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
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.
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