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Walgreens review: pharmacist attitude problem 23

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Author of the review
10:08 pm EDT
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Went today to pick up prescriptions for my wife.She has been fighting cancer for 3 years now, and I have been the one to pick up her meds, i am her husband.anyway, this is a two part gripe, the first being the kid in line in front of me.He was picking up a prescription.The pharmacist (Ruby)asked him the address and did all the right things.She rang his stuff up, and he also had a bottle of Robitussin .She refused to sell him the Robitussin because he was underage.My question is how he can pick up a prescribed medicine but not one off the shelf?It is my belief he should have not been sold either product.
Now its my turn.I give the name, address, and date of birth of my wife.Ok, she gets her meds off the will call shelf, asks me address again and proceeds to ring it up.I take out my visa and swipe it, she says "why dont you have insurance?'I explained that her medicaid was up for renewal, while she was in the hospital, 9for 21 days, with kidney problems due to the kemo)and sent in the forms and havent heard from medicaid since.She gave me a stare like I just robbed a bank or something, withdrew her arm back with the meds, and did not want to give them to me, and I heard a sarcastic hmm, then she handed them to me.Sorry to dissapoint you Ruby, but I am a 40 yr.old man, myself and my family are respectable people.I dont know who you think you are Ruby, but you do the same thing as someone who works at Mcdonalds, so lose your stinkin attitude, and have a little compassion for others that are sick.By the way, this is not the first time I have put up with her little attitude problem.Last time my wife went without her meds for the weekend because Ruby did not look it up right on the computer.

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23 comments
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DrJRTRhD
ROSSVILLE, US
Jun 19, 2022 2:09 am EDT

"Pharmacist" refused to fill my prescription. A 24-hour Walgreens at 12:30 a.m. June 19 refused to fill the prescription my physician wrote for medication to be filled June 19, saying I would have to wait until 7 a.m.

5301 Ringgold Rd in East Ridge, Tennessee.

Waiting in pain until the arbitrary time she deems to fill my prescription. Unethical and unconscionable behavior - this "pharmacist" should have her license revoked - she is supposed to fill prescriptions written by physicians, NOT determine whether a patient should receive her medication as pres.

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old white lady
, US
Sep 11, 2021 6:42 pm EDT

When the pharmacy staff walked away from my husband and I, she stated loud and clear "I f#@$in hate old white people." That makes me want to be extra kind because obviously an old white person traumatized you.
What planet are we living on when we talk to one another this way?
Sincerely
Merlinagate@gmail.com

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Carole etson
, US
Dec 24, 2017 4:21 pm EST

I can beat that..I had recently had double back surgery...they told my husband the doctor didn't write the RX right. My husband being very I'll was in no shape to argue..I had only been home one night and needed my small RX for 1 week of meds..I sat at the window so sick, finally this women slams the window open, and I explained that my doctor being confused, asked if she'd call him..she snarled no at me and closed the window, I was so sick and weak, I'd begged her just to call. I ended up back in the hospital as she was so rude and upset me so much I'm still here..My other doctor took one look at me and said she should of called 911 when she saw me..What a horrible and mean spirited women, and at the holidays..her cruel and judgemental attitude made me so upset, I was hospitalized. And could she care, no way! My doctors here think I should sue..and we're thinking about it.For those of you thinking of going to Walgreens, I'd reconsider if you value your lives..

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Jacqueline Coudret
, US
Jul 02, 2019 6:20 pm EDT

My dad passed away from a horrifying death and when I went there to get my clonazepan but a higher daily dose they didn't want ro fill it, treated me like a junkie and humiliated me in front of everyone until they talked to my Dr. Instead of an apology what I got was an rx tossed at the tech and the pharmacist marcia talking about me to her peers. Nasty pharmacy.

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JoranL
, US
Aug 14, 2020 9:41 pm EDT

You should sue for what? She didnt call the doctor for a prescription, which you had already verified had been written incorrectly? Or for not magically knowing 911 should have been called? How is that a judgement call to be made by a non-trained, random person, after a very brief encounter? Depending on the mistake you realised the doctor had made, it may not have been able to be rectified without an inperson visit (not handled over the phone). It sounds like the lady may have had a bad attitude but what in what your statement reports would ever, even in the sue happy U.S., justify a lawsuit? Because she was a "mean spirited woman"? I hope we are not at that point these days.

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Muhammed Wally
, US
Sep 21, 2021 12:10 pm EDT
Replying to comment of JoranL

PAIN and SUFFERING. Since you are not familiar with with these concepts, I will explain. Even Pain and Suffering is a legal allowance in a suite. These can be difficult to quantify. To be awarded for pain and suffering, one's original argument (cause of pain and suffering) must be proven. Causing pain and suffering is not against the law. Only the method used to cause pain can be held to scrutiny. I am all in favor of upending this logic and legally flip the table so those not merely responsible for causing pain, but ALLOWING suffering to continue be held to a lesser degree, ACCOUNTABLE for ALLOWING pain and suffering to continue by, knowingly, after aware of a situation, ignore the person in need. This would provide the necessary framework to discourage crimes of neglect involving someone in medical need.

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Laura Harlow
, US
Feb 22, 2022 7:19 pm EST

It may seem like pharmacy staff is just out to be mean and cruel to customers. But I have to inform you as a Pharmacy Clerk, there are strict rules for filling medication. Such as obtaining a doctor’s order. Also pharmacy staff are overworked especially these days and a little bit of patience and courtesy goes a long way.

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Donna Pieniazek
, US
Mar 12, 2022 1:34 pm EST
Replying to comment of JoranL

Like she mentioned, "the woman had to go back to the hospital because she wouldn't give her any of her meds!" Do you get that? You probably don't understand. When you are older and sick, you think back on this and see if you want to be treated this way. Believe me, you won't want to be! You have NO IDEA what it is like to be sick and in need of medicine! You could have helped her somehow, someway! If she died or almost died because you didn't give her her meds or at the very least find someone to help you with it OR called 911, then you deserve to be sued! And yes, she is right!

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Lecresset
Malden, US
Apr 28, 2022 6:43 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

That’s a 2 way street! The pharmacy techs are rude at the Reading , MA Bolton st location. Every time I call, they get irritated if I ask too many pertinent questions regarding my family’s medication and costs! I was just out on hold without consent because the tech was flustered with my straightforward questions regarding cost of my husbands medications. “Well, if you want to wait on hold for the pharmacist- you can”. No, I want YOU to do your job and answer the easy questions that you should know and not be rude and unprofessional.

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BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Las Vegas, US
Oct 07, 2014 11:44 pm EDT

walgreens pharmacy
east sahara branch
las vegas nv,
i called up the telephone number [protected], i have to wait for the next available staff, after 44 minutes of waiting a lady asked me what do i want and i answer her in a nice way and the lady in return reply SORRY I CANT UNDERSTAND YOU AND SHE HANG UP
THIS IS CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ITS BEST .

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amysue529
, US
Jun 16, 2011 1:13 am EDT

Walgreens policy is that someone can verify your address and pick up your prescription. Wether they are 15 or 85 it doesn't matter. Cough syrup and other cold medicines cannot legally be purchased by minors. So yes, someone can pick up your prescription but not cough syrup. Don't like it? Write your senator to see if your opinion will change the law.

Also, when she drew her hand back and said "hmmm" after you said you didn't have insurance, she was most likely thinking how she could save you money. Walgreens has a RX savings club for people with little or no insurance. But, since you were probably being a jerk to her, she decided not to waste her time on something that was clearly not going to be appreciated. I know I wouldn't waste time for someone who wasn't appreciative. Since I'm sure you don't know this either, retail pharmacies make more money off from a RX that is not billed to insurance than one that is. Reimbursement rates are crappy and insurances never pay the total amount, leaving us with a cost to basically eat. You sliding your VISA card has a very good reimbursement rate. If you weren't so preoccupied with being so offended all the time, maybe you would notice.

In general, if someone comes up to you with a crappy attitude to begin with, are you going to make every effort to be nice to them? Not a chance. We may work in retail, but we are not door mats. We do nothing more than McDonald's workers? Hmm. I don't think many people with Doctoral degrees work at McDonald's. I sort of feel sorry for you because you are so ignorant. Who do you think checks for interactions between medications? Most doctors have no idea. They don't go to school for that. WE do. So if we are nothing more than McDonald's workers, essentially you are saying we are not needed. Go ahead, take all those meds that your doctor wrote together. You might not be breathing well enough to write another ignorant complaint.

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DoctoralPC
Flagler Beach, Florida, US
May 22, 2021 11:36 pm EDT
Replying to comment of amysue529

Granted, you have a Doctoral PharmD degree but you aren’t an MD. I have known a few that sound like you Amy, it’s called a Napoleon Complex, in some part of your life you fell short and it scarred you and the disappointment in yourself is transferred to your Customer Service skills, or lack thereof, respected Pharmacists explain in layman's terms why certain drug combinations should not be given or taken together-and because you are not an MD, you cannot fix the mistake but you could have called the MD on your Customers behalf because your Super-smart Brain (or the software in Drug Database, more likely) caught the drug interaction error and another medication could have been prescribed by the MD to relieve the suffering YOUR Customer was in. Maybe that’s not in the Walgreens Handbook or maybe you just have a lack of concern for people who don’t have “Doctoral”or the one you couldn't get, Medical Degree, but try going that extra step to make the difference in your Customer’s life and you may get a little more respect. And, the comment you made about your Customer’s breathing and not being able to breath to write another ignorant complaint shows the lack of professionalism/integrity you possess and will disqualify you at your future McDonalds interview. I truly hope these comments go to your Corporate Office to be reviewed.

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Donna Pieniazek
, US
Mar 12, 2022 1:37 pm EST
Replying to comment of amysue529

Doctoral degrees? Hmmm, I doubt it! Some pharmacists sure don't act like they have ANY kind of degrees! Only a doctor would have a doctoral degree! Look it up!

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Donna Pieniazek
, US
Mar 12, 2022 1:48 pm EST
Replying to comment of amysue529

I just noticed another answer that says, you do need a doctoral degree. I had also seen one that said you didn't, that was why I commented on it. But, that makes it an even more serious offense to people that have doctoral degrees! Meaning, you all should understand the plight of the seriously ill! You are supposed to treat them with respect and kindness and do "whatever" you can to help them! I repeat, there is still NO EXCUSE for some of your treatments, attitudes, meanness, or insensitivities! After all, you have a doctoral degree, right?

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DeaconDale
, US
Jul 08, 2022 3:01 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

What? Many people earn a Doctorate degree in many fields of study. A Doctorate degree does not mean you are a medical doctor, rather a person who earned a college degree in a specified field. A doctor of education, doctor of dentistry, a doctor in English, a doctor in pharmacy, a doctor in music, yes all doctoral degrees but not necessarily of medicine. The current graduate degree for a pharmacist is a Doctor of Pharmacy which means they spent more time in college beyond a 4 year bachelor's degree which is an entry level degree for college students.

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SrPharmTech
Muncie, US
Mar 17, 2011 5:36 am EDT

FYI, in some states, you can't buy Robitussin if you are a minor LEGALLY.

binder
binder
, US
Jun 06, 2009 2:38 am EDT

Change pharmacies; next time Ruby's giving you Cyanide tabs.

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Aaron
, US
Jun 06, 2009 2:30 am EDT

And gomakemeasandwich is a waste of life...seems relevant somehow.

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gomakemeasandwich
, US
Jun 04, 2009 5:24 am EDT

Like the other guy (who happens to be a [censored]bag) said, this is something that you should have brought up with a manager if you you were that upset about it.

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Aaron
, US
May 06, 2009 10:17 am EDT

Listen stupid:

A pharmacy tech requires a hell of a lot more than just working a cash register...you often end up doing a lot of the same work as a pharmacist while having to wait on impatient sick people who are often whiney jerks. In fact, many techs are actually in school to become pharmacists. You probably didn't know all of that, what with having your head shoved up your ### and all.

Look, I'm sympathetic to your current familal difficulties but your complaint is asinine. You don't like the person who checks you out? Go someplace else or get your meds when she isn't working.

I'd be a little more willing to be on your side if you'd mentioned that you tried to talk to a manager about your problem or if you didn't submit that massive wall of text filled with grammatical errors and silliness. But as it is you come across as someone whose ego got bruised and decided to rant about it a little.

My patience gets bruised by idiotic consumers like yours on a daily basis and this is my little rant against you. Works both ways goober.

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Debbie Miller
, US
Jan 24, 2022 7:59 pm EST
Replying to comment of Aaron

You must have been the person who was ringing the person up.

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Mr E
Boston, US
Apr 17, 2009 11:24 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This is a Walgreens story.

For three years I have been getting my scripts filled at the local RiteAid, I have once received the wrong medication, at least four times received the wrong strength, an a equal amount for the wrong amount of pills. Once dropped of my scripts off early, and RiteAid lost them, both schedule II, if you don't understand what schedule II is than Google it please, schedule II medication could be methadone, oxycodone, secobarbital, fentanyl etc . .

Once again RiteAid does not have what I need, RiteAid has two stores with in a mile, still nothing. Calling around the area I found Walgreens had exactly what I need and since that Walgreens is the main 24Hr secondary pharmacy for one of our best local Hospitals chances are that Walgreens wont make stupid mistakes.

I will update my findings within the year.

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stealthrx
White Plains, US
Apr 09, 2009 11:21 pm EDT

FYI, there are certain laws that prohibits the sale of dextromethorphan & pseudophedrine to minors