CVS Pharmacist is refusing to fill my full prescription

[ChristmasElf]

This is another reason I LOVE Target. We travel constantly, and I routinely get Rx's filled in wherevever we happen to be when the Rx's need to be refilled.
One on the refills is a controlled substance, so the Dr has to give me a new written prescription every month. Texas is the only state that I can't get that particular Rx refilled in unless it is written on a Texas Dr's prescription sheet. (Just another of Texas's bogus revenue getting laws that have been put into place in the last few years.)

Target has never given me any issues on Rx's. Love them.

 

[Schmeck]

This is another reason I LOVE Target. We travel constantly, and I routinely get Rx's filled in wherevever we happen to be when the Rx's need to be refilled.
One on the refills is a controlled substance, so the Dr has to give me a new written prescription every month. Texas is the only state that I can't get that particular Rx refilled in unless it is written on a Texas Dr's prescription sheet. (Just another of Texas's bogus revenue getting laws that have been put into place in the last few years.)

Target has never given me any issues on Rx's. Love them.

Adding this to my list of reasons why I am never stepping foot in Texas!

I've got a hard-copy narcotic prescription to have filled, and we can only use CVS with our present insurance, wish me luck! Well, we could use another pharmacy, but we wouldn't get a discount.

 

[DizBelle]

CVS makes me mad. I'm not sure this is just a CVS thing or if all pharmacies do this. I was on a medication and took 1 pill per day. I used to get a 90 days supply for 90 dollars. The last time I was there my dr. said I only have to take 1/2 a pill per day. Well the next time I went to pick up my prescription, I only had 45 pills in there but still got charged the same amount. I asked why I didn't get 90 pills and the pharmacist said because I only had to take 1/2 pill per day it was still a 90 day supply. So effectively i got 1/2 the medication for the same price

I think you can blame your insurance for this one.

The total cost of the medication went down - say from $200 to $100 but you still have to pay the same co-pay of $90.

 

[floridafam]

I would have called corporate and asked for their official policy. We are in FL and don't use CVS anymore. They goodles up a few too many times.

 

[cornflake]

There's a regulatory body - call and report them. That's completely inappropriate and unethical.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I only do Walgreens now. I used to use CVS but they decided to switch out a generic drug I had without telling me or asking me. It saved them money so they just did it.

I was really mad because they refused to tell me why at first and the packaging was different. The packaging on this particular item is somewhat important in taking the drug so I was miffed. I switched to Walgreens and haven't had an issue since. And I get the original generic I liked better.

 

[SandrA9810]

This is another reason I LOVE Target. We travel constantly, and I routinely get Rx's filled in wherevever we happen to be when the Rx's need to be refilled.
One on the refills is a controlled substance, so the Dr has to give me a new written prescription every month. Texas is the only state that I can't get that particular Rx refilled in unless it is written on a Texas Dr's prescription sheet. (Just another of Texas's bogus revenue getting laws that have been put into place in the last few years.)

Target has never given me any issues on Rx's. Love them.

My aunt used to tread high waters with Walgreens over my grandmother's prescription. None of the generics worked for her, so she had to get the name brand one. She has a supplemental private insurance, which covers name brand if she prefers. More than once they gave her the generic when it was written in the system to never give her generics.
When my aunt would complain, they'd say it's because medicare doesn't cover it... but didn't bother to notice she has Humana.

A new Super Target opened up in the area, giving those $10 gift cards for each new prescription. My aunt moved over, got like a $100 for free, and has been extremely happy ever since.

 

[DMickey28]

I use Walmart. Never had any issues except if it's an odd medication and they don't have it in. They usually get it by 3pm the next day so depending on what it is i will wait or go to Walgreens. I have done cvs a few times because of the drive through but never had an issue. My parents have cvs for years with no issues.

 

[mefordis]

Sounds like a responsible pharmacist.

 

[Ceila]

Sounds like a responsible pharmacist.

So, "responsible" pharmacists go against doctors' orders without even calling them? Um, no.

 

[dakcp2001]

So, "responsible" pharmacists go against doctors' orders without even calling them? Um, no.

Sometimes you have to use clinical judgement. If you are licensed in a profession, there are certain standards you are upheld to. You could lose you license if you do not. As a nurse, I can honestly tell you there are times that doctors write some stupid orders. They are human, too you know. there have been times in my career where I have refused to carry out a doctors order, and more often than not, my judgement has saved my rear. No matter what the doctor writes, if I carry out the stupid order and some harm comes, I am liable. Some things are not worth risking my license.

This pharmacist is just covering themselves, If you don't like it go to another one there are a million to pick from. Don't take it personal. You said it was an unusual amount, so at least you know they are paying attention. You can also be sure this pharmacist probably saves lives by catching errors when docs write incorrect doses and such, which happens all the time.

 

[dakcp2001]

I only do Walgreens now. I used to use CVS but they decided to switch out a generic drug I had without telling me or asking me. It saved them money so they just did it.

I was really mad because they refused to tell me why at first and the packaging was different. The packaging on this particular item is somewhat important in taking the drug so I was miffed. I switched to Walgreens and haven't had an issue since. And I get the original generic I liked better.

I find their prices to be so much higher tha everywhere else!i prefer. I prefer Target.

 

[Poohforyou]

If the pharmacist truly had a problem dispensing the prescription as written, he/she should have called the doctor's office to clarify that's how it was to be filled. The pharmacist should not have taken it upon himself/herself to practice medicine and change the script.

Exactly. It never hurts to have something clarified but to completely disregard the instructions on the script is ludicrous. Tell the pharmacist to go to med school if he/she wants to prescribe meds. Personally I'd contact the corp office.

 

[dakcp2001]

Exactly. It never hurts to have something clarified but to completely disregard the instructions on the script is ludicrous. Tell the pharmacist to go to med school if he/she wants to prescribe meds. Personally I'd contact the corp office.

There is probably another side to the story. Maybe they did call they did not call back. Maybe the doctor has a history of writing wonky scripts.

 

[tchrrx]

When it comes to a diagnosis, I am more likely to trust my doctor. However, when it comes to the medication, the pharmacist most likely knows a lot more about it.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I don't think that pharamacists, at least in my state are allowed to do that.

A few years ago we switched to a new insurance which meant a new pediatrician. He wrote a "refill" for my child for Singulair. My kid had taken Singulair for several years, and I was very surprised when I went to pick it up and was told the new insurance had declined it. I was quite upset, and told the pharmacist I would wait to fill it while I fought in insurance company.

The pharmacist told me "I am not allowed to comment on how a doctor writes a prescription. They're the ones who now yes. However, I wonder if the reason the prescription was written in an unconventional manner." I asked him what he meant, and he said he said he couldn't answer that, but he could give me back my prescription and explain what it said.

The doctor had written the prescription for a once a day med, as a three times a day med. Singulair is never written that way, as far as I know, and my son certainly wasn't supposed to take it that way. He was already on the maximum dose for a kid his age, so the script was for triple the maximum dose.

Anyway, my point is, that even in this circumstance where the pharmacist knew the script was "off" and knew why, he couldn't say anything, or refuse to fill it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So, "responsible" pharmacists go against doctors' orders without even calling them? Um, no.

Does anybody know the pharmacist didn't call the physician? She filled the prescription as written this time, and included a note that next time she'd only be able to provide nine at a time.

I found this among the descriptions of what a pharmacist does "Advising physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and effects of medications". I'd never expect my pharmacist to diagnose me, but I always defer to them when it comes to prescriptions.

I also looked up Imitrex, and the manufacturer does recommend no more than four treatments in a month. The generic site was less specific.

 

[DenMig]

Sometimes you have to use clinical judgement. If you are licensed in a profession, there are certain standards you are upheld to. You could lose you license if you do not. As a nurse, I can honestly tell you there are times that doctors write some stupid orders. They are human, too you know. there have been times in my career where I have refused to carry out a doctors order, and more often than not, my judgement has saved my rear. No matter what the doctor writes, if I carry out the stupid order and some harm comes, I am liable. Some things are not worth risking my license.

This pharmacist is just covering themselves, If you don't like it go to another one there are a million to pick from. Don't take it personal. You said it was an unusual amount, so at least you know they are paying attention. You can also be sure this pharmacist probably saves lives by catching errors when docs write incorrect doses and such, which happens all the time.

Very well said, I couldn't agree more.

Exactly. It never hurts to have something clarified but to completely disregard the instructions on the script is ludicrous. Tell the pharmacist to go to med school if he/she wants to prescribe meds. Personally I'd contact the corp office.

Not every pharmacist has med school envy. It seems reading this thread many people assume doctors know everything. Pharmacists also go through intensive schooling and drug interactions, etc is their expertise. They are far more knowledgable than doctors in this regard.

When it comes to a diagnosis, I am more likely to trust my doctor. However, when it comes to the medication, the pharmacist most likely knows a lot more about it.

I totally agree.

Does anybody know the pharmacist didn't call the physician? She filled the prescription as written this time, and included a note that next time she'd only be able to provide nine at a time.

I found this among the descriptions of what a pharmacist does "Advising physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and effects of medications". I'd never expect my pharmacist to diagnose me, but I always defer to them when it comes to prescriptions.

I also looked up Imitrex, and the manufacturer does recommend no more than four treatments in a month. The generic site was less specific.

I can appreciate somebody who does some research and doesn't just make assumptions. Excellent post.


My wife is a pharmacist and I know how intense her schooling was and how hard she works. There is a reason that pharmacists exist and although I"m not saying that mistakes aren't made they have been well educated and are compensated very well to do their job. Doctors are not experts on every drug.

 

[Callie]

This is why I love Walgreens! I never get a weird look, or question even though I am on a ton of medication. They don't even question why all three of us in the family have ambien prescriptions that are filled every 90 days (we all have terrible insomnia. Mom's in a stress occupation, sister in grad school, and I have other medication that makes it hard to sleep).
But she should at least call the doctor!

 

[Seven Seas Lagoon]

The pharmacist is in the right. They take an oath to do what's in your best interest. I would be weary of a pharmacist who just hands you whatever you want. If something went wrong... You would look to the pharmacist for answers as to why they allowed it. Your doctor is not an expert on drugs. Trust your pharmacist.