PAMS
FOR
PHARMACOTHERAPY
(METHADONE, SUBOXONE)
CONSUMERS
HRVic's PAMS service has access to the latest pharmacotherapy information.
ARE YOU ON TREATMENT?
WE CAN HELP WITH
Support and Debriefing
You are the expert on what is best for you – but often issues can be resolved just by talking them through with someone who understands.
Prescriptions
Prescriptions can seem to expire in the blink of an eye. Pharmacists can be very strict on this, and clients who have forgotten to renew their prescription often find themselves in unexpected trouble – particularly if this happens on a weekend, or their prescribing GP is not immediately available.
Financial Assistance
Money is always tight. PAMS can help negotiate a payment plan with your pharmacist or, in some cases, if a small amount is needed to maintain dosing, we may be able to arrange one-off financial assistance.
Permanent or Temporary Transfers
Transfers are possible within Victoria, interstate or even internationally. Whether you are travelling or making a permanent move, PAMS can help arrange access to service providers.
Program Termination
Can't we all just get along?! If your doctor or pharmacist will no longer provide pharmacotherapy services, PAMS can discuss it with you and usually locate alternatives.
Complaints and Grievances
Life isn't always fair. If you feel you have been treated wrongly or unfairly by a pharmacotherapy provider, PAMS can help you decide how best to manage your complaint. Options include making a formal complaint to an appropriate body, or dealing with the issue informally.
By reporting such instances, you are helping PAMS provide a better service, and helping other consumers in our community.
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT
STARTING TREATMENT?
HOW DO YOU GET ON A
PHARMACOTHERAPY PROGRAM?
PAMS can provide information on anything & everything to do with the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Program, including:
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How does it work?
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What to expect?
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What type of pharmacotherapy would suit you best?
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Access to service providers (doctors and chemists)
It is best if you contact one of the PAMS staff between 11 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday on ph.1800 443 844.
*Please note, this is a FREE call ONLY from land lines.
This is NOT a free call from mobile phones, so if you are calling from a mobile,
please let us know so we can call you straight back.
THINK
BEFORE
YOU
'JUMP'
Some things to consider before
going on
'the program'
Making the decision to go on a pharmacotherapy program...
The decision to access pharmacotherapy is often made in a state of crisis, in a rush, with little thought given to the long term consequences. If you are considering it and reading these words right now, hopefully you have enough time to ask yourself a few things before taking the leap – particularly if you have not been on a pharmacotherapy program in the past.
– Is this the best treatment option at this point in your life and if so, why?
– Are you aware of the alternatives, such as a detox program either at home or as part of a residential program? If you have tried the alternatives and they did not work, ask yourself why.
– Are you prepared to make a long term commitment? Pharmacotherapy usually works best as a
long-term commitment. How long do you expect your pharmacotherapy program to last?
– Travel – It is still possible to travel (almost anywhere) when on a program, but it does mean you need to organise things in advance.
– Have you found out how the individual pharmacotherapy drugs work?
Do you know which is likely to suit you best?
– Do you know how the program works in Victoria? Are you aware of the commitments involved like visiting a GP at least monthly and a pharmacy every day (in the first few months)?
– Can you afford the dispensing fee (approx. $5 per day)?- without resorting to illegal means of raising money?
– Can you get to a pharmacy every day? Will picking up your daily dose interfere with your employment, family commitments, study etc?
– Is this your decision or do you feel pressured by others? Is there threat of incarceration or the removal of children? Is the program part of your parole or CBO conditions? If it’s not your decision, this may influence your chances of success.
– Are there service providers (doctor & pharmacist) near where you live and do they have vacancies? This can be a particular problem if you live in a regional/rural area.
– Are you involved in any other type of drug treatment at present? (for example individual counselling). If so have you asked your counsellor what he/she thinks?
– Have you spoken to others on a program? Although everybody’s experience is different, it can be extremely helpful to talk to your peers and ask them how the program works for them.
– Are you informed? If the answer is yes, and you have decided to embark on a pharmacotherapy program, it is time to act.
If you have never been on a program before and want to know what will happen, we have included a step by step guide below:
*Please note, people who live outside of Victoria might want to contact their local drug user organisation to find out more about the process in other states.
