The Infusion Inquirer

July, 2004

Inside this issue:

Planning Ahead By  Jean Quintero, R. Ph.

Hurricane season is approaching, so this is a good time to talk about planning ahead.  According to the meteorological statisticians, this season could be a dangerous one for the Texas Gulf Coast.

So, let’s go through a series of questions:  When is it time to order factor?  Does your prescription have refills?  Do you have at least a one-week supply on hand when you request factor from your pharmacist?  Depending on your answers, this season could be smooth sailing or could easily spell disaster.  Because our service to you depends on a number of variables, you could be affected indirectly.  For instance in the case of flooding, you could be on dry ground, but the pharmacy could be inaccessible by your pharmacist.  Overnight carriers such as Federal Express and UPS could be grounded, as was the case on September 11th and 12th in 2001.  Unfortunately, we need to anticipate events from a worst-case scenario to avoid interruption of service.

A good rule of thumb is to consider a one-week supply of your factor “invisible.”  For instance, if you dose three times weekly, you should have at least 4 doses of factor and supplies on hand when you call in for a refill, maybe even 6 doses, especially, if

your reside more than an hour distance from the pharmacy location.

Some people depend on electronic mail (email) heavily.  It is best to confirm by phone the receipt of email to your pharmacist.  Use email as a backup.  Some places of business filter all messages sent outside of their network.  This can delay the arrival of your email message as much as 24 hours!  Pick up the telephone and confirm.

Why does the pharmacist at Hemophilia Options need to know how much factor is in your refrigerator?  Believe it or not, he/she tracks your monthly usage of factor.  Yes, all of our patients are tracked on a monthly basis.  We want to help you in every way possible to keep ahead of the game and be ready for emergencies.  If according to our records you are down to two doses, you can expect a call from the pharmacist to see how you are doing.  Sometimes a simple phone call is all that is needed to remind us about ordering.

Remember this rule, “One week equals ZERO!”  Keep ahead and you will not get in a jam.

NHF Annual Meeting

Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion

Dallas, Texas

 

November 4-6, 2004

 

800-42-HANDI

Stop by our Booth!