The Pharmacist Calls The Shots
Pharmacy | Working | November 7, 2013
(I have numerous health problems, and have to take 10 different prescription medications. Because of the risk of drug interactions, I don’t take as much as a vitamin without running it past a pharmacist. I’m in the pharmacy to buy an over-the-counter drug allergy tablet.)
Me: “Before I get that, I’d like to speak to the pharmacist please.”
Assistant: “The pharmacist is very busy. What’s the problem?”
Me: “I take several prescription drugs. I’d like to make sure this tablet’s not going to cause a bad interaction.”
Assistant: *rolling eyes* “I shouldn’t think it would.”
Me: “I would like to speak to the pharmacist, please.”
Assistant: “The pharmacist is very busy. I’m sure I can answer your questions.”
Me: “I’m concerned about drug interactions and I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE PHARMACIST, PLEASE.”
Assistant: “Well, it’s just Lipitor or something, isn’t it? That’s no problem.”
(Instead of answering, I place on the counter the bag I carry my meds in; I bring it to new pharmacies so there’s no possibility of mistaken dosages or anything forgotten. I open the bag and begin to take out my various medications, including the injectible, and the ones plastered with warning labels. The assistant’s eyes get bigger with each new box.)
Assistant: “…I’ll just go get the pharmacist.”
Me: “You do that.”
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