When your doctor orders a drug that is not on the formulary, the insurance company may override his or her recommendations. This can be aggravating for both you and your doctor. Always keep in mind that you have the right to challenge your insurer's decision. If you feel that you have been wronged by your health carrier, contact an attorney to help you file a claim for reimbursement. In some cases, your doctor may be able to write a prescription for a drug that is not on the list. For example, if there is a drug available that acts as a substitute for a drug that your health plan does cover but isn't recommended for some reason, then your doctor could prescribe this alternative treatment. However, it's important to remember that if you don't take the prescribed dose of your medication, you won't get the full benefit of it. Also, since most doctors do not have special training in pharmacology, they may give patients advice that is not based on science but rather on what seems reasonable to them. They may advise you against medications that they have used themselves with success. Finally, some drugs simply cannot be taken together; if your doctor tells you that you can't take one thing then you should not take another. If you refuse a drug that has been prescribed for you, either by your doctor or at a hospital, you can expect to receive a citation from a police officer.