This is not a question but a comment.

[remar]

I just read a terrible story about an older gentleman who went to his local Walgreen's to have his pain medications filled. He was a long time customer. This happened in Indiana. The pharmacist took his scripts and said he would have to call the Dr. It was a weekend so the Dr could not be contacted. The man asked for his scripts back and was denied. The pharmacist then said it could take up to 5 days to contact this mans Dr. When the man asked for his prescriptions back again the pharmacist threatened to call the police. This man is older and has many medical problems. He needed his medications because he only had one days worth left.
This story was on the news. I wrote the website thanking them for putting this mans story out there because this is happening more and more to chronic pain patients. I've also had problems with my Walgreen's. One time my husband took my script in to be refilled. They didn't have enough so my husband asked for it back and they almost didn't give it to him. My husband had to drive about 30 miles to another pharmacy we deal with so he could get my medication.Another time they asked me a few personal questions right in front of other customers instead of asking me to come off to the side.
I'm so glad I came across this story and wanted to share it with all of you. It's about time we were heard. WTHR news station said that Walgreens has several law suits against them right now for treating chronic pain patients the way they did this man. I know many of you here use Walgreens with no problems. This does happen with other pharmacies too and it needs to stop.

[Tuckamore]

FYI! Did you know that the two major chain Pharmacies have had huge fines and sanctions imposed by the DEA? Yes I'm talking about the two large/major  ones - that I am not comfortable naming.  

I forgot exactly how my PMP told me to search it. I think I typed DEA fines and than the name of the pharmacies one by one into my Search Engine. They were even limited on the amount of opiates they could order - some were banned from even carrying them for periods of time.

Why? Because according to the DEA they filled RXs irresponsibly. The DEA sited more complaints against them in opiate RX filling - but I don't to misquote what I read.

When I complained about the treatment I received in the pharmacy to a front clerk the store manager overheard. He pulled me aside. He didn't give me the real explanation but did apologize. He offered a soft half version of the truth. He was very nice and understanding.  I like the store - and because of the manager and a change in my opiates I have returned.  

There is so much that went on and is going on that we don't even know in the so-called War on Drugs. It's impossible for me to keep up on all the reading and news - sometimes I don't even know where to search.

I appeal to you - and all our members to share in news related to our plight. That's why I am so grateful that you posted the story of that poor senior citizen. Please let us know if there are any updates on the story. I hope that pendulum I keep talking about will begin to swing back in our favor soon. I am not holding my breath - but I refuse to give up hope.

Thanks Again Remar. You are such an asset to our members and this site.

~Tuck

[remar]

I know all pharmacies are different but you're right Tuck, this is happening more and more. We don't deserve to be treated like this. We have legitimate medical problems and we need our medications. We should be treated with respect. I quit going to my local Walgreens to because of the things that happened to me and my husband. The pharmacy I have now will ask me to come off to the side to talk in private if they have any questions, or if I have any.
I felt so bad for this man but I was happy to see that a news station picked up his story.
I'm sorry you had to change pharmacies. Driving those extra miles when you're a CPP can be excruciating.

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for sharing this very sad story. This is happening across the US but doesn't get the media attention it should. I commend WTHR for carrying this story - and you for sharing it with us.

Walgreens is my Pharmacy. I have been treated well - indeed with concern by all Walgreens accept one. This "one" did the same to me a few years ago as they did to you. It was very busy and they asked me personal questions in front of everyone - questions that are covered by HIPPA. They were often out of my opiates and would announce loudly, "We're out of OxyContin. Go to CVS." Ppl turned to look at me. In FL ppl have been killed for opiates. I felt they not only invaded my privacy and broke HIPPA Law - they put my life at risk.  It didn't take me long to go to another Walgreens - even though it meant driving an additional 30 minutes through heavy traffic.

It will take many media stories such as the one of this senior man - many petitions - many governmental representative - many astute Physicians and Pharmacists - many of us - and time to change the opiate-phobic climate for Chronic Pain Patients.

Thanks for Sharing,
~Tuck