thankful for the break.
If they can't, I'd reach out to friends or acquaintances--this is one of those times you definitely don't want to ask for help on Facebook. Maybe someone who works at the pharmacy?
* I will say that after day surgery, I did actually have to go to a drugstore the next day to get pain meds. It wasn't fun but I got through it.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:42 AM on February 14 [1 favorite]
My pharmacy is in a local chain grocery and they deliver via Instacart although I don't know if controlled drugs like narcotics are included.
posted by tommasz at 5:04 AM on February 14
posted by tommasz at 5:04 AM on February 14
I also had scheduled surgery and the doctor refused categorically to prescribe meds before the procedure. No exceptions. They don’t want a situation where drugs are misused by the patient or family member pre-op, and don’t want to be asked to replace narcotics if misuse should occur. Total pita! Glad you found a solution and good luck.
posted by citygirl at 11:15 AM on February 16
posted by citygirl at 11:15 AM on February 16
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posted by OnTheLastCastle at 1:20 PM on February 13 [18 favorites]