This review is specifically for RHODA the pharmacy tech. and the pharmacist who was busily working around her. I went in to the E.R. this morning after my G.I. issues had reached their limit. Shortly after my hospital visit I went into the nearest Walgreens to retrieve my prescription meds. I was in pain, nauseated, and exhausted from my ordeal and so I quietly handed RHODA my prescription. Right away RHODA recommended a generic antacid with the SAME active ingredient as the antacid that my physician recommended. SOLD! OK RHODA, now your speaking my language. When my prescription was filled (it was about a 45min wait, no problem because these girls were hauling ass trying to fill prescriptions for all of CV), she inquired about my insurance. I told her I had medi-cal, and basically had nothing else to give her other than an old state medical benefit card.. here is where the magic happens.. Rhoda took the time to call the insurance and see if I can have the fee waived for my meds. She even asked if I had AAA insurance because they sometimes offer discounts. RHODA was looking left and right to get me my medication. In the end my meds were FREE!!! Now, RHODA COULD have quickly rang me up and sent me on my way, but she didn't. She showed expertise, and compassion and did all she could to help me. Up until this week I had been laid off for 4 months (I'm an agricultural/seasonal worker), and had very little to spare for unexpected medical expenses... again, she didn't have to but she did and I just wanted to let everyone know how great Rhoda and the pharmacy staff were to me today. THANK YOU! read more

This is specifically about the pharmacy. First, I called them and was on hold for literally two hours before I just had to give up. Second, their line is always ridiculous and they only have one person working. It's the most infuriating experience. Also, most of the time their system can't figure out insurance. It's a joke. I've tried, but I'm definitely switching. read more

I freaking hate this place. I use it for location convenience but they never have their stuff together. Has to be one of the areas worse Walgreens. Attitudes. Rudeness. Slowness. Just bad. Sigh read more

Every time I come here, it takes me at least an hour if not more to pick my mom's medication from the pharmacy window. Worse customer service ever! read more

Came this morning at 7:10am to get a passport photo taken, asked the cashier if anyone was working in the photo dept she said it not open but she will call the asst. mgr. James came over introduced himself asked me how he could help? Told him I needed to take a passport picture he said that the photo machine was not working and they had called the technician and he could not help me. He saw how disappointed I was and asked to wait a sec while he checked to see if one of the machine was working and it was YAY!!!!. James took my picture and printed the photos for me. James made my day had he not taken that time to recheck the machine I would have been even more inconvenienced then just leaving home a few mins early. It takes a certain kind of person to be in mgmt and James is the right kind of person. Thank You James!! read more

The phone wait time is totally unacceptable. I was on hold yesterday for 20 minutes then just gave up. Now I'm on hold again...waiting. I just transferred my medication from SF and am disappointed how understaffed and inefficient this location is. read more

The pharmacy department is rude. It's not the first time, but this time I'm writing a review. I called to ask abut a prescription I have on file to see if I had a refill, she just kept saying no, not here, in such a rude way. I was trying to ask questions for clarification because I was totally confused...like offering questions for her to give me help and she was just being so totally unhelpful and snippy. At the end I was about to say "ok I'll call my doctor to find out" when she said over me, rudely, "there's no point in arguing about it". I was not arguing just trying to nicely get clarification! read more

This is one of the worst pharmacies I've ever been to. They are grossly understaffed. Prescriptions are never ready. Forget about trying to pick anything up during after work hours, the line wraps around. Hire more people! I'm switching to CVS. read more

Terrible. Usually ok, but today is unacceptable. I called in for a 1 pm pick up...arrived at 2 pm , because they usually aren't ready. But after going through the drive thru 3 times with no meds...it's very inconvenient. At 3:28 pm I finally Rex's my Mom's medication. 3 1/2 hours later! Very disappointing. read more

The customer service here is horrible. The photo department is extremely rude and the cashiers are rude as well as slow. The store is set up strange, they're overpriced and if you're buying food MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE SELL BY DATE. read more

Terrible customer service. Loooong wait every time I come to get my prescriptions. The drive through is a joke. It's at least a 20 minute wait every time even if there are only 2 or 3 cars in line and the people who work there don't care. Hire some more people to work in the pharmacy! read more

The worst experience I have ever had printing passport photos and general store service. Completely disorganized and confused. Spent 1.5 hrs in 1 day trying to do something that should take 15 minutes. You can feel the customers' frustrations across the store's department. read more

Unfortunately, I had a terrible experience yesterday morning. I came into Walgreens in hopes to print some engagement pictures from my phone to send to my family across the country. I walked in and politely asked for help because I did not see any place to connect my phone for printing. The man at the register said, "did you bring your own cable?" I said, "uh, no.. I didn't know I needed to, I can check in my car to see if I have one." He took a deep breath as if I'm inconveniencing him and reached for a cord behind the counter. He then said to me, "you may use this, but you need to make sure to return it. People have taken them." I was sort of thrown back because I don't feel like I come across as anyone who'd steal, but regardless I thought that maybe it was just policy to say that? I proceed to plug the cord into the USB port and he says to me from behind the register (the entire time he spoke at me from there), "plug it into the left" I look around he keeps saying left over and over. I had to get up and see that he meant on the side of monitor itself. Then I realize the cord is broken and it wasn't reading my phone unless I put pressure on it at all times. I said the cord isn't working and he literally just stared at me, didn't bother to give me a different one. I was annoyed, but in general it takes a lot for me to actually get upset, so I kept trying to be as positive as I can and make it work. After 15 minutes of my phone having to load and reload from the broken cord, I was able to select photos. Only problem- my photos I wanted to print weren't there! I told him that they weren't being read and he said "oh that happens just take a screen shot on your phone and print those ones". Umm no! Those would look terrible. What made me actually upset was when a middle age caucasian woman came in. Off the bat he came around the counter, offered her a cord with out the "did you bring your own cord with you" question, and walked her through the best quality of prints she could do. That's when I realized I was actually being profiled (maybe for my age-I do look younger than what I actually am, maybe for my race?). He was implying specifically to me that I'd actually steal a cord!!! Rude and unprofessional. I tried for about 15 more minutes hoping my pictures would appear so I could just get out of there. No luck, and continuous terrible service from that man. I unplugged the cord put it on the register and left with out saying a word. Is it really that hard for him to show up for life? I drove down the street to CVS and they provided great service and were very respectful. Took a quarter of the time. I don't expect to be treated like the Queen of England, or be served on hand and foot. However, I do expect respect. If you need prints, drive down to CVS. It'll save you time, energy, and self-esteem. read more

Waiting for 15 minutes in the drive thru is beyond ridiculous. Staff is ok. But no one seems to think my time is worth anything...

If I could give negative stars, I would! Worst pharmacy, rude. Wait time in drive thur was ridiculous and you cannot see who you are talking too. Then I pull away and the lady starts yelling to wait. I said i already pulled up andvshe starts talkingvabout my prescription with the guy behind me right there. Lord...frustrating place. read more

Pharmacy service is slow. Pharmacy is basically closed from 1pm to 3pm on the weekends for lunch and can't release the meds at this time. What large chain pharmacy does that? read more

It's hard to capture how poorly this store is managed. One of many examples of frustration: Waiting in the phone queue for 57 minutes. When it was my turn, I was disconnected by the pharmacist or the system. I called back and spoke to the store manager Ria. She claimed she would get me to the pharmacy immediately. She ended up disconnecting and avoiding my following attempts to call. I lay the horrid quality of this place squarely on the shoulders of management. The people who work here are good people. But, they cannot succeed under this kind of management. I hope it changes for the sake of the good people that work here and frequent this store. It's huge hassle to change. But, it's time to move on. read more

I have no complaints about customer service here.I've always had decent service. But I pay out of pocket and the prices have shot through the roof. Even with their 25 dollar a year insurance. Sorry Walgreens, you lost a long time customer. Found a small pharmacy in Fremont who's prices can't be beat. The price difference was enough for me to sacrifice the convenience of Walgreens, which let's face it. That's the only thing that makes Walgreens a viable competitor. read more

I've used this pharmacy for the past two years. They seem to be consistently understaffed. Whether I've dropped the prescription off, refilled through the app, had my doctor call it in - I'm always waiting an inordinate amount of time when I pick it up. When I've tried to call the pharmacy, I'm consistently on hold at least 10-20 minutes, sometimes longer. The people who work in the pharmacy are generally nice but it seems they're always understaffed and too busy to keep up with the customers at this location. read more

Every single time I go in to fill a prescription they take for ever. I usually have to wait 45+ minutes. Even when I call ahead of time they always have a long line but what else can you expect with so many people and so few workers. read more

I hate when people come on here just to complain, but really, this Walgreen's has stuck it to me one too many times. This morning was the final straw. Want to hear what broke the camel's back? I dropped off a prescription a couple minutes after 8:30 a.m. The guy asks when I want to pick it up. I tell him as soon as possible. He tells me it will be about 20 minutes. Good. I go home, take my vitamins, talk to my husband, drive back and get there just before 9:00. I go to the window and am told that my prescription is not ready yet, do I still want to wait? Yes, I'll wait - you'll call me when it's ready? Yes. I go poke around the store for another 5 minutes or so, then go sit in their pharmacy chairs for about 10 minutes. Finally the guy leans over the counter and asks, "Are you waiting for the prescription for .....?" I say yes. He says, "Oh, we actually don't stock that medication in our store." WHAT??? He offers to order it for tomorrow or check with another store so I can get it today. I need it today, so I tell him which store is close to my job so he can check. He looks up the store and some lady comes in asking about the flu shot. He DROPS the call to the other store to tell her all about the paperwork she needs to fill out, how to schedule an appointment, etc. BTW, that was one of TWO people I saw come to the counter during the entire hour I was there, so the "they were busy" excuse doesn't fly either. It took nearly AN HOUR to find out that the medication I needed was not in their store and to get the order placed with another one. I walked out of there at 9:30 on the nose. If they want to keep their business they should offer their prescriptions with Xanax chasers, but even that won't get me back. I think I'll try CVS up the street. read more

Having a hard time finding anything with their new layout. Construction has been a pain so I hope it's over soon!

The pharmacy frustrates me - especially when I have a sick Chub-chub at home that needs meds! Every time I go in there's a long (_I_) line, one EE working the register and 5 PharmTechs / Pharmacists in the back.... Tell me that they're not trained to look for a prescription and ring it up?! read more

It might take you 30 minutes just to pick up your meds, which your doctor eRXed. They are really understaffed! My first time visit was couple months ago when my doctor first eRXed. I saw my doctor in the morning around 10am. My doctor sent my prescription electronically right away while she was seeing me. I came to CV Walgreens at 2pm, I was told my drugs weren't ready. I had to wait for 1/2hr to get them. My second time visit was today. My husband called in for my refill yesterday, was told med will be ready after 8pm yesterday. However, I came one day later. After staying in line for 15', the pharmacy tech told me she couldn't find any of my med. After answered all of her questions, she told me, "FYI, your prescription didn't go through". She went disappear for 5' then she came back with my med. even though she was nice, I'm not happy with what has happened to me. I'm not planning to come back for any of my refills. I will have to find myself a better pharmacy. read more

I always come here for my prescription around 5pm. Heads up, it will be a long line. I also feel like the employees here aren't as happy. I walk in the door, I just get a "hi" with no smile and they continue doing their work. Are they not being paid enough? Just seems so sad here. read more

The workers here all seem like zombies, but then again im usually in and out with the one or two things i needed.

I always use this Walgreens. They do a great job with their photo items as well. They are so quick and very affordable. Definitely recommend this place! read more

My prescription was fax in around 11 am, I called at 5 pm, there was only one item was ready, one out of there. I asked the guy how come it took so long to finish the prescription that was send in at 11am, and it took 6 hours don't even can complete one prescription with three items, he said it doesn't matter, it will take another hour to ready, poor customer service, I think this should be my last to place my prescription here, unless all pharmacy close and this is the only one in Bay Area! read more

This place gets a 1 for service because I can't give it a lower score. After waiting on line for 25 min because of the incompetence behind the counter and people arguing with the employees that can't seem to get things straight I finally get up to the counter with my two items one was supposed to be full price and the other half off. Of course I was told I was wrong. Half of the store has theses labels on it confusing as all hell. Anyways, I was wrong because the number on the barcode was not the one in the computer for the half off, even after I went back to the shelf and saw the half off sticker on the item itself. Customer service is non existent at this location!!!! If you find that 3 customers are arguing with you in a 25 min period or that it takes 25 minutes to ring up 5 people you may want to take a look in the mirror to find the problem. read more

Horrible customer service!!! Sales person who greeted me didn't sound sincere and had a moody tone in her voice! She also told me rudely, after seeing I had 12 packs of bar soaps in my shopping cart, that I was limited to buying only 4, because they needed the sale to last through the weekend? Guess she didn't want my business today!!! I'm taking my money to CVS from now on!!! read more

Pharmacy very poorly run. Staff not well trained in things like name changes, transferring scripts from other pharmacies. There is ALWAY a line and it is never sufficiently staffed/and or there is too much other work for staff to do than wait on customers. Pharmacists have not been very helpful with info regarding over the counter products. I only go there because that is where my insurance is contracted with for best prices. If not I would be back at CVS in a flash. I really like the rest of the store. Parking is always a problem in that shopping center by that is not really Walgreen's fault. read more

Read the not-so-pretty, low-star-count reviews: It's as bad as all that, or in deed has. I have had occasion to shop here on and off for decades since it's construction and opening, and can verify that the attitudes in [mis-]managing this place have deteriorated, and are as bad as the level of clientele into attracts and serve. I've seen rude, uneducated and generally people who should not be allowed in public laces instigate skirmishes with innocent customers from all walks of life whose provocation consisted of no more than taking their rightful place in line, while management either does nothing or prejudicially stands by the instigators. read more

Worst customer service I've had at this place and it was a new person not sure what her name was i didnt stay long enough to look.

Worst pharmacy experience ever. I have been coming here for my prescriptions for many years, and my experience here has steadily declined to the point where I just couldn't take it anymore and had to change pharmacies. The wait times are ALWAYS at least an hour, and usually more. If you go through the drive thru, you had better turn your car off or you will run out of gas waiting to get to the window, then waiting even longer for someone to come to the window. If you call the pharmacy, you will wait an hour to get someone to answer. And even worse, your doctor cannot get through the phone line to call in your prescription either. My doctor faxed my prescription to them 5X, and they claimed that they did not receive it, and when she tried to call it in, she couldn't get through the phone line. I ended up having to drive all the way to my doctor's office in Dublin to get a written prescription. After waiting in line for 45 minutes, I got to the window and after the tech took my prescription, the pharmacist refused to fill it, even though it was time for it to be refilled. The pharmacy techs are rude and completely blasé about handling customer's meds and do not even attempt to resolve any of these issues. A lot of people are depending on these meds to live, and this pharmacy quite frankly doesn't give a damn if you are ill, in pain, or need your meds to live (I.E. insulin, which they ran out of! For Christ's sake!) who do they think they are? The only pharmacy in town? Even my medical team doesn't like dealing with this pharmacy, if you can even call it that. Needless to say, I found another pharmacy- which is absolutely wonderful. They process my meds in a timely manner, communicate easily with my healthcare team, and most importantly, they care about me, and understand that they play a vital role in helping me stay well. Shame on you Walgreens pharmacy, these customers are human beings, not cattle, and they are depending on you for their medications- a vital part of their health and wellbeing. You are NOT the only pharmacy in town! But you ARE the worst. read more

I have never met such incompetent staff as the employees in the Castro Valley Walgreen's pharmacy department. Each time I come to pick up prescriptions, I encounter a multitude of incredibly irregular and unusual problems, which require excessive amounts of my time to fix. On NUMEROUS occasions they've lost my prescriptions, deleted my insurance information, and claimed to have something filled, only for me to arrive and be told that it's "out of stock." The employees are passive aggressive, and will hang up on you mid sentence while on the phone, or simply walk away from the window at the drive through. It is quite shocking to see how they behave and how this store conducts itself. When I ask them to correct their mistakes, especially on essential things such as re-entering my insurance info, or sorting through the list of my prescriptions in their system to find the current RX out of the expired ones, they get angry and act put upon. Hello, this is your job. Your job is to help people get ahold of their medications, not inhibit them from getting the medications they need. I've been told many times, even with a valid prescription on file, that I should just "come back later," to pick up a medication I had requested DAYS earlier. This is particularly bothersome because I'm trying to gain access to my inhalers and lung medications, which I am literally unable to breathe without, so I really shouldn't be asked to return days later to pick them up. If I wasn't tied into Walgreens because of my insurance, I would turn to literally ANY OTHER PHARMACY ON EARTH. I cannot stress enough how terrible Walgreens is, and how much I loathe dealing with the pharmacy staff. If you can avoid using this pharmacy, do so at all costs, especially if you want to avoid incompetence and get ahold of your medications in a timely fashion. read more

I went there after being informed my meds were ready to be picked up. When I got there they could not release my meds because the pharmacist was at lunch. enough said.. a wasted trip and waste of my time. read more

my wife drops off prescriptions at noon. Clerk says 1 hour. I arrive at 8:00 pm. Nothing ready. Clerk says 5,minutes. 45 minutes later, still nothing. Epic fail on service. read more

Pharmacy here is VERY slow and at times disorganized. My experience on a Saturday morning was the customer in front of me said he was informed before his visit all four of his medications were ready. When he stepped to the window, the lady said only three of the four were ready. That sent him off about how he's tried other pharmacies and this one in Castro Valley he has always had issues with. He asked to speak to the manager and the clerk said "I am the pharmacist in charge today." On top of that, the pharmacy opened up late with cars lined up at the drive through waiting for them to open. Walgreen's home office really needs to send some "secret shoppers" in to see what's going on here. The day before my Saturday experience, I rolled into the drive through with four cars in front of me. I figured it would be a fairly fast moving experience. Silly me. I sat there for well over five minutes and not one car moved forward. I have no idea what the delay was but thankfully there was no one behind me so I backed my car up and went home to return Saturday morning and go inside. read more

I used to like coming to this pharmacy because they were fast and on time with your prescription. Not any more. No matter how far in advance you order it, it's never ready when you asked. And you can't even just come a few hours after you asked and expect it to come late. It's like they don't even try to fill it until you've been there once already, and then it's three more hours till it will be ready so you have to come twice for every rx. And the pharmacist lunch hour is never at exactly the same time, so you can't know if you'll hit it on the weekends. read more

Spent 40 minutes on-hold to reach the pharmacy. I want to support the local businesses in CV but this has been too difficult. The pharmacy staff work hard at their jobs but are extremely understaffed and Walgreens' corporate should wake up. read more