0 STARS IF I COULD -- 1 STAR ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE TO
I have only been using this CVS Pharmacy for about a month, and after what happened today, I am absolutely appalled by the way I was treated.
I am currently dealing with serious health issues, including Hashimoto's disease, hyperthyroidism, and multiple solid thyroid nodules. I recently underwent thyroid biopsies, and based on my findings, I am now facing a very real concern for thyroid cancer. I have been told that, at this point, the possibility is essentially 50/50. I am also dealing with severe pain and inflammation in both ears, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, difficulty eating, and throat pain from my biopsies.
I am already physically and emotionally overwhelmed.
Yesterday, I spoke with another pharmacist about my ear medication, and she was incredibly kind and understanding. I was told that I could fill my prescription because my doctor had changed the dosage. My CVS app clearly showed that the prescription was scheduled for pickup today, 8/10.
When I went to the pharmacy today, the pharmacist I dealt with was extremely rude and dismissive. She told me I was "overusing" my medication and said she was going to call my doctor. I told her to absolutely call my doctor because my doctor is the one managing my medications.
Instead of showing compassion, she told me that my health problems were "not her problem."
I understand that pharmacists have a responsibility to make sure medications are being dispensed safely. I have absolutely no problem with them contacting my doctor, verifying a prescription, or following pharmacy policies. What I do have a problem with is being spoken to in a degrading and disrespectful manner and being made to feel like a drug addict in front of other people.
I became upset and exchanged words with her because I was hurt and overwhelmed. She then told me I was banned from the store.
I went home in tears.
About 30 minutes later, I called back because I wanted to apologize for my part in the exchange. I explained that I am going through an extremely difficult time with my health and that I am a good person who is struggling right now. Her response was that she didn't care, that I was "flagged," and that I should not come back.
I am beyond upset and insulted.
There is a HUGE difference between enforcing pharmacy policies and treating a sick person like they are a problem. I was not asking anyone to break the rules. I was asking for the medication my doctor prescribed and for basic human compassion.
I also want to acknowledge Ebony, who I spoke with afterward. She was understanding, listened to me, and apologized. I genuinely appreciated her compassion.
I will be escalating this situation to the store manager and the appropriate CVS corporate/pharmacy leadership. I have documentation attached supporting my prescriptions, medical circumstances, and the details of what occurred, and I am asking that this matter be properly reviewed.
I am now having to find another pharmacy, including potentially driving to Boca, even though I am already struggling physically and emotionally and have to see my doctor again tomorrow for the second time in just a few days.
I am not a drug addict, and I should never have been made to feel like one.
I came into this pharmacy as a sick patient dealing with the possibility of thyroid cancer, trying to get medication prescribed by my doctor. I left feeling humiliated, judged, and completely broken down.
CVS, patients deserve better than this. Compassion costs nothing.
ZERO STARS IF I COULD. read more