Dear Friend, I hope this email finds you well. The question today: how do I get my hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil refilled? We have 2 primary suggestions: - Start your refill process early. Your pharmacy may need to contact other pharmacies to complete your order.
- Don't take no for an answer. Ask the pharmacist to order drugs from another store, find another pharmacy chain that will fill the prescription, find out when the pharmacy gets another shipment in, etc. (see the example below).
Unfortunately there is not one pharmacy we can recommend that has the drug. Here's what we know about the major pharmacies: - Costco does have the drug
- Walgreens is filling refills and individuals with new prescriptions can get only 14 days.
- CVS has no policy
- Osco is reportedly getting a new shipment today
The feedback I'm getting is that pharmacies are prioritizing refills. Advocating for yourself is not easy - but it is effective. I've gotten reports from several individuals in the lupus community who have been able to get their refills. Here's an excellent example of advocating for yourself: I received this email from the amazing LaShon Gurrola, RUSH Support Group Leader: I was able to get a 3 month supply that I can pick up March 31st . I spoke with the pharmacist and explained about my lupus and potential for flare, but they are familiar with my advocacy as when I once had to get Mycophenolate they told me their stock was for transplant patients and initially did not want to release to me. It took about 8 hours but I finally got the medication, but it took calling the insurance company and insurance plan administrator, and police- as I refused to leave w/o the medication. We must advocate for ourselves no matter what! If you have any information that may be helpful to others in the lupus community, please send it to me at mary@lupusil.org. Please contact us with your questions and concerns. We are here to give you the most up to date information. Together we'll get through this. Together we make a difference. Mary Dollear, President, Lupus Society of Illinois | 
