birdstrike

If it is not a difficult synthesis for organic chemistry, you might consider taking a class or two, and investing a grand in lab equipment.

There is a solution to every problem. If the precursors are not on a watch list, I wouldn't hesitate to roll my own if the need was dire. The Feds are not our friends, after all. @:-)

karenkay

i've tried a number of pharmacies in north houston/tomball and in town--think i'm up to 25--and still no luck. i'll keep trying, made myself a list of 40 or so. elll, are you just hitting independent pharmacies in houston? i'd hate for us to be doing double the work...

1KDAN

My success rate has been approximately 1 out of 100, so don't feel as though you're failing.

By the way: It just occurred to me that most of the pharmacies operated by hospitals probably aren't listed in the Yellow Pages (including online versions). That might offer much better odds: Calling hospitals in your area and asking for the pharmacy.

Just an idea (and one that I'll be following up on myself).

Thanks.

ldsant

Went in to two pharmacies on the island and also two hospitals in Seattle - to date - none are to be found yet. I'm sorry. I've called 5 of the larger pharmacies as well and they don't seem to have it, but I also have recruited a friend on the eastside of the state to call over there as well (Spokane area).

A coworker suggested that you contact some of the online pharmacies e.g., drugstore.com as well to see if they have contacts somewhere.

SanDiego1K

We have been in touch with a doctor in Turkey (the father of a student we host who is studying at UCSD). The medicine is still made in Turkey, but it is very tightly controlled.

While this sounds very forbidding, I think it is worth exploration beyond the single email exchange we have had via the son.

1KDAN

Just so you know it's not *quite* impossible:

I just heard from a FT member who located a bottle in the pharmacy of a small private hospital. They've already received the prescription and I'm told the medication is on its way.

"Small private hospitals with their own pharmacies" sounds like a good lead.

chtiet

So far no luck, I'm afraid. I've focused on the smaller, non-"brand" pharmacies, and none has had it so far. One guy even said that he hadn't had it "for years". I'll keep looking.

1KDAN

A good suggestion, but none of the online pharmacies has it. (I realize you suggested they might have contacts, not necessarily supplies.)

That includes the Canadian online pharmacies.

When I first began looking, drugstore.com had it listed as readily available -- which got me all excited, until they said, "Uh, no. We can't get any. We should have removed it from our site."

1KDAN

I think there must be some confusion along the way. Although this medication is a "controlled substance," it's not a narcotic or an abusable drug. In the U.S., for example, it's not a "triplicate" -- which would mean it can't be released without signatures from the doctor, the pharmacist, and the patient -- who must pick up the prescription personally.

It can be filled via mail, and it can be picked up at the pharmacy by any third party.

My point is there's just no reason why it would be so tightly controlled.

Also, I can't imagine why a hospital would maintain a supply that could be administered only to patients inside the hospital and could not be taken outside the hospital. This medication is for treatment of chronic conditions, not in-patient treatment.

Still, I'll follow any lead. If you have any more information (local name of the drug, manufacturer, contact info of the person who gave you the information), would you please PM it to me?

Thanks

1KDAN

The responses you'll receive include:

"Haven't had it for years." Certainly could be true ("years" meaning 2 or so).

"Never heard of it." (Either is new to the business or...Well, just not as knowledgeable as other pharmacists.)

"They recalled that medication." (Wrong)

"In what dose?" (They've ever heard of it. If they had, they'd know they're unlikely to have it in ANY dosage.)

"No, but we can order it for you." (They don't have a clue.)

And, of course:

"Please hold....................................."

lolosmama

Dan, familymeds.com has it listed in all 3 strengths along with prices. Probably a dead end but you might check it out. Best of luck.

karenkay

i just called, no dice, not in stock. good idea, though. still working through some houston pharmacies, will try adding the hospitals.

1KDAN

I called immediately, but I knew it had to be a false alarm.

"We have the drug in our system."

"Does that mean you actually have supplies?"

"It's in our system."

"Okay. When you say it's in your system, what does that mean?"

"It means it's on our computer."

"Okay. Is there a way to find out if you actually do have a supply of it?"

"Well, I could look."

"Gee, that would be great. Would you please look while I hold on?"

(One minute later) "No, we don't have that one."

And so it goes....

elll

I've been calling in west/southwest HOuston mostly independents, tried HEB and Randalls, and have started outlying: Wharton, bay city, angleton, clute/lake jackson, etc. So far still nothing....

freeloader

Yhpm.