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#21 Happycat

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Posted 15 May 2012 - 08:59 PM

I was thinking about this at work today. When you ship "hazardous materials", DEpt of Transporation regulations come into play, at least for shipping in the US. 

So DOT regs say the hazards must be visible to those involved in the transport and the materials packed ina manner to prevent spills and exposures  Thus, the overpack with the polybag, as a method of secondary containment. Thus, the hazard warning labels on the bag  for the shipping, receiving clerks and drivers.  All this may very well be for the notification of others and not the patient.

I went and looked this up today, and it appears pharmaceuticals are part of those DOT regs. In fact, hospitals are supposed to ship drugs and biologicals in a manner compliant to the regs. I get my gleevec from the hospital pharmacy, and I get it in a FedEx envelope, no hazards on it, no secondary containment. In fact, I kinda doubt FedEx knows what is in there.  So either they don't know the regs,  or the regs have more wiggle room than my brief perusal of them revealed.

Traci



#22 pammartin

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Posted 15 May 2012 - 09:55 PM

Traci,

I see what you are saying and I can understand the concept, but mine comes in the plain brown cardboard box with no markings at all.  It is once you enter the box you hit the mega warning details.  I wonder why they can get away with unmarked (generic porn looking) boxes on the outside.  Oh and since I left myself out there for comment with the plain brown wrapper idea, I have a few ideas for replies.    Just in case



#23 TeddyB

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Posted 16 May 2012 - 03:48 AM

You are all lucky you can get it via mail, i have to go to the local pharmacy and order a new batch, then wait 3-5 days, then go down to the pharmacy again to pick them up



#24 Happycat

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Posted 16 May 2012 - 04:10 AM

It is shipped without marking on purpose, to prevent theft.  Don't want to make it too easy for people to make off with the OxyContin!  The driver should have a manifest with the contents listed and probably some indication of hazard class.

In the US, any DEA- controlled substance (heroin, cocaine, barbiturates - anything that is likely to be a substance of abuse) that is in a public accessible area (shipping dock, mailbox, etc.) can't have the name on it. At work, that means when we manufacture these substances, we can only draw the chemical structure, we can't write the name or even indicate it is DEA controlled. And I work in a locked, alarmed building. In our case, we are essentially "openly hiding" the drugs from the cleaners who come at night.  But this goes directly against hazard communication regs, which state everything in our hoods must have a name and hazard associated with it.

Anyway, the point is, there's a lot of regs involved, and some conflict with each other. This usually means accommodations must be made to somehow satisfy each.

Traci



#25 pammartin

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Posted 16 May 2012 - 10:19 AM

Traci,

I can't imagine how much work goes into the processing and sending out these and other drugs.  I won't revisit the entire story but my first two week trial of Sprycel was stolen off the UPS truck, even in the plain brown wrapper.  I do not believe it was because of the Sprycel, I believe it was because it was from Florida to Pennsylvania, and like you said, it could be something that is great for illegal resell.  Although we laugh and make fun of the packaging, we appreciate all the work that goes into getting us our meds.

Teddy, I have to call at least a week ahead, it takes about 20 minutes to get the order processed, then I have to be here to sign for the delivery.  Some companies allow no signing, but I guess packages have turned up missing when left on the porch, so the long distance pharmacy I have to use because of insurance does not give option for no signature.  Sometimes I would like to be able to visit the local pharmacy for the med, but like you said it would still be a process in the end.



#26 besiscoe

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Posted 16 May 2012 - 12:20 PM

Good reminder, after 5 years I forget that I maybe toxic to the kids in my life.  Thanks, I must be more diligent.  I carry mineurn my purse and I really need to think of a safer way to transport this stuff.



#27 TeddyB

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Posted 16 May 2012 - 01:17 PM

Ah, local pharmacy probably isnt so bad then after all



#28 Guest_billronm_*

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Posted 16 May 2012 - 11:47 PM

Hey Pammie,

   How many packages with a plain brown wrapper do you get a month? My Sprycel comes in an UPS envelope! I wonder what your mailman thinks! You know how those small town rumors get started. Especially since you have made yourself quite noticeable as the crazy lady on steroids. You haven't killed anyone yet have you?  How are you doing? Are your eyes still bulging? Really I do feel bad for you, so far I think you have had just about every side-effect that Sprycel has to offer. When is your next bw?

And where is Judy? Is she doing okay? Tell her I said hi. I hope you all are staying away from the ticks (especially Bob). If he calls you up again for the same reason, make sure he isn't faking it!!!!! Luv Billie



#29 Guest_billronm_*

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Posted 16 May 2012 - 11:53 PM

Hi Phil,

  I thought because of the price of our meds we were supposed to devour everything! I guess I better stop making my famous cardboard casserole.

    I hope you and your family are doing well.       Sincerely Billie



#30 0vercast

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Posted 17 May 2012 - 12:29 AM

I have to get my Gleevec through a mail order specialty pharmacy, and they'll allow delivery of a $9000, 45 pill bottle of Gleevec without a signature.  If it gets stolen from my doorstep because I chose not to have to sign for it, I found out that I'll have to pay for the replacement myself.  Insurance will not cover it unless it's the fault of UPS.

UPS allows us to request that the shipment be kept at the shipping center.  What you need to do is get the tracking number from the pharmacy once the order is shipped, and then contact UPS and ask them to hold onto the package, and that you'd like to pick it up the day after it arrives.  That works better for me because it's hard for me to be at home sometimes during delivery hours because of work.



#31 pammartin

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Posted 17 May 2012 - 07:11 AM

Hi Billie,

I am doctor shopping, when you have a minute email me yours again, can't find the email where you sent me that info.  The angioedema is still present, second round of steroids with little results.  I am convinced the Sprycel is causing the swelling, for some reason most of my side effects are now centered around my head (oh I am just waiting on your comments on that one) .  The red rash that comes and goes is on cheeks, between my eyes, and neck, the red hot left ear that looks like it is going to burn up on occasion, and now the swelling around the eyes.  I have no other fluid retention symptoms, ankles, hands feet, calves are all great.  I have called hematologist, oncologist, and both say they do not think any of it has to do with the Sprycel refer me to PCP, so I visit the PC doc and she tries her best to treat the symptoms but is clueless to most of what I am dealing with.  Hence my I doctor search.  I have looked in a few areas, but with insurance issues Cleveland Clinic is out of area, Philadelphia also, there are several doctors in Pittsburgh but none of them at West Penn are options because hospitals are now placing a 'no doctor jumping' concept, if you see one at a hospital you are not permitted to see another at the same hospital.  The search continues............  I am due for PCR test again in about 6 weeks, so I guess I will be at same place, but I am determined to find a new doc by fall.  I am also on a quest to dump local oncologist, I see no reason to have two or three doctors, almost every other person I have communicated with have a PCP and one cancer doctor.  Future goals



#32 pammartin

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Posted 17 May 2012 - 07:16 AM

Over,

That's a great idea, I looked into that also.  Problem is I live in a po'dunk area, the closest UPS or FED EX (never know which service the pharmacy is going to use) pick up location is about 2 hours away.  I might have to choose that option if I ever find enough energy to work again, I would not be here for delivery and like you said if it is missing, then we pay for replacement.  In my case it would be a squirrel, bear, or raccoon who steals the package, but don't think they would end up enjoying their find.

Pam






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