I've been trying to fill prescriptions for hydrocodone for my dogs, Bentley (13) and Bailey (12). I initially got the prescriptions filled from our veterinary clinic at a cost of $200 for a monthly supply of 60 pills. I called a privately owned pharmacy to try to find the medication at a lower cost. They didn't have the medication, but they referred me to Eagle's Landing Pharmacy (1090 Eagles Landing Pkwy, Stockbridge, GA 30281).
A couple of weeks ago, I called Eagle's Landing Pharmacy to verify they had the medication. Although many pharmacies will not provide information about the availability of a controlled substance over the phone, the staff was very friendly and helpful and shared that 60 pills were available at a cost of $150.
Since a couple of weeks had passed since my initial inquiry, I called Eagle's Landing Pharmacy this morning to verify they still had the medication in stock. Once again they were friendly and helpful. They verified over the phone that they had the medication in stock. They even said they could fill the prescriptions while I waited, if I came before 3:00, when they were not extremely busy.
I took my written prescriptions to Eagle's Landing Pharmacy. However, once I showed up in person, my customer experience changed drastically. I was told they needed to call the veterinarian to verify the prescriptions and I was encouraged to leave and come back. I said I didn't mind waiting. About 15 minutes later, the pharmacist, Melinda, walked over and handed me my prescriptions. She said, "I don't feel comfortable filling these prescriptions, so I'm giving it back to you."
I left the pharmacy very confused. Once I got home, I called Eagle's Landing Pharmacy back and spoke with Melinda again. I asked her why she chose not to fill the prescriptions. She said I needed to call my veterinarian for an explanation.
I am African American. There was no other customer at Eagle's Landing Pharmacy who looked like me. There was also no employee at Eagle's Landing Pharmacy who looked like me.
I called my veterinarian and was told they received a call from Eagle's Landing Pharmacy. They were told the signatures on the prescriptions didn't match the signatures on other prescriptions they had filled from my veterinarian. I was told the veterinarian verified that she did indeed write the prescriptions and that they were valid. I was also told the veterinarian offered to rewrite the prescriptions. Melinda still refused to fill the prescriptions.
The technician at our veterinarian's office shared that Eagle's Landing Pharmacy has filled many of their prescriptions and she didn't understand why they had an issue filling these prescriptions. She then suggested I go to another pharmacy directly across the street from Eagle's Landing Pharmacy. I went to the other pharmacy with the exact same prescriptions and they filled them in 10 minutes while I waited. They did not need to call the veterinarian to verify. They were not uncomfortable with me. The prescription also cost $100 for 60 pills.
Question: Why do you think Melinda at Eagle's Landing Pharmacy felt uncomfortable with me? read more