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Your prescription was rejected. What now?

If you’ve landed here, it’s because the pharmacy just rejected your prescription for an anticholinergic medication. These medications work by blocking certain chemicals in your body. That’s good — it’s what they’re supposed to do. But taking more than 1 can cause unwanted side effects. This comes up more often now as folks take more medications.

Why was my prescription rejected?

Because it looks like you’re taking 2 anticholinergics. This can be too much for the body, causing side effects like:

  • Dry mouth
  • Hard time peeing
  • Higher risk of falling

For safety reasons, if you already take 1 anticholinergic, a refill for a second one will get rejected until the pharmacy can check with your provider.

But I’ve been refilling this medication all year. What changed?

This is a new change that went into effect on September 1, 2025. Because of unwanted side effects, Medicare Advantage plans like us are very focused on safe medication use. This change in filling certain prescriptions allows members and providers to talk about the safest, most effective options.

I need this medication. What should I do?

Your pharmacy should already be taking care of this for you. Here’s what happens once your claim gets rejected:

  • Your pharmacy will reach out to the doctor who prescribed the medication
  • If your doctor thinks it’s OK for you to take 2 anticholinergics, they’ll tell the pharmacist to fill your prescription and your plan will cover it as usual
  • If your doctor thinks it’s not OK, they’ll either suggest a different kind of drug or that you stop using one of the anticholinergics
  • Your pharmacy will contact you when your medication is ready

How long should I expect this to take?

It should be taken care of quickly. If you don’t hear back from the pharmacy within a day and you’re about to run out of your medication, call your provider and tell them that:

  • Your prescription for your medication got rejected at the pharmacy
  • The pharmacy reached out to the provider but hasn’t heard back
  • You need your provider’s help to make sure you get the medication you need