I saw my doctor today to get my Vicodin prescription renewed. I take it "as needed for pain" for a back problem. He has been writing me a three month prescription for four years so that I could order them through Medco and save a lot of money.

Today, he told me that he is only allowed by the government to write prescriptions for pain medication for one month at a time. Before you can receive a refill, the prescription will say Dr. authorization needed. To receive this authorization, you must take a urine test to prove that the medication is in your system. If it is not, then you are obviously selling them on the street and cannot have any more.

I take them "as needed for pain". How many do I have to save up to take before the urine test? How long before the test can I take them? What if they are lost or stolen and you can't take any immediately before the test? Has anyone else heard of this. I just heard it today.

Yes, my husband does insurance fraud investigations. It is very common. Lost or stolen meds? Not a good excuse.

But if you take the full amount given during the 3 months it should show up in your system.

If you are taking them on regular basis, there should be no issue them showing up.