Pharmacy recommendations?

melloworca6 said:I disagree. 🙂

I know plenty of cases where GPs messed up and wrote down a slightly higher dose—like, just a tiny bit off, what's the big deal, right? 😁 But then the ladies at the pharmacy 😁 catch the mistake, tell the patient, call the doctor, and fix the dosage. So, honestly, sometimes those clerks 😬 are actually saving lives.

Though, being a doctor, you probably already know all this and you're just being difficult now. 😁

Of course they're just messing with you.😉
He just loves to stir the pot, all while hiding behind his wife's username. 🙂

That final check before a prescription actually gets filled? It’s honestly such a critical step.

Say, imagine a patient walks in holding a prescription for Amoxicillin. Anyone here deal with a penicillin allergy? So, I was just sitting here thinking... what's on your mind? Yeah, I am—my insurance card says so right here. It works for him.
It felt like my doctor was a little bit out of it when she was writing that prescription.☕

melloworca6 said:I disagree. 🙂

I know plenty of cases where GPs messed up and wrote down a slightly higher dose—like, just a tiny bit off, what's the big deal, right? 😁 But then the ladies at the pharmacy 😁 catch the mistake, tell the patient, call the doctor, and fix the dosage. So, honestly, sometimes those clerks 😬 are actually saving lives.

Though, being a doctor, you probably already know all this and you're just being difficult now. 😁

Look, I’m not saying *I* get confused, but it’s obvious that regular people do. It’s beyond me why you find that so hard to wrap your head around.

Honestly, it blows my mind sometimes how people just don't grasp the basics. I mean, do they seriously not realize they should be getting advice from a doctor instead of a veterinarian? 😁 What’s even more baffling is watching them take medical directions from random people online—as if these folks are licensed pharmacists or something.

swiftbear86 said:The pharmacy staff actually did everything exactly right here.

I was scrolling through an old thread recently, and it got me thinking. I wanted to bump this topic up to see if everyone could jump in and share their own experiences. I have a few questions for you all:

a) Do you have a "go-to" pharmacy? What keeps you going back—is it the expertise, how friendly they are, or just because it's right around the corner?
b) Are you generally happy with the service and how knowledgeable the pharmacists are?
c) Can you actually tell a difference in the skill level of the staff?
d) What’s your ideal pharmacy experience? Do you want someone who really listens and smiles, or do you prefer they just give you a quick, direct recommendation for one specific product?
e) What are your biggest pet peeves when you walk into a pharmacy?
f) On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your usual pharmacy, and what’s the reason for that score?

If you're feeling ambitious, take a look at these articles and let me know what you think:

a) Almost always, because they are in the building where I've lived since I was five years old. Everyone there knows me, and they're often willing to let me grab something without a prescription upfront because they KNOW I'll bring the script by the next day (this obviously applies to my regular medications; they wouldn't just hand me something totally new if I walked in asking for it for the first time).
b) Yes
c) Huh? I mean, shouldn't everyone working there have completed pharmacy school?
d) Quick and clear advice/recommendations, but above all, I just want them to have what I came in for.
e) Waiting in line, especially during flu season, or when they don't have my specific medication in stock.
f) A 9, refer to point e.

As for other pharmacies, I've had both great and somewhat less-than-great experiences.

There was this one pharmacy on an island we visit; the woman was incredibly friendly and eager to help, but her final advice was actually *not* to go to the clinic, even though my condition was clearly worsening. She had this negative view that they’d just jab me with injections that she claimed were "very harmful." Look, lady, I know they carry risks, but I also know my medical history makes me a chronic patient, and I wasn't about to gamble with an allergic reaction to an insect sting that might pass in three days for someone else but could land me in the hospital.

On the flip side, I had a wonderful experience with a pharmacy in Ozalj. After two or three different places told me the product I needed was out of stock due to a shortage, I called them. A very kind woman (her name is Jane, and I'd like to thank her again here) took it upon herself to call around for me. She quickly found out where they had it in stock and even offered to order it for me so it would be ready tomorrow morning if I couldn't make it in.

Third example: a late-night emergency pharmacy. I was losing my mind from a bladder infection, having just arrived back from a trip, and I already had to head back out at six in the morning. It wasn't my first time dealing with this, so I knew exactly what I needed. I told the woman just to give me the meds—that I'd leave any ID (driver's license, credit card, insurance card, whatever) and bring the prescription in later. But it was a hard "no." No, no, and no. I had to go to the ER. Okay, I get that they have strict rules, but I was dead tired in the middle of the night and had to go to the ER, wake up the doctor on call who gave me a pale look for waking him up over a bladder infection, wait for him to scribble a script and go back to sleep, and then I had to head right back to the pharmacy to get... that.

Kyle Lee7 said:a) Almost always, because they are in the building where I've lived since I was five years old. Everyone there knows me, and they're often willing to let me grab something without a prescription upfront because they KNOW I'll bring the script by the next day (this obviously applies to my regular medications; they wouldn't just hand me something totally new if I walked in asking for it for the first time).
b) Yes
c) Huh? I mean, shouldn't everyone working there have completed pharmacy school?
d) Quick and clear advice/recommendations, but above all, I just want them to have what I came in for.
e) Waiting in line, especially during flu season, or when they don't have my specific medication in stock.
f) A 9, refer to point e.

As for other pharmacies, I've had both great and somewhat less-than-great experiences.

There was this one pharmacy on an island we visit; the woman was incredibly friendly and eager to help, but her final advice was actually *not* to go to the clinic, even though my condition was clearly worsening. She had this negative view that they’d just jab me with injections that she claimed were "very harmful." Look, lady, I know they carry risks, but I also know my medical history makes me a chronic patient, and I wasn't about to gamble with an allergic reaction to an insect sting that might pass in three days for someone else but could land me in the hospital.

On the flip side, I had a wonderful experience with a pharmacy in Ozalj. After two or three different places told me the product I needed was out of stock due to a shortage, I called them. A very kind woman (her name is Jane, and I'd like to thank her again here) took it upon herself to call around for me. She quickly found out where they had it in stock and even offered to order it for me so it would be ready tomorrow morning if I couldn't make it in.

Third example: a late-night emergency pharmacy. I was losing my mind from a bladder infection, having just arrived back from a trip, and I already had to head back out at six in the morning. It wasn't my first time dealing with this, so I knew exactly what I needed. I told the woman just to give me the meds—that I'd leave any ID (driver's license, credit card, insurance card, whatever) and bring the prescription in later. But it was a hard "no." No, no, and no. I had to go to the ER. Okay, I get that they have strict rules, but I was dead tired in the middle of the night and had to go to the ER, wake up the doctor on call who gave me a pale look for waking him up over a bladder infection, wait for him to scribble a script and go back to sleep, and then I had to head right back to the pharmacy to get... that.

I've witnessed similar scenarios on multiple occasions, across several different pharmacies.

It always boils down to the same thing: a pharmacist advising patients to disregard their doctor's orders. They claim prescribed medications are unnecessary, or suggest they wouldn't take them personally, or recommend altering the dosage or the schedule entirely. I even heard a case where a patient was told not to bother seeing a doctor at all because they won't provide anything "spectacular" anyway.

It wasn't happening to me, of course, but I've stood there waiting my turn and overheard these exact types of recommendations more than once. Whether it's a coincidence, I don't know.

To me, it's completely unacceptable. Sure, there are times when a doctor prescribes the wrong dose and a pharmacist catches the error and flags it—that's their job. But there are plenty of other instances where pharmacists overstep into medical territory where they simply don't belong.

Kyle Lee7 said:a) Almost always, because they are in the building where I've lived since I was five years old. Everyone there knows me, and they're often willing to let me grab something without a prescription upfront because they KNOW I'll bring the script by the next day (this obviously applies to my regular medications; they wouldn't just hand me something totally new if I walked in asking for it for the first time).
b) Yes
c) Huh? I mean, shouldn't everyone working there have completed pharmacy school?
d) Quick and clear advice/recommendations, but above all, I just want them to have what I came in for.
e) Waiting in line, especially during flu season, or when they don't have my specific medication in stock.
f) A 9, refer to point e.

As for other pharmacies, I've had both great and somewhat less-than-great experiences.

There was this one pharmacy on an island we visit; the woman was incredibly friendly and eager to help, but her final advice was actually *not* to go to the clinic, even though my condition was clearly worsening. She had this negative view that they’d just jab me with injections that she claimed were "very harmful." Look, lady, I know they carry risks, but I also know my medical history makes me a chronic patient, and I wasn't about to gamble with an allergic reaction to an insect sting that might pass in three days for someone else but could land me in the hospital.

On the flip side, I had a wonderful experience with a pharmacy in Ozalj. After two or three different places told me the product I needed was out of stock due to a shortage, I called them. A very kind woman (her name is Jane, and I'd like to thank her again here) took it upon herself to call around for me. She quickly found out where they had it in stock and even offered to order it for me so it would be ready tomorrow morning if I couldn't make it in.

Third example: a late-night emergency pharmacy. I was losing my mind from a bladder infection, having just arrived back from a trip, and I already had to head back out at six in the morning. It wasn't my first time dealing with this, so I knew exactly what I needed. I told the woman just to give me the meds—that I'd leave any ID (driver's license, credit card, insurance card, whatever) and bring the prescription in later. But it was a hard "no." No, no, and no. I had to go to the ER. Okay, I get that they have strict rules, but I was dead tired in the middle of the night and had to go to the ER, wake up the doctor on call who gave me a pale look for waking him up over a bladder infection, wait for him to scribble a script and go back to sleep, and then I had to head right back to the pharmacy to get... that.

In most pharmacies, you’ll also find pharmacy technicians who have completed high school.
I wonder if a patient or customer can actually tell the difference in terms of service, knowledge, or expertise between the staff helping them.
Unfortunately, there are still some pharmacies out there where a technician is running a shift entirely on their own, which is against the law.
On the bright side, there are plenty of techs who are so skilled and knowledgeable that they handle much of the patient interaction just as well as anyone else.

Regarding pharmacists stepping in on a doctor's decision—honestly, sometimes it's absolutely necessary.
The trick is knowing how to communicate it so the patient stays safe and the doctor doesn't feel undermined.
It really comes down to being balanced and having solid communication skills.
That takes a lot of patience and finesse. To be fair, we're all different, and it isn't always easy to stay tactful while balancing a doctor's orders against a patient's wishes.
A pharmacist has to be able to judge that fine line between a minor issue and a serious health concern where the patient definitely needs to see a doctor.
We don't exactly love it when clinic staff meddle in our business either, telling patients "just buy it at the pharmacy, you don't even need a prescription anyway" without checking the dispensing rules first. For anything under a prescription regimen, a private prescription is mandatory.

As for that bladder infection case you mentioned—during an after-hours shift, a pharmacist is only authorized to dispense medication if the prescription is marked as urgent.
The pharmacy actually did the right thing here.
To avoid this headache next time, just ask your doctor for a private prescription without a date on it. That way, you won't have to try and explain things or play games at the pharmacy window.😉

swiftbear86 said:In most pharmacies, you’ll also find pharmacy technicians who have completed high school.
I wonder if a patient or customer can actually tell the difference in terms of service, knowledge, or expertise between the staff helping them.
Unfortunately, there are still some pharmacies out there where a technician is running a shift entirely on their own, which is against the law.
On the bright side, there are plenty of techs who are so skilled and knowledgeable that they handle much of the patient interaction just as well as anyone else.

Regarding pharmacists stepping in on a doctor's decision—honestly, sometimes it's absolutely necessary.
The trick is knowing how to communicate it so the patient stays safe and the doctor doesn't feel undermined.
It really comes down to being balanced and having solid communication skills.
That takes a lot of patience and finesse. To be fair, we're all different, and it isn't always easy to stay tactful while balancing a doctor's orders against a patient's wishes.
A pharmacist has to be able to judge that fine line between a minor issue and a serious health concern where the patient definitely needs to see a doctor.
We don't exactly love it when clinic staff meddle in our business either, telling patients "just buy it at the pharmacy, you don't even need a prescription anyway" without checking the dispensing rules first. For anything under a prescription regimen, a private prescription is mandatory.

As for that bladder infection case you mentioned—during an after-hours shift, a pharmacist is only authorized to dispense medication if the prescription is marked as urgent.
The pharmacy actually did the right thing here.
To avoid this headache next time, just ask your doctor for a private prescription without a date on it. That way, you won't have to try and explain things or play games at the pharmacy window.😉

I realize they followed protocol—but honestly, nothing would have changed even if she had listened to me. She could have just taken my ID as a guarantee. The only real consequence was that I wasted an extra hour or two wandering into the ER in the middle of the night while my bladder felt like it was on fire, just to get a prescription for the exact same medicine I’d already asked for—medicine I could have easily picked up the following day. Those two hours of misery meant two hours less of sleep, and I had a 6:00 AM drive out to Cleveland and a full day of field work ahead of me. 🙂

It used to be easier to get these things, but now the regulations have become incredibly strict. On one hand, I get it; people tend to pop pills left and right without any guidance, lending medications to friends, taking dosages incorrectly, or stopping treatments prematurely. If I recall correctly, there was even a recent report detailing how more than half of all prescribed medications end up being misused or discarded.

One other thing that really frustrates me—and this isn't about pharmacies—is that you can get a massive amount of medication on a prescription that almost anyone can afford and that isn't life-critical, yet we constantly see headlines about shortages for people battling cancer or other serious illnesses. You know, the ones who need it most. Shouldn't there be some sense of solidarity? Why can't people just pay out of pocket for their own nasal sprays or minor stuff? Or is the mindset that if someone is that sick, they’re going to die anyway, so why bother... ☕

Kyle Lee7 said:I realize they followed protocol—but honestly, nothing would have changed even if she had listened to me. She could have just taken my ID as a guarantee. The only real consequence was that I wasted an extra hour or two wandering into the ER in the middle of the night while my bladder felt like it was on fire, just to get a prescription for the exact same medicine I’d already asked for—medicine I could have easily picked up the following day. Those two hours of misery meant two hours less of sleep, and I had a 6:00 AM drive out to Cleveland and a full day of field work ahead of me. 🙂

It used to be easier to get these things, but now the regulations have become incredibly strict. On one hand, I get it; people tend to pop pills left and right without any guidance, lending medications to friends, taking dosages incorrectly, or stopping treatments prematurely. If I recall correctly, there was even a recent report detailing how more than half of all prescribed medications end up being misused or discarded.

One other thing that really frustrates me—and this isn't about pharmacies—is that you can get a massive amount of medication on a prescription that almost anyone can afford and that isn't life-critical, yet we constantly see headlines about shortages for people battling cancer or other serious illnesses. You know, the ones who need it most. Shouldn't there be some sense of solidarity? Why can't people just pay out of pocket for their own nasal sprays or minor stuff? Or is the mindset that if someone is that sick, they’re going to die anyway, so why bother... ☕

You won't believe this, but we actually had a doctor call us up and threaten to report us for illegal practice. This was just for giving a long-term patient of ours—someone we've seen for ten years—his regular medication on credit.
The fine for the pharmacy is $100 $0.00, for the pharmacist it's $10 $0.00, and then you lose your license entirely.
Why would anyone risk their entire livelihood?
Basically, the doctor supposedly wrote an e-prescription, but it never hit the system, so it didn't even show up. We made an exception so the guy wouldn't have to stop his folic acid therapy, but then the doctor turned around and blamed us for her own mistake. It took her a whole month to realize what went wrong, and it was 100% on her.
Not to mention, she constantly claims her "internet isn't working." 😁
For heaven's sake, her internet "doesn't work," she doesn't check her entries, or she just forgets to write things down.

Just try telling a patient that they're getting too many meds on their prescription. 😛

It's hard enough for them to cover a few extra bucks since they already have supplemental insurance. 🙂

Wait, hold on—isn't a doctor's note from the ER enough? You know, one where it actually says something like "th: Novocain 500 mg, 1 tab twice a day"? Or do they seriously insist on that tiny little scrap of white paper they call a private prescription?

swiftbear86 said:You won't believe this, but we actually had a doctor call us up and threaten to report us for illegal practice. This was just for giving a long-term patient of ours—someone we've seen for ten years—his regular medication on credit.
The fine for the pharmacy is $100 $0.00, for the pharmacist it's $10 $0.00, and then you lose your license entirely.
Why would anyone risk their entire livelihood?
Basically, the doctor supposedly wrote an e-prescription, but it never hit the system, so it didn't even show up. We made an exception so the guy wouldn't have to stop his folic acid therapy, but then the doctor turned around and blamed us for her own mistake. It took her a whole month to realize what went wrong, and it was 100% on her.
Not to mention, she constantly claims her "internet isn't working." 😁
For heaven's sake, her internet "doesn't work," she doesn't check her entries, or she just forgets to write things down.

Just try telling a patient that they're getting too many meds on their prescription. 😛

It's hard enough for them to cover a few extra bucks since they already have supplemental insurance. 🙂

Wow, okay, that doctor is genuinely unhinged. I get it. Mine is wonderful.

And regarding your other point—yeah, everyone looks out for themselves and their own little circles. But the second someone close to them, or even themselves, can't get access to chemotherapy or radiation because "there are no spots available"—even after paying into health insurance their entire lives... $1.75that's when the reality hits. 🙄

It feels like we're a struggling nation in the middle of a crisis, so the least we could do is show some solidarity with those who are most vulnerable. It honestly breaks my heart to hear that someone has been diagnosed with a tumor, only to be told they'll have to wait two months for treatment. In the meantime, who knows if they'll even survive! And all while we're over here obsessing over prescription refills for handfuls of pills that—statistically speaking—more than half of which just end up tossed in the trash!! Who exactly is the crazy one here?

Look, if you’re dealing with chronic issues—multiple different conditions, really—and you're popping a handful of pills every day, some covered by Medicare and others you're paying out of pocket because insurance won't touch them, then those extra 5-$3.25 cents actually matter. That co-pay adds up. If you're looking at 5-$3.25 per medication every single month, you're talking about a decent chunk of change right there. And let's be real: most people in that situation are either unemployed or living on some meager disability check. So why are we acting surprised when people start complaining about even an extra $1.75?

Honestly, I’m all for nobody paying a damn cent, not even those freaking $1.75 amounts, as long as money is being wasted everywhere else while the places that actually need it are left high and dry. Who's to blame? We just sit here, silent, watching it happen and acting shocked instead of stepping up and fighting for ourselves. Does a hospital really need to renovate the executive suites just to swap out a few managers? Do they seriously need to blow taxpayer money on luxury "business trips"? And don't even get me started on the procurement of medical equipment and tech. It's better not to go there. If someone actually audited how this stuff is bought and at what prices, half the people running the healthcare system would be heading straight to prison.

I’m definitely not talking about people living with chronic illnesses or life-threatening conditions.

But out of nowhere, you see this massive chunk—maybe 50%, if not closer to 70%—of medications that don't actually get used up. People just take a single pill and then toss the rest. You can bet those aren't chronic patients.

The New York Times recently published some new regulations regarding medical record privacy and the protocols for prescribing and dispensing medication.

A pharmacist doesn't have access to a patient's full medical history, nor do they have any right to demand it from them.
If a patient comes in asking for Novocain and they choose to voluntarily show me their medical history, I might issue the medication provided they leave a deposit for the full price—though even that's a bit of a gray area legally speaking.
Sometimes, a doctor won't write out a formal prescription because they don't think the patient actually needs it, or maybe the ER staff just scribbled something down just to have something on paper. In those cases, we lack the necessary documentation—a valid private prescription—that we’re required to log in the pharmacy's official duplicate prescription book.
It also happens when a doctor prescribes a cheaper generic instead of the specific brand requested, which creates another headache for us.
If you try to call the doctor about it, you'll just hear, "Hey, you don't get to tell us which medications to prescribe!"

Our pharmacy has entire black trash bags filled with medication that patients bring back simply because it expired.
On top of that, the pharmacy is stuck footing the bill for the specialized disposal and destruction of all that stuff.
It's just one more expense we have to swallow.
And don't even get me started on the "difficult" patients who pick up their meds but never actually take them; they just need the paperwork to prove they're following a treatment plan so they don't lose their sick leave, disability benefits, or whatever else.

swiftbear86 said:The New York Times recently published some new regulations regarding medical record privacy and the protocols for prescribing and dispensing medication.

A pharmacist doesn't have access to a patient's full medical history, nor do they have any right to demand it from them.
If a patient comes in asking for Novocain and they choose to voluntarily show me their medical history, I might issue the medication provided they leave a deposit for the full price—though even that's a bit of a gray area legally speaking.
Sometimes, a doctor won't write out a formal prescription because they don't think the patient actually needs it, or maybe the ER staff just scribbled something down just to have something on paper. In those cases, we lack the necessary documentation—a valid private prescription—that we’re required to log in the pharmacy's official duplicate prescription book.
It also happens when a doctor prescribes a cheaper generic instead of the specific brand requested, which creates another headache for us.
If you try to call the doctor about it, you'll just hear, "Hey, you don't get to tell us which medications to prescribe!"

Our pharmacy has entire black trash bags filled with medication that patients bring back simply because it expired.
On top of that, the pharmacy is stuck footing the bill for the specialized disposal and destruction of all that stuff.
It's just one more expense we have to swallow.
And don't even get me started on the "difficult" patients who pick up their meds but never actually take them; they just need the paperwork to prove they're following a treatment plan so they don't lose their sick leave, disability benefits, or whatever else.

And that is exactly my point. While some people are busy chasing those kinds of perks, there are others out there fighting for their lives in hospital wards.

So how do you actually stop people like that?

If you start charging them for those half-empty boxes they lug into the pharmacy—pills they haven't even touched—they’ll just stop bringing them in and toss them in the trash wherever. I honestly have no clue how to deal with that, much less the crowd that swallows half an antibiotic pack, feels fine, and saves the rest for "later." You might be able to educate the second group, but how do you handle the types > is talking about? 🤷

edit: >, you've also got the chronic patients who systematically hike up their prescriptions and dump the meds without ever taking them. They know if they tell the doctor they don't want the pills, the doc won't order the tests, so they manipulate the system to control their own health (whether they're actually taking the meds or just sticking to some alternative remedy).

The only way people will actually start paying attention is if they have to pay out of pocket for their meds.
And honestly? Some folks might just skip their treatment altogether.

If someone’s pulling in a decent pension because of PTSD, they won't mind shelling out the cash to keep their prescription filled.

I don't see an easy fix here, even with all my years of work behind me.
To me, the answer looks like private insurance—you pay the full price upfront, and then the insurance company reimburses you.
But let's be real, that's not exactly how things work for most Americans.
Solidarity is a double-edged sword!!

Anyway, I'm heading out to grab coffee with a friend now... we'll stick to much lighter topics!!

swiftbear86 said:The pharmacy staff actually did everything exactly right here.

I was scrolling through an old thread recently, and it got me thinking. I wanted to bump this topic up to see if everyone could jump in and share their own experiences. I have a few questions for you all:

a) Do you have a "go-to" pharmacy? What keeps you going back—is it the expertise, how friendly they are, or just because it's right around the corner?
b) Are you generally happy with the service and how knowledgeable the pharmacists are?
c) Can you actually tell a difference in the skill level of the staff?
d) What’s your ideal pharmacy experience? Do you want someone who really listens and smiles, or do you prefer they just give you a quick, direct recommendation for one specific product?
e) What are your biggest pet peeves when you walk into a pharmacy?
f) On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your usual pharmacy, and what’s the reason for that score?

If you're feeling ambitious, take a look at these articles and let me know what you think:

a) I almost always hit up the two closest ones—one's a local independent shop and the other is a big chain. Honestly, I don't care which; the independent one usually carries stuff the big chains don't. Plus, at the private one, they actually remember if you're a doctor or just a regular customer. They even hand out cosmetic testers...
b) The service is fine. As for their expertise, I wouldn't say I've really tested it since I know exactly what I'm coming in for.
c) Not really, but I barely talk to them, so it’s not something I notice.
d) Just sell me what I need. I don't need a lecture; all the info I need is already on the Department of Health and Human Services website or just Google. When it comes to over-the-counter stuff, I'd prefer if they pulled out all the similar options so I can quietly check the ingredients myself...
e) Dealing with a hypochondriac ahead of me in line, or anyone else who needs more than five minutes of attention.
f) 6...

The only places getting a 10 from me are pharmacies in Thailand, Brazil, or Romania... they have that "big box retail" sales approach. It's not necessarily a good thing, but it just works for me...

Casey Palmer5 said:a) I almost always hit up the two closest ones—one's a local independent shop and the other is a big chain. Honestly, I don't care which; the independent one usually carries stuff the big chains don't. Plus, at the private one, they actually remember if you're a doctor or just a regular customer. They even hand out cosmetic testers...
b) The service is fine. As for their expertise, I wouldn't say I've really tested it since I know exactly what I'm coming in for.
c) Not really, but I barely talk to them, so it’s not something I notice.
d) Just sell me what I need. I don't need a lecture; all the info I need is already on the Department of Health and Human Services website or just Google. When it comes to over-the-counter stuff, I'd prefer if they pulled out all the similar options so I can quietly check the ingredients myself...
e) Dealing with a hypochondriac ahead of me in line, or anyone else who needs more than five minutes of attention.
f) 6...

The only places getting a 10 from me are pharmacies in Thailand, Brazil, or Romania... they have that "big box retail" sales approach. It's not necessarily a good thing, but it just works for me...

🤣
I feel the exact same way. It’s especially true for retirees, for whom a quick trip to the grocery store, the clinic, the pharmacy, or the post office to pick up their Social Security check becomes a major social outing—and now they want to turn everything into a conversation.

Kyle Lee7 said:I realize they followed protocol—but honestly, nothing would have changed even if she had listened to me. She could have just taken my ID as a guarantee. The only real consequence was that I wasted an extra hour or two wandering into the ER in the middle of the night while my bladder felt like it was on fire, just to get a prescription for the exact same medicine I’d already asked for—medicine I could have easily picked up the following day. Those two hours of misery meant two hours less of sleep, and I had a 6:00 AM drive out to Cleveland and a full day of field work ahead of me. 🙂

It used to be easier to get these things, but now the regulations have become incredibly strict. On one hand, I get it; people tend to pop pills left and right without any guidance, lending medications to friends, taking dosages incorrectly, or stopping treatments prematurely. If I recall correctly, there was even a recent report detailing how more than half of all prescribed medications end up being misused or discarded.

One other thing that really frustrates me—and this isn't about pharmacies—is that you can get a massive amount of medication on a prescription that almost anyone can afford and that isn't life-critical, yet we constantly see headlines about shortages for people battling cancer or other serious illnesses. You know, the ones who need it most. Shouldn't there be some sense of solidarity? Why can't people just pay out of pocket for their own nasal sprays or minor stuff? Or is the mindset that if someone is that sick, they’re going to die anyway, so why bother... ☕

I couldn't agree more. A huge chunk of what we’re talking about falls squarely into the OTC category—things you can just pick up off the shelf without a prescription. I'm talking about H2 blockers, PPIs, NSAIDs, antihistamines, and even topical stuff like Clotrimazole creams. It's all right there in the aisle.

swiftbear86 said:You won't believe this, but we actually had a doctor call us up and threaten to report us for illegal practice. This was just for giving a long-term patient of ours—someone we've seen for ten years—his regular medication on credit.
The fine for the pharmacy is $100 $0.00, for the pharmacist it's $10 $0.00, and then you lose your license entirely.
Why would anyone risk their entire livelihood?
Basically, the doctor supposedly wrote an e-prescription, but it never hit the system, so it didn't even show up. We made an exception so the guy wouldn't have to stop his folic acid therapy, but then the doctor turned around and blamed us for her own mistake. It took her a whole month to realize what went wrong, and it was 100% on her.
Not to mention, she constantly claims her "internet isn't working." 😁
For heaven's sake, her internet "doesn't work," she doesn't check her entries, or she just forgets to write things down.

Just try telling a patient that they're getting too many meds on their prescription. 😛

It's hard enough for them to cover a few extra bucks since they already have supplemental insurance. 🙂

The little scammers are always the most eager ones. I still remember this one guy asking me if he could just have me write Lupocet on his medical report so he could get it via prescription—basically trying to pull a fast one.
Honestly, I think we should just go ahead and slap a $0.67 label on every single box. Maybe then things would actually start running smoothly.

Today is Pharmacist Day!
Ever wonder why we celebrate?

Have you noticed any special celebrations at your local pharmacy, and if so, how did they mark the occasion?

Sending my best wishes to everyone working in the pharmacy business—hope you all have a wonderful, smooth day at work!