Has your Pharmacy ever given you the wrong medication?

Question

This morning I had to get my medication and as I was standing in line and an older woman was talking to me about the fact that she was given wrong medication at this pharmacy and was here to return it and get the correct one. I was very sympathetic and wished her a better day. I then get my meds and went home. Discovered when I got home that I got a refill on my usual meds that I did not need at this time. I was there to get a new prescription filled on something that my doctor wanted me to try. The pharmacy, once again, did not do their job right (thinking about the older woman's situation too). Is that not dangerous? If she wasn't aware of what she was actually taking and just assumed the pharmacy was right, what could have happened? What would you do or have you had this experience also? It's a very scary thing to have happen. **Thought for today (and maybe the rest of our lives)....."Never assume anything".

Answer 1

Unfortunately, this happens more than we know. You rarely hear about it on the news or in the newspaper. Yes, it happened to me once. I am always cautious when it comes to my meds. Some years ago, I  got a refill on one of my meds. When I got home,  the label on the bottle was correct but the pills inside were not the usual size & color. I got right back into the car & confronted the pharmacist with my find. He took me off to the side & told me that a mistake had indeed been made. The other pharmacist had filled the prescription, but the owner of the mom & pop drugstore, took full responsibilty for the mistake. It's best not to assume anything anymore. It's human to make mistake but when it comes to meds, there is no excuse, when a human life has been taken because of it. Thank goodness the other customer & you found the mistake but what about those who aren't/weren't so lucky?

**momma jo...Thanks for the heads up about CVS. My s/o gets his meds refilled there, here in S.C.

Answer 2

This happened to my husband.  He was prescribed a new prescription but was given Celebrex instead of his correct medication.  The two names were similar but not for the same issue.  He was taking the Celebrex for about a month before we realized the error.  He did say a few times that he didn't feel as achy as he normally does.  When we brought the error to the pharmacy's attention, they didn't even flinch.  Acted like it was no big deal and just corrected the medication.  I always check them now.

Answer 3

Not yet.

Answer 4

No thank goodness...........

Answer 5

no -- but my doctor wrote something besides what he put on my chart!!!

Answer 6

This is a very terrible thing to have happen and it has happened to me too. I know mistakes are made, but in my opinion, doctors and pharmacist cannot afford to make mistakes. There mistakes can kill us.

I just do not believe there is room for error when filling a prescription. If they are not competent, they need another profession. I once had a problem with a pharmacist who made numerous mistakes on my prescription, as well as, other. I finally had to call and write a formal complaint against him. I hate that he lost his job because of my turning him in. But, that was better than someone losing a life.

We all need to know what our medication is for and what it looks like. Don't ever be afraid to ask your pharmacist any question! Some times a pill will change it's color or shape (especially when it goes generic) We need to be aware of these changes, Also, make sure you are clear as to exactly when and how to take your medications. It is best to buy all of your medicine at the same pharmacy for every prescription so they can keep up with what you are taking and be sure that you do not take any medicines that should not be taken with something else.

Answer 7

No, but I check anyway because my doctor called in a prescription from my daughter's folder and it was for a different medication. Our pharmacy is fairly careful.  

Answer 8

Yes you know what assume means?    Pharmacy hire untrained        help, The helper has no   prior education , They are right off the streets,  I know someone that works at Wal - mart, and was working  in electronics, and seen a opening in the pharmacy, no experience  and got the  job

Answer 9

Yes, I have! Twice as a matter of fact!  I went to pick up my mother's blood pressure medication and they couldn't find it after having filled it. I asked to whom did they give it and they couldn't answer me.  So someone out there must have gotten it.  And, when I went to pick up a new prescription for myself, the gave me the wrong form of the medication.  If I wasn't a nurse, I might not have caught the mistake.

Answer 10

Yes, it happened to me several times with a CVS in SC. I quit using the pharmacy. Each time I recognized that it wasn't the correct medication, but had it been a new medication, I never would have known.

Then, when I moved to FL, it happened again at a CVS. Never again will I used them. I shop with them for some other items, but they are off my pharmacy list.

They also lost my insurance card once. They had it for about 1/2 hour, and when I went back to get my prescription, they couldn't find the card. Then they tried to tell me they gave it back to me. I knew they didn't, so then they said they may have given it to the person before me. That was unacceptable. I never did get it back, and had to apply to have another one sent to me. Very shoddy, in my opinion.

Answer 11

It happened to us several times when we used chain store pharmacies - CVS, Walgreen, Kroger.

Now we go to a small local pharmacy and the pharmacist is truly a pro!  We love him and his assistant.

Answer 12

It happens frequently.  You can mention it to your doctor.  I've known some physicians who have called the pharmacy and complained.  Or you can change pharmacies, which can be inconvenient but life saving.

Answer 13

No, but I always check a refill or a new prescription to be sure it is what it is.

I switched from a Wal-Mart where I dealt for years due to the fact everyone behind the counter looked like zombies, with long lines constantly.

Went to a Walgreen's that's just as busy, same distance. They all look like they are sincere and pay attention. Same prices, better service.

Answer 14

hi . yes that had happened to me 3 or 4 times at my large busy chain pharmacy .

i got wrong meds and also once a double dose size ! i was shocked at that as it could have harmed me seriously .

  i now go to a tiny drugstore here and the pharmacist goes over each thing i get , every time ,  great to have that security now .  take care . d.

Answer 15

I have never had that happen, but I rarely need any medications.  My dad was once given a generic form of a medication even though the doctor requested the name brand.  There was a little bit of a difference in the formula that would have made a big difference with my dad's condition.  Luckily it was noticed by my mom before she got home and she didn't have to pay for two prescriptions, one to keep and one to throw out.  "Never assume anything" goes a long way! :)

Answer 16

Yes I have and luckily I caught it right away when I opened the bottle.  Thank goodness I still have all my faculties and can catch things like this. I've also learned to count my pills to make sure if I'm billed for 30 I have 30. You'd be surprised how many times I've been short one or two

Answer 17

Fortunately we have never had that happen. Thanks, we'll be very careful. Several years ago we found that my prescription was being put on someone elses insurance. The person had the same name but with my insurance I should have paid less. I did get the right medication though. One day I just happened to notice the address in very small print under my name was wrong which led to the discovery.

Answer 18

Yes it happened to me and the Chemist himself

came to my door, but as I hadn't taken any of the pills no harm was done.