BEWARE of Walgreens Pharmacy! CHECK YOUR MEDICATION BEFORE LEAVING!
I have used Walgreens Pharmacy for quite some time now, mainly because I didn't know where else to go as a new resident of NV. While I haven't really had any significant problems in the past, my most recent experience with their pharmacy renders that a moot point.
I recently had a surgical procedure performed for which an opiate pain medication was prescribed. It never occurred to me to check or count my pills, I automatically trusted that I received the correct medication.
Turns out, several of my pain medication tablets were switched out with aspirin. I don't think I have ever purchased aspirin a day in my life, so the screwup was definitely not on my end. Further, no one has access to my medication aside from me.
Once I discovered this error, I immediately contacted the pharmacy to report it. The first woman with whom I spoke, May, was extremely rude and refused to believe that pills could be switched. May told me that "human error is impossible," and essentially accused me of lying. When I informed May that I was a doctor and I know for a fact that human error is possible, she hung up on me/transferred me to the pharmacist, Rachel.
Fortunately, Rachel, the pharmacist at Walgreens was much more pleasant to speak to and at least humored my complaint. I told her there was absolutely no way this mixup occurred on my end, and that what happened is extremely serious. I'm a doctor, not an MD, but I know that taking aspirin before surgery may result in serious implications. Fortunately, my surgery went well, but not only was I out several pain tablets, I was also made out to look like a drug-seeker when I returned to the ER and had no medication left.
Rachel stated that an investigation would be taking place, and that she needed to "follow the bottle," which I hope is taking place as we speak. If this isn't resolved at this level, I will be reporting this to the DEA. There is something shady going on with this pharmacy, and both the authorities and the public should be aware that they may not be receiving the correct number or type of medication their scripts indicate.
If you decide to continue using this pharmacy, please COUNT/CHECK your medication prior to leaving the store. Regardless of what their investigation turns up, I will not be returning to this pharmacy in the future, they have lost my trust.
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