Access to prescribed medications can be difficult to obtain for various reasons. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

SAA members have had problems getting access to hydroxychloroquine, actemra, sulfasalazine, and more recently, concerns regarding methotrexate.  

SAA advocates have these suggestions: 

1. Call the pharmacies in your area. Even if your pharmacy is out of stock, others may have it. We don't want to add to a supply problem, but if it is available, you may wish to get a larger supply, such as a three-month supply rather than a one-month supply. 
    
2. Check on the FDA website to see if this is a known problem. The FDA site often provides the manufacturer's phone number,
   In addition, the FDA  general contact page works well to get answers in real time!  After following certain prompts, you can connect with a live person to discuss medication issues. According to our advocates, there is almost no wait time and the department is very helpful.
    
3. Talk to your health care provider (HCP). A rheumatologist on our Medical & Scientific Advisory Board shared that they work hard to track down a source for the medication.  Your HCP will want to know if you are going to miss doses because of an access issue. Ask your HCP if a lower dose or frequency is an option to make your limited quantity last longer. Also, your HCP will want to discuss alternatives if the medication is simply not available. There may be very similar alternatives, such as a generic or one with a different coating. 
    
4. Contact the manufacturer. One SAA advocate was able to continue to have access to her medication that had been discontinued. She didn't have any viable options for a life-threatening medical condition. Her relentless self-advocacy paid off.
    
5. Contact your elected official. SAA advocate, Phillip J., took action when his wife couldn't get her prescription for Actemra.  "We hope that bringing attention to this issue will have some positive results," said Phillip, who wrote to his local congressperson, the governor, the POTUS, Vice President, and the FDA. In addition, he contacted their local TV station to shine a light on the problem. 
    
6. Contact your state's Department of Insurance, which regulates the insurance industry in each state and handles consumer complaints and questions. 
    
7. Speak with members of your education/support group. It's possible that others have found a local source or even found a solution. 
    
8. Complete this very short survey to alert SAA of your issues and share how you solved the problem.