Medication delivery during recovery from an injury

How it generally works

Early recovery is often about pain, swelling and rest, and that's when getting to a pharmacy is hardest. Later, you may be more mobile but busy with therapy sessions and follow-up visits, sometimes several a week. Throughout, prescriptions may start, change or stop as your doctor adjusts the plan.

With delivery, your doctor sends each prescription to a pharmacy that delivers, and medication is delivered to your door. For a work injury or auto accident, the pharmacy will usually need your claim details.

Rules differ by state and by claim, and some medications can't be mailed. Delivery doesn't have to be all or nothing — some people have most medications delivered and pick one up locally.

A delivery routine can also help with consistency. When medication arrives at home, there's less temptation to put off a pharmacy trip on a bad day, and fewer chances of a gap between running out and getting more.

• Early recovery: hardest time to get to a pharmacy
• Later recovery: busy with therapy and visits
• Medications may change as your plan changes
• Delivery can cover some or all of your prescriptions

Questions to ask

Ask the pharmacist about side effects and interactions, especially when a new medication is added. Recovery often involves several prescribers, and the pharmacist is well placed to look at everything you take.

Ask your doctor how long they expect you to be on each medication, so you can plan.

• Doctor: Can my prescriptions be sent to a pharmacy that delivers?
• Doctor: How long will I likely need each medication?
• Pharmacist: Could any of my medications interact?
• Pharmacist: How should I store this medication?
• Adjuster or insurer: Are my prescriptions covered under my claim?

What to have ready

Keep your medication list current and share it with every doctor you see. Include over-the-counter medicines and supplements, because they can interact too.

Store medications as the pharmacy directs, away from children and pets. When a delivery arrives, put it away promptly — don't leave a package on the doorstep or on a counter where a child or visitor could reach it.

• Up-to-date medication list, including over-the-counter items
• Claim details for a work or auto injury
• Storage instructions for each medication
• A safe, out-of-reach place to keep medications
• Your doctors' and pharmacy phone numbers

About the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program

Prescriptions.plus is an educational site, not a pharmacy. Through the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program, doctors can send prescriptions to our licensed partner pharmacy, and medication is dispensed by our licensed partner pharmacy and delivered to the patient's door.

Ask your doctor whether your prescription can be sent to our partner pharmacy. A $5 dispensing fee applies, and a delivery fee applies. Eligibility depends on the prescription, the doctor and the claim.

Some medications, such as Schedule II controlled substances, may not be available by mail — your partner pharmacy will advise. The prescribing doctor decides refills.

If something goes wrong

If you notice new side effects, call your doctor or pharmacist. If you've finished a medication or your doctor has stopped it, ask the pharmacist how to dispose of any leftovers safely.

If a prescription is delayed, ask the pharmacy what's missing, and ask your adjuster or insurer whether anything is needed from you. Contact your doctor before you run out.

If your recovery takes a sudden turn — severe new pain, signs of infection, chest pain or trouble breathing — get help. Medical emergency? Call 911.

If you return to work before your recovery is complete, review your medication timing with your doctor. Some medications affect alertness, and your doctor can tell you whether any adjustments are needed around work hours.