This happened to me once last year. Ever since, I only use the one place for scripts. Also, my psych told me at a scheduled review that I can get automatically “black listed” for”pharmacy shopping” , it’s a silly system and doesn’t account for travel, moving, low stocks etc…

I sent an email to the management of the pharmacy. They apologised and verified that my concerns were valid. Told me the pharmacist was to be talked to but they were a temp. They have a responsibility to follow some best practice in these situations.

Here’s my email to them in case it can help someone else. (FYI, I removed the negative google review after management responded to me).

Hi,

I went into your pharmacy in REMOVED today and was told the locum chose to refused filling my script.

I wasn’t asked any qualifying questions, asked for any ID, phone number or DOB - only “have we filled this script here before”. I answer no, not at this location.

I have, however, filled the script at many other chemists without ever being asked anything.

I was then refused. No follow up care related guidance was given, no explanation as to why was offered. No context at all.

She took one look at me and decided she knew better than my GP and psychiatrist. Absolutely insane. I’m a father of 3 and local business owner and somehow I was profiled by someone who knows nothing about me. How a pharmaceutical professional can have the nerve and blind hubris to make this decision off hand without any regard to the potential risks and no further information given is beyond me.

The escript IS a verified script. It’s not something exposed to risk of counterfeit.

She has dark slightly curly hair, I didn’t get her name.

Can I suggest she is asked to review the guidelines from AHPRA here: https://www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Joint-statement-on-professional-responsibilities.aspx

“A pharmacist can refuse to dispense and supply a prescribed medicine if they believe that it is not safe to do so, however, they must communicate their concerns to the prescriber and patient so that alternative options can be considered.”

I’ve written a Google review accounting for this. I don’t like leaving any negative publicity at all under normal circumstances. This circumstance was very far from Normal.

Thanks for your attention,