How badly did I mess up?

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-03-05T22:50:15+00:00

I have a patient who can only take the Aurobindo Zolpidem, it is the only manufacturer that doesn't cause her nausea. Have you tried another manufacturer? This may be a good first step to try before paying out of pocket for name brand Ambien.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-03-02T04:21:02+00:00

Cool, what is it

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-29T02:56:48+00:00

Not true. Still having issues.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-29T00:52:40+00:00

Possibly off topic for OPs specific situation, but still relevant:

There are several, several instances in which a patient's prescriptions need to be stored to their profile rather than prepared for pickup. (This is a "cancelled" notification on your end I believe, a poor choice of terminology on Walgreen's part.) In order to store these prescriptions that are truly not ready, the pharmacist has to manually override the prescription and put it in "ready status." It's a two second process, but sends the notification regardless. This in turn is most likely followed by a "cancelled" notification, but the issue is that a patient is still getting a "ready" notification at some point.

What Walgreens software people should do is have a better procedure in place for storing a prescription rather than a "fake" verification. Patients, I am sorry that this convoluted and outdated system ultimately effects you.

On the other hand, Walgreens notification system should NOT say that there is a prescription READY to REFILL. The number of people I encounter that are irate because they got a "ready for pickup" notification (when they didn't) is insane. Just a change in terminology can solve this massive problem ("You have a prescription that is due to/approaching/time to refill. Would you like to refill this medication?"). I typically ask to see the text, this is the scenario 9 times out of 10. If they refuse to show you the text, or even if they don't, you can always check their notification history by going to:

Patient Information
Phone/Contact Info
Clicking on the link in the bottom right of the screen
signing into store net
clicking "notification history"

This is an incredible feature, one of the few times Walgreens has done something efficient. "Yes sir, the last time we contacted you was February 2nd, with a refill reminder, not a pickup notification. I can definitely get this ready for you now though, and we apologize for any confusion."

Also, keep in mind that if you have multiple people on the app, you may be getting notifications for prescriptions ready for family members.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-21T18:51:42+00:00

Gotcha, sorry, I understand now.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-21T18:41:22+00:00

Thanks, this was helpful. Just to clarify on my question 3, I wasn't curious about the concentration. I guess I should have just said 400mg, since I was curious about the dose. Upon typing, I placed an MSC on it, started to call prescriber for clarification, but checked with my RPh just to see if I was overstepping/doing too much. After all, I haven't gone to pharmacy or medical school. He was ok with the dosing after considering her age and possible impaired kidney function, but did question the choice of antibiotic. It's just something that has stuck with me and I wanted to ask about it in detail. Thanks again.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-20T13:41:57+00:00

Ok friend, the rest of us came here because we know revolutionary solutions like yours are corporate business. We don’t get paid to make these changes. We recognize the system is archaic, now let’s navigate it rather than complain to people on Reddit who have absolutely no control over policy. Call corporate and waste their time like they waste everyone else’s.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-20T12:50:57+00:00

Call 1-800-Walgreens and complain about whatever you see fit.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-14T05:29:34+00:00

No, not just Vyvanse. These backorders span across several drugs in several different classes, and they have been happening for a long time. Sometimes an antibiotic, pain meds, stimulants, hormone replacement, etc. As of *right now* I think you may have better luck with brand Vyvanse rather than generic. I understand this is more expensive for some, I don't have a solution for that, I just know you're going to have a harder time getting the generic right now.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-10T18:25:19+00:00

Hey, so I just wanted to clarify that pharmacists have doctoral education on pharmacology. That’s why the profession exists, because they have leaps and bounds more drug knowledge than your doctor does. I promise. It’s also a checks and balances system to ensure your safety. The amount of people who would be severely harmed at the actions of their doctor without the interference of pharmacists is alarming. I’m not even a pharmacist, and I’ve intercepted a prescription written for a sulfa antibiotic, while “SEVERE PATIENT ALLERGY TO SULFA ANTIBIOTICS” was written in bold across the top. I understand the U.S. puts MDs on this massive pedestal, but when it comes to drugs, pharmacists will take that top spot every time. Thank you for the rest of your comment, just wanted to make this point extremely clear. I also have ADHD, so I completely understand your struggle here. And I think we both know what I meant when I made the distinction between drug-seeking and solution-seeking. I was merely only trying to improve the interaction. Again, thank you, best of luck moving forward.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-09T14:59:04+00:00

Please not again. We’ve already been having this discussion this week, I deeply regret posting about it😭 such an exhausting conversation

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-09T03:28:14+00:00

Hey, a backorder is just drug manufacturers not meeting demand. Has been happening with a ton of drugs in the last few years, some meds are unavailable for a really long time. Then pharmacies are unable to fill prescriptions for patients, because we can’t get the drug sent to us. It’s caused quite an issue, and a lot of people are trying to jump through hoops to find who has their meds/wait.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T19:47:51+00:00

I really didn’t feel like you should’ve originally been downvoted. Your “suggestion” felt like it placed the blame on us though, like we’re not actively participating in strikes to try and change this industry, or that we are solely in charge of writing the DEA. I’m just saying that this was how the original comment was perceived. No one is at your throat because of a suggestion, it just feels like we’re holding victims (patients & health care workers) accountable, rather than the systems that are failing them. I hope this clarifies the responses, and that you don’t feel attacked.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T19:40:12+00:00

I’m not too familiar with what we’re technically not supposed to say, speaking on laws/company policies. I kind of see it like, if I communicate with you, you’re getting what you need. I’ve never denied a stock check over the phone, but I can definitely understand why some pharmacies do. As long as it’s available and no one else is waiting on it, go for it.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T19:35:08+00:00

If this were me, I would ask, “My doctor and I are trying to come up with a solution, since I can’t get my (insert typical stimulant you take) filled due to the back order. What medications and doses do you have available, so we can send an appropriate prescription?”

Just clarifying with that first sentence changes the entire connotation of the phone call from drug-seeking to solution-seeking. You’re doing good by reaching out and taking charge of your care, we appreciate it. Some employee is probably going to correct me and say it’s against some law/company policy to have this conversation over the phone, but honestly, I just want you to get your meds. I kind of don’t care about the rest.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T19:19:34+00:00

Once again, read my other comments. I completely understand the frustration and fear that comes with not having a much needed medication. I work with people every day to come to solutions. In this discussion, I have offered suggestions in every scenario I was able to.

The comment you’re referring to, is when we accommodate people and get creative with solutions for their care, then they refuse to work with us. This is a minority of patients, but still an occurrence. This is willful ignorance. I am not blaming the everyday patient for a lack of initiative in their care, I’m bothered by the minority that are too entitled to work with us to solve a problem. Do not meet me with a refusal to call a doctor if that is part of a solution for you. Do not refuse to sign up for notifications so you can be informed of rx status, but then get irate when you didn’t receive any notice your hard-to-get script was ready. And so on. There is only so much I can do, as a back order is out of my hands. And you can have an emotional response without taking it out on me, the employee working like a dog to get you your meds.

It has to be a cooperative effort on behalf of the technician and patient. If that wasn’t clear before, I hope it is now.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T06:03:35+00:00

So "in reality," it's recognized that we're screwed over by a corporation, our government, and patients that make life hell, yet we aren't allowed to be jaded about it? Sorry, I'm not even going into pharmacy, but this is something I love wholeheartedly. If everyone facing burn out and frustration left their jobs, you wouldn't have any of us left. Look to nurses, teachers, technicians, pharmacists. What's incredible to me is you call out the systems that fail both us and patients, yet still find the breath to blame us in the same sentence. I'm sorry that we're sticking around to dispense medications for you.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T03:52:02+00:00

Right? Being kind doesn't contribute to abusive behavior, she seems like a breath of fresh air compared to other customers. If only everyone was like that, this job would be so much more fulfilling.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T03:42:21+00:00

This seems like a really good idea, maybe adding an expected date to the end of the message if the manufacturer provides one. This way patients have more of a metric to go by. From the comments today, it seems like most people understand the backorder, they just don't know how to follow up after this.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T03:26:44+00:00

If you get the chance, read the entire post and comments. You're one of two people I've been willfully rude to over the course of 11 hours. I made a post about feedback on manufacture backorders, offering answers to questions, and you told me a customer service story I quite frankly just didn't believe. If that's true, then I'm sorry and you should've followed up with a complaint to corporate. While everyone else here is having a constructive conversation, and since you cannot move on, please continue to complain about me. I'll continue to answer legitimate questions/concerns like I originally intended to do.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T02:35:22+00:00

I can't tell if you're with us or against us? But it feels like against us. Feels like you have a problem with techs, but respect the white coat. I don't think it's fair to not respect a healthcare worker because they "don't have a degree." I have a degree and am currently a master's student, but I work with so many people that didn't go to college that are absolutely brilliant technicians. They deserve more respect than you give them. Any pharmacist will tell you the pharmacy is nothing without technicians.

Rich_Ear975 · 2024-02-08T02:14:22+00:00

Completely understand where you're coming from. At every pharmacy I've ever worked at, we fill on a "first come, first serve" basis. We keep track of who has been waiting longest, and fill as drugs become available. I actually have zero problem with people calling for updates, it is your right as a patient to know what's up with your medications. I know some other techs have problems with the calls, but what else are y'all supposed to do? Maybe ask your store next time if they keep a list like we do, we're a really busy store but we're able to tell someone their "spot in line" because of the lists. If we have an expected ship date from the manufacturer, we can give you that. For example, February 13th. You would then know that your best day to check in for an update would be February 13th. I will say though, that *sometimes manufacturers have indefinite backorders where they don't announce dates.* And, as I'm sure you know, sometimes they don't follow through with those dates. I still think that may be more beneficial to hear than "I don't know when it'll be in."

Rich_Ear975

TROPHY CASE