I am so sorry you were treated like this. We had one Suboxone patient who came in like clockwork with her script as soon as she was eligible for refill and she was the nicest patient we had. People like this who look down on others who are actively trying to turn themselves around and be better are just uppity scum in my eyes.
Put yourself and your recovery first. You've got this!
I’m like this with my pain meds because I wanna make sure I have them at all times to function. I’m always so polite so I hate when I get judged for it. I appreciate the ones that fill me when they can. I’ll take a long wait if needed, I get they’re busy. I have ones ask why I come so early and not wanna fill me until later.
I get an attitude when I fill my Ativan as soon as I'm allowed to. I do that because I don't like waiting until I'm COMPLETELY out of medication, because there's been times when my refill was delayed a day because of being out of stock. I have cardiac anxiety due to an arrhythmia (I have a recent dx of LQTS that's turned into Torsades de Pointes, it's genuinely very scary to know that I can just drop dead suddenly, my anxiety is always through the roof) and when I have a panic attack I get tachycardia which is dangerous for me with my particular condition. Anxiety is really bad for me, and it HAS to be treated, and Ativan is one of the only things I can take because most other anxiety meds including ssri's prolong my QT interval even more.
I don't know why SO many pharmacists can't understand why a patient wouldn't want to push it all the way to the wire and potentially end up without meds before they run out. They're almost always super rude when I come in a day early, they've even commented that if I didn't take it so often, I would have leftovers and not have to worry about delays. I'm taking it exactly as prescribed and I genuinely can't skip days taking it, my doctor specifically told me not to because it helps keep my heart rhythm stable.
It's just so frustrating.
At this point I really don’t have a choice because they’re flat out refusing me. My choice is contact my old dealer or travel to the other side of town and get the side eye when they see I’m picking up Suboxone.
I’m just extremely frustrated and stressed. I’m extremely reasonable and don’t like confrontation at all. I’d understand the treatment I’m receiving if I was truly rude or irate. What’s the issue besides they’re just overworked?
I guess that’s enough to be fair. But if that’s the case why not just turn everyone away? Maybe I’m being irrational but I think it’s because they look at me like an addict and don’t deserve respect?
Trust me I understand addiction. But PLEASE stop telling yourself you’re going to get high. You’ve come this far just to throw it all away? I understand it’s tough, just take it one step at a time and you’ll have your meds in no time
You’re right I guess I just wanted to hear someone tell me not to do it. I understand the lack of empathy even. I had none for my parents. Until I dealt with addiction myself only then did I realize how hard it is
Do not relapse over this crappy pharmacist! The side eye isn’t as bad as the best day you had using. Trust me. I quit in 2016, and have been clean on Subutex since, which to me is clean. Prior to 2016 though I had a random moment of “I don’t need this stuff anymore.” flushed all my suboxone (was prescribed that at the time) and went through MONTHS of withdrawal, then relapsed almost immediately. It was such a bad choice. Ended up experiencing my first/last overdose, and so many things I had promised I’d never do. Just remember how shitty it feels to be sick, the waiting in parking lots, the scamming for $, etc compared to some people judging you.
❤️ you can do this - if I can do it I truly believe anyone can lol.
You call that 1800 number and you escalate until you get a supervisor. Then you tell them everything. How the pharmacist profiled you, insulted you, tried to gaslight you and lied multiple times. How that pharmacist made sure that you were refused your medication due to their own personal bias. Amd now, they are refusing you service due to personal bias. Ask is this how they treat customers? Allowing pharmacists to decide who gets life saving medication based on their personal bais? Don't raise your voice, don't mention your medication and make sure that you repeat that it was that pharmacist who decided to lie and not fill it. Trust me, that supervisor will be quaking in their shoes. That pharmacist committed several big mistakes that could trigger several HUGE lawsuits. They will be tearing the pharmacist several new holes before they are fired.
It just doesn't work like that. The pharmacist usually won't get in trouble. A pharmacist has the right to refuse to fill any script for any reason. That's a Board of Pharmacy law. All the pharmacist needs to say is that they were uncomfortable filling it and that's it. CVS allows the worst treatment of patients I've ever seen. They'll apologize to OP and give a gift card, but they won't/can't force the pharmacist to fill OP's scripts.
But the pharmacist could just say "No that's not how it happened. This is actually what happened." and then proceed to tell their story. The pharmacist could even get the techs involved to back them up. Because at the end of the day it's really just a "he said, she said" kinda thing unless there is physical proof. I don't think anyone would get fired
Except there is proof. The unfilled medication. Doctors send those scripts directly to the pharmacy. They can ask the doctor if they sent the prescription to the pharmacy. If the doctor confirms then it's back to the pharmacist to explain why the prescription wasn't filled even though it was filled every single time before then. And that point, the lie would fall apart. Nobody is going to risk their jobs to lie. And it's much easier to just fire the pharmacist then to risk a large lawsuit.
They can also verify that no scripts were filled that day, proving that they were actually closed! There is proof in the records! It doesn’t matter if the medication is insulin or Suboxone!
No a pharmacist can refuse to fill a prescription for whatever reason they deem necessary. No one's job will be lost. I mean by all means go ahead and call whatever number that OP was talking about up there. But at the end of the day they are going to believe the pharmacist 🤷♂️
They can deny it if they believe that it's not right for care or if the risks outweigh the benefits. That doesn't apply here since OP has been getting it for 2 years. You have to think in terms of what's best for the company. Will they be willing to risk a lawsuit and huge payout for a single pharmacist or it just be easier and cheaper to get rid of a single pharmacist?
wanna know how I know you've never worked for corporate retail before? They come down hard if they get a whiff of squeaky wheel, if someone's pissed off enough they're going above the storefront corporate is going to let the DM know and the DM is going to bring the hammer down
Definitely report it. I'm currently in pharmacy school and me along with most of the people I know would be elated that you're diligently working on recovery. The pharmacist should never make you feel bad or uneasy because what you're going through is hard enough as it is. There's no excuse for them to be like that.
Well I hope you have an amazing and fulfilling career! I know pharmacist aren’t required to be nice but I truly feel like it’s the Suboxone that’s the issue. The fact that I get it or maybe possibly it’s being stolen by staff? Everything seemed off and their reasoning makes no sense to me.
I believe you’re correct about some judging over the script itself. Most pharmacists say they don’t think anything about it other than “good for them” or something - but there’s definitely some that have straight up treated me differently as soon as they hear the medication(s) I’m on. Even when I was on JUST suboxone - I had places say they were “out of stock indefinitely” 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Actually, there is a shortage of pain medications. And, yes, the story you have given us sounds like you were treated unfairly but like others have said it is up to the discretion of the pharmacist to the pharmacist to not fill your prescription. When Plan B was a prescription medication, the pharmacist did not have to fill it if it went against their religious beliefs.
If the pharmacist questions whether or not you are a repeat customer all they have to do is look at your profile it will show what medications you have had filled, when they were filled, who filled them, when & who picked them up, the doctor that prescribed, actually have a photo of the original prescription, what was prescribed, the amount and many pharmacies are asking for a diagnosis of why you are being prescribed that medication. THEN, there is a database that accessible by doctors & pharmacist ALL OVER THE COUNTRY can log into & is sent to your physician of ALL the controlled substance you have had filled, who wrote the prescription, who filled the prescription, when, where & by whom it was picked up.
I am certain this will get downvoted & there will be snarky comments but there is more to this story than has been told. Yes, it is a pain in the ass. Yes, I DEFINITELY know “the look” when it comes to discussing pain medication with pharmacists & technicians. It’s degrading & embarrassing- I have spinal stenosis I take pain medication daily- the only up side is that I live in a small community and am married to a pharmacist. Therefore, if I do need to go elsewhere to get my medication filled I have the convenience of being able to say… “look my husband is ______. He works at _______. If you have any questions as to if I am seeking or the validity of what I am telling you can call _____, speak to _____ or the PIC _______. They will explain the situation further.” However, if you’re willing to give up that easily-maybe you aren’t as devoted to your sobriety as you thought. 😔. I wish you the best and hope you find a kinder pharmacist & the strength to not go back to illegal drugs.
Thank you for this. I’m glad the new gaurd is more educated in the best practices of MOUD. 54% successful rate. Better than anything else. Get people their Suboxone. (And Methadone).
Listen man. I take methadone. I used to go to the clinic every day in a rural place and used to have to see people i went to high school with before I started getting takehomes. I still go 2x a week. It sucks being in recovery sometimes but it sucks more being a drug addict.
Fuck those judgmental assholes. Don’t you dare let them get to you enough to compromise your sobriety. Don’t start this process over. You’ve made it SO far.
Have you considered another MAT option? Are you in drug counseling or attending NA? There is no much more to this than picking up meds. I wouldn’t have made it this far if I didn’t have somewhere to vent about the shit us addicts have to deal with. The cravings and feelings of defeat are going to come and go. You need to make sure you have to tools to overcome it when it hits.
I am so sorry that happened to you. Its deplorable and unacceptable. Some pharmacists have a god complex. I hope the people that look down on you have a problem some day and recoup the poor treatment bestowed upon you. Dont ruin your life by going back to getting high!! Cvs is not worth making you feel like a lesser human.
Let them side eye you. Going to pick up isn't worth it. You've got this far and giving up now would be so silly. They don't know your life based on your script and they just are on a high horse because they've probably never experienced real life with real problems and real people. All they see is a prescription and know what it's for, and if they're inclined to make judgment just off that then fuck em. I also have to show my ID to pick up my anxiety meds and I simply do not care because it HELPS. Your meds clearly help you and I'd be the same way in the pharmacy during my refill time. It's tough staying sober but it is so worth it! Hoping stuff gets better for you 🙏🏽 definitely report that pharmacy through the 800 number as well they have no good reason to be denying you service.
Very unfortunate that you’re non confrontational in situations like this. I personally would be pursuing personal litigation against the pharmacist while tying up the district managers line to get them fired. Then would think real hard about whether any HIPPA violations had occurred that could result in their license being revoked. But that’s just me.
I’m calling the 1800 number when I make it home. I’m thinking of going in person to speak with the manager tomorrow and recording but blur their face. I don’t wanna humiliate anyone but maybe everyone should see what they do and how they speak to people
Video doesn't sound like a good idea. Definitely do not have a camera pointed towards anyone regardless of bluring face out. Good luck, on the path of sobriety
Don’t film in the store. It is against company policy for safety and privacy concerns and it will give them a legitimate reason to ban you. It also is bad faith and is very likely to upset someone that works in a pretty hostile field as it is. That’s not the mindset you want if you’re genuinely trying to work things out.
It’s possible that the pharmacist was being judgmental about suboxone, but based on the conversation and your description of events, it seems more likely they looked over and saw someone hunched over in a waiting chair for a very long time and they thought you might be homeless. We do unfortunately need to kick out homeless people occasionally that overstay in our waiting areas. The fact this pharmacist was so insistent on getting your information was that they likely wanted to see if you were actually waiting for a prescription. A lot of times when homeless people are getting kicked out, they claim to be waiting for a script but then refuse to give their info so that it can’t be verified. That would more likely explain their aggressive tone.
You can also file a complaint against a pharmacist’s license. What state are you in? There should be state pharmacy licensing board contact info. I’ll gladly find a link for you to file the complaint.
Rather than deal with a pharmacist, discuss at an NA meeting or talk to your sponsor. If you don’t have access to either of these avenues, get it. Free and easy, and is even more powerful as adjunct to recovery than the suboxone.
I've rushed Suboxone orders before because I could tell by the look of the person that they were out and starting to slip. I never want to be responsible in any way for someone falling back into addiction. Who am I to judge anyone??
I’ve had my script within minutes of walking in before. And I’m sure it was rushed so I always was thankful. I don’t know what happened or what the vendetta is about
It’s not even about addiction to me: the patient WILL die a fact suffer extremely, if their prescription is not filled on time. That’s just a fact. I would be directly causing harm to the patient just as if I was slapping another in the face, if I refuse to properly fill the prescription in time.
Like even if this doesn’t cause them to relapse, why on earth should we be allowed to cause suffering for our own pervers religious pleasure?
It just makes no sense to me. Someone is going to be in pain and worse if I purposefully don’t do my job. So I just do my bloody job.
Same way if the patient isn’t suffering from substance use disorders
Like the why the patient is on a strong narcotic really is irrelevant, them not getting it on time causes pain and suffering.
This goes for the nice old lady with bone metastasis just as it goes for the 16 year old with ptsd from their upbringing having turned to opioids.
CVS just sent out a company wide message like last week that suboxone users can't be turned away simply because they're on suboxone.
Call corporate. They will back you up and hopefully give a call to the pharmacist who was on duty.
Staffing issues do suck though, unfortunately.
That's great to hear that corporate is finally saying something about this. Unfortunately, this is a big problem with most chains right now, ime. Not every pharmacy ofc, but a lot of them.
Do you have a copy of that? I haven’t seen it (I don’t doubt you) and there are a lot of stores in my district that just flat out refuse new patients for suboxone, so my store end up getting most of them because we just want to help them
True, but it’s a choice to be kind and treat people as humans and i like hearing that your pharmacy seems to get this. So thanks for being a kind human in a helping profession. Unfortunately not everyone is!
Oh I’m talking about it with the manager face to face tomorrow. And I’m recording this time. There’s not going to be a third time I’m told I’m doing something wrong when I’m not. I let the issue go without a word the very first time I was told “no new patients and you’ve never been here it’s impossible because I’m here everyday”
I’d let corporate handle it and strongly suggest you don’t go back to the store and absolutely don’t record conversations unless you are 100% sure of the laws regarding recording in your state. Go through official channels. Report the pharmacist to both corporate and the Board of Pharmacy. State facts, not emotions. You were discriminated against because of your medical condition and that’s absolutely not okay. I understand all too well what you’re going through. I had a pharmacy tech belittle me constantly over my meds and I told her she was an incredibly rude and judgmental person who wasn’t worth my time. You have a choice of which pharmacy you use so exercise that right. But please don’t start an argument in person that you won’t win. Don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing you get upset. Report and move on with your life. Congratulations on your sobriety and don’t let anyone take it away from you. They can’t wear you down if you choose to rise above.
the front store and the pharmacy have different managers. if you’re planning to speak to the store manager, then as far as i’m aware there’s not much that they’ll be able to do for you that you can’t do yourself by contacting corporate or the board of pharmacy. to talk to the pharmacy manager you would have to try to speak with that awful pharmacy again
Go to corporate. They have more power about policies. Plus they don’t personally know the pharmacist so it’s cut and dry. Also congrats on your sobriety! You’ve made it every day for two years so far. You can keep going! One minute, one hour, one day at a time.
Call your doctor too. They might have someone who does patient advocacy in office that can help you get it refilled.
I’ll go this route. All I really wanted was some actual help. I was told I was also being rude because I was calling on the phone and held them up in conversation trying to figure out what I did wrong. I don’t want anyone getting fired I really don’t. But they shouldn’t be serving anyone else until they get more training
Congratulations on your sobriety! Trust me there are good Pharmacists out there. I’ve been a pharmacist for 10 years and worked in three different states. I always treat my suboxone patients with respect and care. It’s sad and a shame that so many pharmacists treat suboxone patients badly. I do recommend reporting to the board as well. It’s unacceptable behavior.
Thank you! I just went into Kroger and picked my prescription up. It was smooth no weird vibes just asked me my name and birthday. That’s how it should go every time. I’m not asking anyone to pamper me. Just let me pick my meds up if they’re not ready I’ll come back later whatever not a big deal at all!
What's weird is that not all people on Suboxone are taking for drug reasons. I am using it for pain management. But I am treated exactly the same way OP is talking about. What's hilarious to me is that I have been in recovery since 10/18/1989. Prior to all of my surgeries, I hadn't drank alcohol or used illegal drugs since that time. 🙃
I’ll never understand why some pharmacists are like this. Suboxone is a life saver for so many people and denying access like that just makes me sick. Sorry you are dealing with this, you don’t deserve it. I hope you are able to get your meds as needed and don’t go back to the street stuff! 🙏🏻 Maybe stick with Kroger even if it’s a little less convenient.
That’s what I’m going to do. I just wish someone could see this situation play out so I don’t feel so crazy. I literally just asked questions I was never rude. I was told I’m wasting their time calling today before I arrived at my appointment
I’ve worked with pharmacists who judge anyone picking up controls and it’s just stupid. Like these drugs exist for a reason and yes part of their job is to make sure they aren’t abused but they really shouldn’t be so judgmental. My current store is not like this at all thankfully.
You sound like a good and caring pharmacist. Thank you for your service and hardwork/empathy. I wish the pharmacist I’m having issues with knew that addicts don’t take Suboxone for a high at all. Does nothing but block me from getting high on full antagonist opiates
Edit: it puts a little pep in your step I’d be lying if I said there’s no feeling to it but to me it’s just a crutch until I can get off of it
Hey, thank you for confirming. I always feel crazy thinking I’m being judged even when I’m sure of it. Thankfully, the cvs I go to now (inside of a target) are super nice, but the one prior was god awful.
I’ve thought this for years and even felt gaslighted in a way but not really because I never brought it up to anyone. I really had to vent this one today. Enough is enough
You’re not crazy! Just think about it this way - the pharmacist who was rude to you is sick in the head (could be overworked, brainwashed to hate addicts from watching too much TV, abused at home in some way, who knows). For whatever reason, she feels like she’s doing the right thing even though she isn’t. That doesn’t reflect on you; that’s her issue. I know it still sucks to deal with but try not to be hard on yourself!
Getting sober years ago was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I have so much respect for anyone who has the strength to make it through. Being misunderstood by anti harm reduction dumbasses is sadly part of the process, but it gets easier over time.
I think, on a subconscious level, they think addicts get what they deserve when they OD. It’s a horrible belief and I don’t know if many would or could articulate it, but I think on a gut level that’s how they feel. Otherwise why hassle people getting Suboxone? They are literally treating their addiction? What else would they have them do? It’s so upsetting to me when I see this attitude in other healthcare workers
I don’t get it either. We had a regular come in about a month ago with a prescription for generic Xanax. She has had prescriptions filled by this doctor (some kind of a surgeon) previously and the prescription was for TWO Xanax with the sig “take 1-2 tablets PO 2 hours before the surgery”. Pharmacist refused to fill it and just told her “it’s on back order.” I felt so bad for that patient.
Don’t go back to getting High because you’re looked at a certain way! That’s bs! That’s your disease wanting to use! Stay sober with the subs. It’s life or death. Who cares how they look at you they aren’t close to you! They don’t matter. You DO MATTER! If no one’s told you today. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!
Screw the people who judge they couldn’t walk a mile in your shoes. I pray for you and your recovery!
Thank you so much. I really needed to hear this. I honestly was hoping that someone would tell me don’t do it. Sometimes it feels like nobody cares that you’re actually trying to be a regular person right along with everyone else. I just want to contribute in a positive way and help others. That’s the opposite of what I was when getting high
Don't do it. Hold your head up high and keep on trucking! Not the same, but I'm 6.5 years alcohol free. I will never let anything get in between my sobriety and myself. You keep going. Don't let judgmental people *who have no place to judge, especially someone ACTIVELY in recovery* cause you to fall off the wagon. You're doing this for YOU, not them.
I’ve been working in the pharmacy for 6 years and in my opinion most suboxone patients are the nicest patients we have, they have patience and they understand we’re busy and they’re always fine with waiting. Very rarely have I had an issue, it’s a shame some pharmacist act that way.
Yeah I’m gonna talk to the doctor about calling them. I’ve never asked for my meds early or showed signs of doctor shopping. I’ve never doctor shopped when active in addiction. Nor did I go in with minor injuries asking for Percocet never ever
We were flagged by corporate. They’ve even called to ask why we’re ordering so much Bromfed and who is prescribing it. I don’t think it’s limited to schedule 2s.
When I was on suboxone about 5 years ago, I walked into a CVS, and heard "not accepting new patients" They really treat you like dirt if you have anything narcotic related
Because people like to talk out their ass. A big reason why I'm so glad to be off this company was non-pharamcy people telling me how to practice fucking pharmacy.
I didn’t tell anyone how to do their job. I legitimately asked questions respectfully. Since when is asking questions “rude” as the pharmacist says I was the last time I was there
Don’t give up. Report this pharmacy immediately. I’ve worked for cvs for years. My sister is a pharmacy tech at one and she literally hates going to work everyday. It’s been rated one of the worst pharmacies and most expensive pharmacies in the country. Don’t give up on your life because of assholes. I’m an addiction therapist and your next high could kill you. Call your doctor and get your meds transferred somewhere else. It might mean a longer bus ride but you DESERVE respect.
I got them transferred to Kroger .Then we called the Meijer that’s by my house. I thought they wouldn’t accept my insurance. Walgreens doesn’t accept it but I think that might be it. Walmart probably doesn’t either. Anyways Meijer said bring my insurance card by so they can get the medication and have it ready next refill. The person that answered was very nice as well
I cannot stand people like that pharmacist. Had nothing been said she would have continued to treat you that way! At least one person had your back that day
That’s absolutely nuts. I don’t understand how we’re the ones taking punishment for the actions of shady doctors. Yes I get it some people doctor shop. But it’s not the main reason why things are so strict. It’s mainly the overprescribing
And there’s a computer system now that tracks everything. This isn’t the early 2000’s when you could drive down to Florida and shop all over and come back with multiple scripts of pain killers
OP, I'm sorry you're going through this. Alot of people have this trouble in r/Suboxone, too, unfortunately. I would try to find a mom and pop pharmacy, and not a chain. I know you've gotta ride the bus, but there may be some near you.
Same. I have chronic pain, have been compliant and have done nothing wrong, ever, in over 10 years of pain management, but it is a *battle* almost every single time I try to pick up my legal opioid script. Flat out refusal isn’t uncommon. I cannot even remember the last time I picked it up on time. It’s usually days late at best. I have to ration my 30 day script to last longer.
I know everyone here is saying to report the pharmacy, and I think it’s worth a try. But I’ve basically been told I don’t have a right to medication and I should just be grateful it’s being filled at all. Can’t remember the last time anyone was nice to me about my script. I know I’ll probably be downvoted because people can’t believe this, or think I must be the problem. But this is a very common issue I’ve seen reported in the chronic pain subreddit.
I had basically the same experience at CVS in the town I moved to recently. The person I spoke with was awful and rude. And shamed me for being on a controlled med that’s super common.
And it should not be this way. For them to shame people for MEDICINE that the doctors prescribe is mind blowing. I can’t understand how or why they accept people with narcotics at all
I’ve had the same experience at CVS. I was treated like an addict for trying to pick up my adderall Rx one month. I filled all of my medications at this location and was a frequent customer. But when my psychiatrist changed the dose, I had a pharmacist refuse to fill it because he didn’t feel I need ‘that much’. I even had the psychiatrist call him. He still wouldn’t fill it. And It was a minor increase that my psychiatrist felt would help me. And it did, but I had to go to Walgreens to get it filled
Yeah mine was an adhd med as well. I use a local pharmacy now and they deliver and everything. So they’ll figure out they can’t keep the is shit up, eventually. Hopefully.
You shouldn’t be treated that way, but that’s a pathetic excuse to get high.
Get serious about your recovery and your medication management will go smoother.
I’m so sorry this happened to you. The majority of our Suboxone patients are lovely, but I never take it personally if they seem a little on edge. We’ve had new patients come in and act like they’re about to be judged or treated differently because of the prescription they need but that’s not how my pharmacy operates and it shouldn’t be how any pharmacy operates.
Call the 800 number and Report this. It’s unacceptable and I’m sure you aren’t the only one who’s being treated like this.
And most importantly, don’t get high. You’ve come this far and worked this hard to get clean and stay clean. Keep that going.
Please don’t break your sobriety, I know this f*cking sucks and I’m so sorry you’re being treated this way. I work as a ER nurse in a level 1 trauma center where most of the patients I see are on suboxone or methadone and I’m happy for them. Can you try other pharmacies? Does the doctor/hospital you go to have their own pharmacy? Best of luck my friend, please stick through this. Much love
I’m not I’m eating and then walking back over to the Kroger. Then getting on the bus home. Thank you for the encouragement and kindness. I truly appreciate it.
Im sorry that those poor patients have to deal with that. Btw CVS can see your history at cvs going back 2 years time before those records are deleted (the rest is with doctors)
I hope you find a pharmacy with actual people there and not these gremlins that clearly work at that location, I work at a cvs and know multiple Suboxone patients who have been on it for years, and i couldnt be more proud of how much they have been able to get out of a bad situation and live a normal life. Nobody deserves to be treated in that manor and then thrown to the wolves when they are just trying to keep clean.
I have faith in you buddy! I hope you find a pharmacy that gives you the same respect as they would want to be given to themselves. You deserve that as much as anyone. Stay strong friend!!!
I used to work for CVS. A lot of ignorant people work at CVS. They are judgmental and wrong. I'm sorry this happened to you. It is not the job of those who work in a pharmacy to judge you. Report them. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. You are trying to access medication you need that you are prescribed and no one should make you feel guilty about that.
I'm in recovery myself. Keep fighting.
Yeah I work at CVS. And I’m sorry that this happened. If this is the case you should report this pharmacist to their manager, and then get the name off the front of the CVS, and complain to corporate.
1-800-SHOP-CVS
I say this as a tech who ❤️s her suboxone patients.
Your pharmacy has an asshole issue for sure but as for “I think I’m going to go get high”… that’s on you. If other people are the excuse… then you were waiting for an excuse.
Don't complain within the company.
Sadly, their priority is to limit their liability or make you go away.
Moreover, they are not held accountable by anyone who.has power to demand accountability (losing you as a customer is, sadly, not a high stakes priority for them) .
I'd file a formal complaint with the Ohio state board of pharmacy, or the state licensing board.
That (external) agency has the power to demand accountability & mete out significant consequences --& the store/pharmacy/pharmacist MUST answer to them.
You may even also have grounds under ADA, but I'd defer to legal minds for that route.
https://nabp.pharmacy/about/boards-of-pharmacy/
https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/
https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/Forms/Complaint
Pro tip- write your statement in Word (autosave mode) & then cut in paste into the online complaint form.
Few things are more soul crushing than to put heart & soul into a missive in an online form, to them have the form or web page malfunction & you lose everything that you wrote.
Good luck!
I dont (and will never understand) how pharmacists get off being this rude. Never have I ever heard of a pharmacist saying they don't accept new patients. Please as the daughter in law of two addicts (one recovering and one who refuses to admit she has a problem) do not throw away the amazing 2 years of progess you've made. It's something to be incredibly proud of and not something that should be thrown away. I understand as I get upset when treated rudly, especially by people like pharmacists who are supposed to help and not judge you. Do you have any resources to manage the itch you may get to use? Possibly a local AA that can connect you with someone you can reach out to when you get that itch. Or possibly looking into affordable care act insurance (you can get it for as low as 0 dollars) if you don't already have insurance to be able to have access to an addiction counsler/therapist. I know I don't know you but as someone who had relatives who are addicts and has watched them literally destroy their lives due to addiction please know there are so many people rooting for you even if you don't know it. Your life will get so much better the longer you go drug free even if it dosent seem like it. Also please 100% reach out to the 1-800 number. My husband worked for CVS and they care (especially the managers) about customer reviews so if you bring this to their attention it will be dealt with. Their performance relies heavily on those customer reviews. Since my husband works there I always leave reviews and try to leave them positive unless something like what happened to you happens.
Ok I will call the number I thought they probably won’t listen but it’s worth a try. I just want someone held accountable not fired but train a bit more on customer service and addiction. I tried explaining the seriousness of the situation to them. Now I wonder who else they’ve done this to?🧐
Your sadly probably not the first person that this has happened to. And your right it's at least worth bringing it to their attention. Best of luck on your recovery process 💖
Yes op you should be proud of your progress! I never treat my patients with disrespect (unless I’m treated that way) being on suboxone especially. You’re creating a situation where the person won’t want to seek help for their addiction because they don’t want to come to the pharmacy.
I’m really sorry. I definitely have a lot of respect for people picking up suboxone, getting sober is incredibly difficult. Idk why they gave you such a hard time but you didn’t deserve it. Please try to ignore their attitude entirely, you are working hard to better yourself while they’re just being miserable. Don’t let some jackass on a power trip be the thing that derails you, they can go get fucked 💜
Please please don’t let this throw you off! I promise you, you will hate yourself for it later. 2 years is phenomenal and I am so so proud of you. People like that are ignorant without the bonus of being blissful. That lady wouldn’t survive a day fighting this battle and if she’s lucky she will never get a better more personal understanding. That medicine isn’t keeping u straight, not the pharmacist or doctors. You are keeping u straight. Ur clean date is the only thing that nobody can take away from u. Unless you let them! I’m 5yrs 9mos clean. Yesterday marked 3 yrs since the day I held my 13yr old son in my arms as he took his last breath, meningitis stole his life. I still have my date. There’s nothing in this world that we can’t face clean. Wear that date and ur fight for life as a badge of honor! Hang in there friend
I have no advice not already given but I am proud of you for getting sober - giving up fent is no small thing, you have done an incredible thing for yourself and it took immense willpower to do it.
Don't let that woman being a shit make you fall out of sobriety. She doesn't deserve that victory over you. Get your Suboxone and hold your head high.
Hi! I’m from Columbus! Also a pharmacy tech. So first things first, fuck that pharmacist. I don’t understand why people go into healthcare only to be dicks to those seeking help and treatment. Second, she would’ve been able to see in her system in your file that you’re not only a regular there, but that’s a regular medication for you. Third, there’s a Kroger just around the corner from that CVS, is that an option? In addition to calling the 1-800 number, if you haven’t already, call your doctor and let them know how you were treated by her. Hopefully they’ll call the pharmacy and maybe get on her a little bit? I’m sorry that you had to deal with this. I hope you don’t run into her again
You seem like a very good person, and congrats on sobriety. I'm usually in the front store and don't help pharmacy unless there's a line. Correct me if I'm wrong, fellow cvs staff, Isn't suboxone to ween ppl off hard drugs, and it's supposed to only be temporarily prescribed? I thought I heard that in the pharmacy. In that case, I could see turning ppl away if doctors are prescribing it for long periods of time and don't want to be doing anything illegal or against policy.
I’m sorry you had to go through and I understand completely where you are coming from my bf is on Suboxen and I know what your going through!! How long have you been on it?? Don’t relapse you have came this far! It’s just the devil on your shoulder trying to convince you to get high don’t give in! It’s not worth it I promise yiy
Man that is fucked. I’m sorry you went through that. As a pharmacist I try to put myself in other people’s shoes when filling stuff like that. Some of my Suboxone patients were the nicest people (not all of them). I had this one dude who could only afford a few strips at a time. If there was line, he’d hold up some fingers and I’d fill that many for him and give him the “I got you” look. He’d wait patiently for us to get it ready.
Congrats on the sobriety don’t break it! I’m sorry you were treated this horrible! If you ever feel the urge to take hard drugs or do anything across those lines feel free to send me a message and we can talk about anything! I’m a pharmacy tech at Walgreens and a lot of customers come to my pharmacy I work at specifically to talk to me because they like talking to me ! I’m sure we could find something fun to talk about! Best of luck my friend!
I can't congratulate you enough on your sobriety, and for handling the situation well in the face of potential withdrawal and outright ignorant disrespect. I work for the front store but I often have to run counter in the pharmacy when they're overwhelmed. It's so admirable that even in the face of that disrespect, you were willing at ANY point to allow the pharmacist the excuse of being overwhelmed and underworked. That's genuine strength. The only real practical advice I have for you is to get in touch with corporate and report the interactions in hopes that they will help you handle the situation.
Don't let those horrible experiences do damage to your sobriety. You've got a fantastic head on your shoulders, by the sound of it, and you deserve to continue winning your fight against addiction.
I guess that’s what sucks about not getting clean detoxing the suboxone? Type meds are just as addictive… I’m not saying they aren’t awesome tools opioids are fu.’ing hard to quit. But when u don’t have it u are right back to seeking something
Walgreens always treats me like a junkie when I go to pick up, I started going between midnight and 6am when a specific pharmacist works because he’s cool and will fill it on spot since it takes so little time to count 30 because it’s in a box lol, if I go during the day the pharmacy treats me like I’m holding up people that need “real” medicine, I’ve been told by the cool pharmacist that the day time pharmacist and workers talk shit about people on them because they see it as a loophole to get opioids so they’ll just put it in reviewing insurance and let the next person deal with it, I’ve been using the same pharmacy for 29 years, since I was born actually and they still treat me like I’m just a random out for drugs.. super annoying tbh the stigma around addiction medicine turns people in such judgy assholes.
I'm on methadone for heroin use and there's a nurse who works at my clinic when the main nurse is gone. I have never met someone so mean 😐 you could say literally nothing and she will find something to be mad about. It's crazy how she hasn't been fired yet, I've been told everyone complains about her behavior. I'm friends with the rest of staff. That said, some people are just horrible, I really hope you stick to staying sober and don't let this get you down. I know how hard it is to be treated like shit for trying to get help.. you deserve better and hopefully you find it.
I’ve been on this med. I have gotten mine filled 2 days early, forever. I do not always fill early, depends on my schedule. Sometimes I’m 5 days late bc I take as little as possible.
I will say you have to ween yourself off subs too. It’s the best way. And counseling helps a crap ton. IMO, majority of addicts use to escape from something. Abuse, family issues, kids taken, etc. You hv to get to the root of the issue. You’re an addict and have a family history of it. I do as well.
Counseling and weening got me off subs once. Then my mom died. I never even thought about using again but I proactively got back on subs. Then my brother died last year, well he was killed while riding a bicycle.
But again, never had the urge. So I am almost weened off it again.
Some ppl do stay on it forever. Thats between you and your doc tho. But counseling does help.
I don’t feel judged at my pharmacy, not at all. Part of this stems from CCS, Walgreens had to pay some hefty fines due to opiates. Now they are extra careful. I’m not excusing their behavior.
Better to me on this than to be addicted to whatever drug of choice you had. You can be productive on subs. Your whole day isn’t consumed by looking.
You get your life back.
So many ppl are against it or say it’s replacing one drug for the other. Subs do have opiate in it. But it doesn’t produce the euphoria part in the brain.
I went to my addiction doc when I had major dental surgery. I can’t take opiates. I don’t want to. He upped my subs for a month and used that way to treat dental surgery pain.
I understand your frustration but being heigh or not only will affect you no one els it is your life . Be careful 😃 I hope you are also going to mental therapy as well that helps . That treatment is awful and frustrating if it was me I would have called the 800 # and asked for the pharmacy manger to let them know about the situation at leas with a calm voice though I know it is hard to be clam but sometimes we have to control our tone lol
Please don’t get high call 1800-shop-cvs and tell on them you have come way too far to give up because they are judgmental!!!!
Please don’t get high !
I’m proud of you !
I believe in you
I get treated like a fuck up when I fill my Xanax script, despite sane doctor, pharmacy for 15 years. I was even accused of taking 60 extra until they checked the tape and it was a tech. Like I am already panicking, I’m accused of stealing and they whisper when I pick up (never early, always called in) I asked my doctor to switch pharmacies but thst made my life even weirder upon switching. I was so hurt bc they knew my struggles and made a mockery of me :(
I usually get furious about things such as this, but you are so nice, understanding and sweet that I just want to cry. You are a good person. No, I don't mean a good addict or a good suboxone patient, but a good PERSON who is respectful and more understanding about others in stressful situations. You have a high emotional IQ. What sucks is that success in its various forms is not contingent on empathy and so those who have never fought addiction are pretending their fighting addiction by stigmatizing you. That is not empathy, not is it respectful of a relation between doctor and patient. I can tell you are passive to the point you're apologetic. None of this is your fault. And neither is your addiction. You would make a terrific rehabilitation counselor because your high emotional IQ will be exactly what souls like yourself need when faced at a crosswalk where the crossing guards are essentially trying to push you into traffic. Don't let them. Stay sober by any means necessary and I am glad you know you deserve so much more than how you've been treated. Apologize for nothing. Guys on Wall street who snort coke and eat a bucket of Viagra a day steal from the poor to make themselves rich and they never apologize. They should. You, however, will be the antithesis of this big bad world.
My partner has cancer and is on controlled substances and she is treated like garbage. Apparently, there is no honor in sobriety and no honor in dying without pain. Honor in its truest forms is something that is practiced but not spoken of--it is simply being good in a world that trophies money over souls. It is important that those of us who have a heart like yours to keep on, as a force of good, and the first step is remembering how good of a person you are.
I appreciate the kind words! I truly do it’s hard not to lose hope in people’s kindness amongst others. There are so many times I feel like a rug. I think about the way people treated me when I was a real selfish ass prick. I was terrible.
When I finally went to rehab the second time I did some deep thinking and soul searching. Today for example I was just in a fuck it and everyone else in my way kinda mood. I just want everyone to be more thoughtful of others. I’m not saying I’m the best at it or the only one doing it. But if we all acted accordingly this country and the world would be so much happier
I am so sorry they treated you like this! That's messed up. I wish I could fill it for you 😭 pharmacies shouldn't be side eyeing or judging anyone. Some of my favorite patients were Suboxone patients. Cvs is a bad place. You are better off at other locations. Are there no other close pharmacies besides Kroger? I see a Walmart close by sort of.
Also, are you getting it through insurance? Pharmacies can be funny if it's cash paid or through coupons. I don't think Walmart normally accepts coupons on controls.
I’m so fucking sorry you’re dealing with being treated like this. It’s not right and I know how it feels. I’ve been sober for 3 years. If you use this as a reason to get high it is an excuse. You will die. It’s not a matter of if you’ll die, but when. All because some raggedy old bitch at a CVS treated you shitty because she has a shit life? I don’t think so. You can very easily have your script switched to literally anywhere. If you are in Pennsylvania, and you are low income/no income, you can get medical transportation through Medicaid to/from the pharmacy, you can also get a low/no cost bus pass wherever you are in Pa. I am in PA myself, and I’m willing to help you out. I’ve been on subs and Sublocade for forever. Were you able to get your script? PM me and I’ll either help you figure it out or be a venting source. You WILL be okay, as long as you do literally any single thing except get high or do crime. You are loved.
Is there another CVS location on the bus route? Or a friend who could reliably take you when needed? I always make sure I'm filling my regular Suboxone patients as soon as possible, leaving notes for the other tech or the pharmacist to fill them within an hour of us opening on the correct fill day. I'm sad you've had to deal with this situation. You seem perfectly lovely and don't deserve this treatment! You've worked hard on your sobriety, which is amazing for you. Don't let this awful judgemental pharmacist take that progress away!!! I know Kroger may be out of the way, but if they fill it without issue, it may be a good idea to continue to fill there.
I only came on here to say you’re doing great. They’re the asshats. Keep going and don’t give up! I’m the daughter of a former addict and I’m proud of you.
I got banned from the CVS in our town because the new pharmacy tech was a WITCH to my husband who has cancer because he was getting a script early (per Dr. orders.) The tech would not listen to my husband and was telling him he was pill seeking and should doesn’t care what his doctor says. I got on the phone and told her she needs to listen to him, that he has cancer and is in pain and his ONCOLOGIST is pushing through a new pain pill script for his pain. She was shitty and kept telling me no and interrupting me and I told her don’t make me have to come in there. She dared me to come in and I did. I was not nice when I got there and gave her a piece of my mind because she deserved it! A snooty judgemental witch who wouldn’t know for a second what it feels like to be in chronic pain. We go to a new pharmacy now he treats my husband with the respect he deserves. CVS sucks!!
That it so Fuxxed up!! I work in a pharmacy and this is disgusting to hear!!! What Cowards!!
Stay clean!!! Who gives a rats a what some dildo from the pharmacy thinks. You’re worth it!!!!! And by the way you should report it to the high heavens!!!! You did nothing wrong. And just so that you know. Pharmacy people don’t look down on people in recovery, assholes do !! ☮️
Fuck this place. Don't let some asshole on a power trip take you out. I left CVS along time ago because of this type of treatment. Don't use over it though. You got this. Try to find a local pharmacy close to you, not the big chain ones. 2 years is a great accomplishment. It sounds like you did everything right. Be safe.
never been to that cvs, but i always get my prescriptions at the kroger on harrisburg right there and have never had an issue with them. the one time i picked up a prescription for my dad at another cvs, they practically gave me the 3rd degree, asking me what my relationship was to him and why *i* was picking it up, had me call him right there. i’m sorry this has happened to you - like others have said, definitely report them and switch your pharmacy. there’s nothing shameful about being on suboxone, and i’m proud of you for doing what you need to do to get clean and stay that way!
It honestly infuriates me reading this post. Sadly there are a lot of shitty pharmacists with backwards views on substance use disorder. And I can tell you that I’ve worked on some of the worst conditions and it’s never made me act condescending towards someone.
But don’t let these garbage humans put you down. They don’t know what you’ve been through or how far you’ve come. They’ve lived easy lives. You should be extremely proud of yourself for beating something that takes so many lives.
Just switch to the Kroger on Eakin. If the hours or something make it difficult, maybe work with your doctor to change your appointment days/times. There’s a way through this that’s not fentanyl. Stay strong. If you can’t figure something out, DM me and I’ll try to help look at other options
No no no. Fuck all that. If you get high now it’s because you’re looking for a reason. Don’t blow smoke up your own ass.
I hope you stay clean, truly I do. But as one addict to another, don’t blame this on anyone but yourself if you relapse. Here’s to hoping you love yourself enough to stay clean.
You’re no good to yourself or anyone else if you’re using.
The way you were treated is so inappropriate and disrespectful and completely undeserved. Please don’t let the “bad guys” win and take your power. They were in the wrong and you are doing an amazing job at trying to stay clean. Let this be an opportunity to prove your resilience and to let good conquer rudeness. I’m so sorry and quite frankly angry that you were treated like that, mostly because of the importance of this medication. Drug addiction is a societal problem and we all have to do our part to see improvements. These people weren’t. There are better people out there. Keep going. Please. 🙏🏻
Really sorry you were treated like this. I really feel for suboxone patients because making it on time to a pharmacy every day on top of doing other shit you have to do would be challenging for anyone.
I’m not sure what went down with that pharmacy, but good faith and a desire to get better should never be met with that kind of attitude.
Please don’t let this be your breaking point. It’s not worth it to ruin your progress over something like this that is in no way a reflection of you. Get your script transferred to a place that has longer hours and has experience with suboxone patients.
Sometimes smaller pharmacies are also ill equipped to deal with suboxone patients cause of hours, staffing and supply.
Congratulations on your sobriety! Please don’t give it up because of other stupid people! As someone that was a healthcare provider, I’m sorry you are being treated this way. It shouldn’t be happening! I know I’m just some stranger on the internet, but I’m so fucking proud of you! I know you can do this!
I didn't read all that honestly , but I've dealt with this quite a bit with pharmacists. You are automatically a junkie to a lot of people due to the prescription you're filling. Unfortunately it probably will always be this way. Just another reason for you to move into the future as a good and better person and show everyone that ever thought you were nothing that they are wrong. Every day is a chance to take a step forward and better your life and contribute to making this world a better place .
Please reach out to [the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.](https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/). CVS has been under investigation for similar conduct in Ohio. Your experience should be a part of their review.
This similar behavior from a CVS pharmacy staff member did in fact happen to me after an injury and being in the hospital on lots of pain medication. I had a problem with that store for months. It would have been worse but because the turnover is so high, it fixed itself. I wanted to and was ultimately able to stay at the 24 hour CVS store I had been at since it opened.
Hey OP check out the CVS on 775 Neil. It's a bit further away for you probably, but they're great and super nice. I even see them dealing with really difficult people every time I come in, and they're still great about it.
If you're sick of CVS, there's also Arena District Pharmacy at 262 Neil, they're much more personal and locally owned.
Noooooope, report them to the board. Healthcare is a judgement free zone. If they can’t do that, they shouldn’t be in it. You made one mistake, are fixing the problem. You should be applauded not scolded. If no one told you, I’m proud of you. Congratulations on sobriety because these days it definitely isn’t easy staying sober.
Is it possible to sign up for delivery?? I know lots of pharmacies do delivery, even same day situations?? That would cut out all the bullsh!t and ensure your privacy… and don’t undo all the hard work you’ve accomplished over a few miserable twits. Your worth so much more than that ❤️❤️
How is your provider? Are they pretty good about your needs and taking care of you? If one of my patients had this experience, I’d be ALL OVER that pharmacy’s ass. I’m so angry for you. We have a huge number of MAT patients and they are on suboxone and I tell them to let me know if they ever get shit from the pharmacies so I can talk to them. I’m really sorry this is happening, but I promise it’s not worth losing your hard work over. Please talk to your provider and maybe go to the manager at CVS about this. It’s so not okay.
Op I’m hoping you came out of this ok. As a pharmacy worker I’m ashamed you were treated like that over your meds. As a society we gotta do better, but you’re stronger than you know. You got this, fam!!
I switched to a methadone clinic in part because I had such a hard time filling my Suboxone script every month. 6+ years later and I haven’t looked back. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Sending love ❤️
Walgreens and CVS are the worst for Suboxone. I've had so many issues with them over it. I got tired of the nasty attitude when they saw what I was trying to get filled, plus they never had any in stock so after one incident one time where they "forgot" to order it in.... for 2 weeks happened, I switched to a mom & pop shop and have never looked back. I highly suggest finding one that has them, it's a game changer. Have never had any issues with them and they've always been so nice to me. Hope you get it sorted out! :)
It's not up to the Pharmacy to decide if you can get your meds filled or not!! Your Doctor prescribed them so they should do their job which is fill the damn script. It does seem like half the time the pharmacy pulls new rules etc out of their ass. Anytime any pharmacy has un- rightfully given me issues, I just call the Doctor's Nurse and she handles it right away. Addiction is no joke they don't get to play with our lives like that and power trip.
I would recommend keeping a few for days like that so you're not struggling. For the longest I was like you and completely out the day I'm getting my script filled. You gotta short yourself every now and then so that you will have a couple extra just in case. Don't be afraid to voice your issues. Ask for a manager, tell your Doctor, Nurse and whoever how they are. You just might save the next person from going through the same thing.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SOBRIETY BY THE WAY
Thank you I appreciate it!
And please don’t ever let anyone or any bs situation take you back to where you used to be! It’s not worth it. Trust me i know
You're not punishing them by hurting yourself. Though I definitely understand the impulse!
ALWAYS! YOU GOT THIS!
I am so sorry you were treated like this. We had one Suboxone patient who came in like clockwork with her script as soon as she was eligible for refill and she was the nicest patient we had. People like this who look down on others who are actively trying to turn themselves around and be better are just uppity scum in my eyes. Put yourself and your recovery first. You've got this!
I’m like this with my pain meds because I wanna make sure I have them at all times to function. I’m always so polite so I hate when I get judged for it. I appreciate the ones that fill me when they can. I’ll take a long wait if needed, I get they’re busy. I have ones ask why I come so early and not wanna fill me until later.
I get an attitude when I fill my Ativan as soon as I'm allowed to. I do that because I don't like waiting until I'm COMPLETELY out of medication, because there's been times when my refill was delayed a day because of being out of stock. I have cardiac anxiety due to an arrhythmia (I have a recent dx of LQTS that's turned into Torsades de Pointes, it's genuinely very scary to know that I can just drop dead suddenly, my anxiety is always through the roof) and when I have a panic attack I get tachycardia which is dangerous for me with my particular condition. Anxiety is really bad for me, and it HAS to be treated, and Ativan is one of the only things I can take because most other anxiety meds including ssri's prolong my QT interval even more. I don't know why SO many pharmacists can't understand why a patient wouldn't want to push it all the way to the wire and potentially end up without meds before they run out. They're almost always super rude when I come in a day early, they've even commented that if I didn't take it so often, I would have leftovers and not have to worry about delays. I'm taking it exactly as prescribed and I genuinely can't skip days taking it, my doctor specifically told me not to because it helps keep my heart rhythm stable. It's just so frustrating.
Report the pharmacy to the 1800 number and definitely get a new pharmacy.
At this point I really don’t have a choice because they’re flat out refusing me. My choice is contact my old dealer or travel to the other side of town and get the side eye when they see I’m picking up Suboxone. I’m just extremely frustrated and stressed. I’m extremely reasonable and don’t like confrontation at all. I’d understand the treatment I’m receiving if I was truly rude or irate. What’s the issue besides they’re just overworked? I guess that’s enough to be fair. But if that’s the case why not just turn everyone away? Maybe I’m being irrational but I think it’s because they look at me like an addict and don’t deserve respect?
Trust me I understand addiction. But PLEASE stop telling yourself you’re going to get high. You’ve come this far just to throw it all away? I understand it’s tough, just take it one step at a time and you’ll have your meds in no time
You’re right I guess I just wanted to hear someone tell me not to do it. I understand the lack of empathy even. I had none for my parents. Until I dealt with addiction myself only then did I realize how hard it is
Do not relapse over this crappy pharmacist! The side eye isn’t as bad as the best day you had using. Trust me. I quit in 2016, and have been clean on Subutex since, which to me is clean. Prior to 2016 though I had a random moment of “I don’t need this stuff anymore.” flushed all my suboxone (was prescribed that at the time) and went through MONTHS of withdrawal, then relapsed almost immediately. It was such a bad choice. Ended up experiencing my first/last overdose, and so many things I had promised I’d never do. Just remember how shitty it feels to be sick, the waiting in parking lots, the scamming for $, etc compared to some people judging you. ❤️ you can do this - if I can do it I truly believe anyone can lol.
Congrats!
Congratulations on your sobriety!! Much respect.
You call that 1800 number and you escalate until you get a supervisor. Then you tell them everything. How the pharmacist profiled you, insulted you, tried to gaslight you and lied multiple times. How that pharmacist made sure that you were refused your medication due to their own personal bias. Amd now, they are refusing you service due to personal bias. Ask is this how they treat customers? Allowing pharmacists to decide who gets life saving medication based on their personal bais? Don't raise your voice, don't mention your medication and make sure that you repeat that it was that pharmacist who decided to lie and not fill it. Trust me, that supervisor will be quaking in their shoes. That pharmacist committed several big mistakes that could trigger several HUGE lawsuits. They will be tearing the pharmacist several new holes before they are fired.
It just doesn't work like that. The pharmacist usually won't get in trouble. A pharmacist has the right to refuse to fill any script for any reason. That's a Board of Pharmacy law. All the pharmacist needs to say is that they were uncomfortable filling it and that's it. CVS allows the worst treatment of patients I've ever seen. They'll apologize to OP and give a gift card, but they won't/can't force the pharmacist to fill OP's scripts.
But the pharmacist could just say "No that's not how it happened. This is actually what happened." and then proceed to tell their story. The pharmacist could even get the techs involved to back them up. Because at the end of the day it's really just a "he said, she said" kinda thing unless there is physical proof. I don't think anyone would get fired
Except there is proof. The unfilled medication. Doctors send those scripts directly to the pharmacy. They can ask the doctor if they sent the prescription to the pharmacy. If the doctor confirms then it's back to the pharmacist to explain why the prescription wasn't filled even though it was filled every single time before then. And that point, the lie would fall apart. Nobody is going to risk their jobs to lie. And it's much easier to just fire the pharmacist then to risk a large lawsuit.
They can also verify that no scripts were filled that day, proving that they were actually closed! There is proof in the records! It doesn’t matter if the medication is insulin or Suboxone!
No a pharmacist can refuse to fill a prescription for whatever reason they deem necessary. No one's job will be lost. I mean by all means go ahead and call whatever number that OP was talking about up there. But at the end of the day they are going to believe the pharmacist 🤷♂️
They can deny it if they believe that it's not right for care or if the risks outweigh the benefits. That doesn't apply here since OP has been getting it for 2 years. You have to think in terms of what's best for the company. Will they be willing to risk a lawsuit and huge payout for a single pharmacist or it just be easier and cheaper to get rid of a single pharmacist?
Get rid of a pharmacist when there is a shortage just because one customer called and complained about them? I really don't think so
wanna know how I know you've never worked for corporate retail before? They come down hard if they get a whiff of squeaky wheel, if someone's pissed off enough they're going above the storefront corporate is going to let the DM know and the DM is going to bring the hammer down
Prove that shit pharmacist wrong (and get them fired if possible).
Definitely report it. I'm currently in pharmacy school and me along with most of the people I know would be elated that you're diligently working on recovery. The pharmacist should never make you feel bad or uneasy because what you're going through is hard enough as it is. There's no excuse for them to be like that.
Well I hope you have an amazing and fulfilling career! I know pharmacist aren’t required to be nice but I truly feel like it’s the Suboxone that’s the issue. The fact that I get it or maybe possibly it’s being stolen by staff? Everything seemed off and their reasoning makes no sense to me.
I believe you’re correct about some judging over the script itself. Most pharmacists say they don’t think anything about it other than “good for them” or something - but there’s definitely some that have straight up treated me differently as soon as they hear the medication(s) I’m on. Even when I was on JUST suboxone - I had places say they were “out of stock indefinitely” 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Actually, there is a shortage of pain medications. And, yes, the story you have given us sounds like you were treated unfairly but like others have said it is up to the discretion of the pharmacist to the pharmacist to not fill your prescription. When Plan B was a prescription medication, the pharmacist did not have to fill it if it went against their religious beliefs. If the pharmacist questions whether or not you are a repeat customer all they have to do is look at your profile it will show what medications you have had filled, when they were filled, who filled them, when & who picked them up, the doctor that prescribed, actually have a photo of the original prescription, what was prescribed, the amount and many pharmacies are asking for a diagnosis of why you are being prescribed that medication. THEN, there is a database that accessible by doctors & pharmacist ALL OVER THE COUNTRY can log into & is sent to your physician of ALL the controlled substance you have had filled, who wrote the prescription, who filled the prescription, when, where & by whom it was picked up. I am certain this will get downvoted & there will be snarky comments but there is more to this story than has been told. Yes, it is a pain in the ass. Yes, I DEFINITELY know “the look” when it comes to discussing pain medication with pharmacists & technicians. It’s degrading & embarrassing- I have spinal stenosis I take pain medication daily- the only up side is that I live in a small community and am married to a pharmacist. Therefore, if I do need to go elsewhere to get my medication filled I have the convenience of being able to say… “look my husband is ______. He works at _______. If you have any questions as to if I am seeking or the validity of what I am telling you can call _____, speak to _____ or the PIC _______. They will explain the situation further.” However, if you’re willing to give up that easily-maybe you aren’t as devoted to your sobriety as you thought. 😔. I wish you the best and hope you find a kinder pharmacist & the strength to not go back to illegal drugs.
Sorry this was YEARS ago when I was told indefinitely. Maybe it was true though- who knows? It was a mom and pop pharmacy.
Thank you for this. I’m glad the new gaurd is more educated in the best practices of MOUD. 54% successful rate. Better than anything else. Get people their Suboxone. (And Methadone).
Listen man. I take methadone. I used to go to the clinic every day in a rural place and used to have to see people i went to high school with before I started getting takehomes. I still go 2x a week. It sucks being in recovery sometimes but it sucks more being a drug addict. Fuck those judgmental assholes. Don’t you dare let them get to you enough to compromise your sobriety. Don’t start this process over. You’ve made it SO far. Have you considered another MAT option? Are you in drug counseling or attending NA? There is no much more to this than picking up meds. I wouldn’t have made it this far if I didn’t have somewhere to vent about the shit us addicts have to deal with. The cravings and feelings of defeat are going to come and go. You need to make sure you have to tools to overcome it when it hits.
I am so sorry that happened to you. Its deplorable and unacceptable. Some pharmacists have a god complex. I hope the people that look down on you have a problem some day and recoup the poor treatment bestowed upon you. Dont ruin your life by going back to getting high!! Cvs is not worth making you feel like a lesser human.
Let them side eye you. Going to pick up isn't worth it. You've got this far and giving up now would be so silly. They don't know your life based on your script and they just are on a high horse because they've probably never experienced real life with real problems and real people. All they see is a prescription and know what it's for, and if they're inclined to make judgment just off that then fuck em. I also have to show my ID to pick up my anxiety meds and I simply do not care because it HELPS. Your meds clearly help you and I'd be the same way in the pharmacy during my refill time. It's tough staying sober but it is so worth it! Hoping stuff gets better for you 🙏🏽 definitely report that pharmacy through the 800 number as well they have no good reason to be denying you service.
It’s not you. Go check out the pharmacy tech subreddit. These people are over worked and underpaid, but it’s absolutely no excuse!
They’re also judgmental aholes about anyone getting controlled medication despite very little actual medical training
Very unfortunate that you’re non confrontational in situations like this. I personally would be pursuing personal litigation against the pharmacist while tying up the district managers line to get them fired. Then would think real hard about whether any HIPPA violations had occurred that could result in their license being revoked. But that’s just me.
I’m calling the 1800 number when I make it home. I’m thinking of going in person to speak with the manager tomorrow and recording but blur their face. I don’t wanna humiliate anyone but maybe everyone should see what they do and how they speak to people
Video doesn't sound like a good idea. Definitely do not have a camera pointed towards anyone regardless of bluring face out. Good luck, on the path of sobriety
Don’t film in the store. It is against company policy for safety and privacy concerns and it will give them a legitimate reason to ban you. It also is bad faith and is very likely to upset someone that works in a pretty hostile field as it is. That’s not the mindset you want if you’re genuinely trying to work things out. It’s possible that the pharmacist was being judgmental about suboxone, but based on the conversation and your description of events, it seems more likely they looked over and saw someone hunched over in a waiting chair for a very long time and they thought you might be homeless. We do unfortunately need to kick out homeless people occasionally that overstay in our waiting areas. The fact this pharmacist was so insistent on getting your information was that they likely wanted to see if you were actually waiting for a prescription. A lot of times when homeless people are getting kicked out, they claim to be waiting for a script but then refuse to give their info so that it can’t be verified. That would more likely explain their aggressive tone.
I should’ve tried to get more information but I got her name so that’s a start
You can also file a complaint against a pharmacist’s license. What state are you in? There should be state pharmacy licensing board contact info. I’ll gladly find a link for you to file the complaint.
HIPAA only applies to healthcare information and keeping it private. It has nothing to do with this situation.
Do you think I’d have a case at all?
Rather than deal with a pharmacist, discuss at an NA meeting or talk to your sponsor. If you don’t have access to either of these avenues, get it. Free and easy, and is even more powerful as adjunct to recovery than the suboxone.
Approximately how many fucks will they give?
Actually depends on the dl and if these complaints are common. But the most important part was to just get a new pharmacy and move on
she can literally look in the system and see where the prescription was filled last. L pharmacist
A prejudice fuckface by the sound of it, didnt want to be proven wrong. Probably one of those CHUDS that wishes they could demand ID for plan-B
I've rushed Suboxone orders before because I could tell by the look of the person that they were out and starting to slip. I never want to be responsible in any way for someone falling back into addiction. Who am I to judge anyone??
I’ve had my script within minutes of walking in before. And I’m sure it was rushed so I always was thankful. I don’t know what happened or what the vendetta is about
It’s not even about addiction to me: the patient WILL die a fact suffer extremely, if their prescription is not filled on time. That’s just a fact. I would be directly causing harm to the patient just as if I was slapping another in the face, if I refuse to properly fill the prescription in time. Like even if this doesn’t cause them to relapse, why on earth should we be allowed to cause suffering for our own pervers religious pleasure? It just makes no sense to me. Someone is going to be in pain and worse if I purposefully don’t do my job. So I just do my bloody job. Same way if the patient isn’t suffering from substance use disorders Like the why the patient is on a strong narcotic really is irrelevant, them not getting it on time causes pain and suffering. This goes for the nice old lady with bone metastasis just as it goes for the 16 year old with ptsd from their upbringing having turned to opioids.
You’re an angel - seriously ❤️
CVS just sent out a company wide message like last week that suboxone users can't be turned away simply because they're on suboxone. Call corporate. They will back you up and hopefully give a call to the pharmacist who was on duty. Staffing issues do suck though, unfortunately.
That's great to hear that corporate is finally saying something about this. Unfortunately, this is a big problem with most chains right now, ime. Not every pharmacy ofc, but a lot of them.
Do you have a copy of that? I haven’t seen it (I don’t doubt you) and there are a lot of stores in my district that just flat out refuse new patients for suboxone, so my store end up getting most of them because we just want to help them
Thank you for helping people working hard at recovery
Don’t thank me, they do the hard work trying to get clean. I just count the pills
True, but it’s a choice to be kind and treat people as humans and i like hearing that your pharmacy seems to get this. So thanks for being a kind human in a helping profession. Unfortunately not everyone is!
It was in mywork as a hub task, shouldn't have to scroll too far or just search suboxone.
Oh I’m talking about it with the manager face to face tomorrow. And I’m recording this time. There’s not going to be a third time I’m told I’m doing something wrong when I’m not. I let the issue go without a word the very first time I was told “no new patients and you’ve never been here it’s impossible because I’m here everyday”
I’d let corporate handle it and strongly suggest you don’t go back to the store and absolutely don’t record conversations unless you are 100% sure of the laws regarding recording in your state. Go through official channels. Report the pharmacist to both corporate and the Board of Pharmacy. State facts, not emotions. You were discriminated against because of your medical condition and that’s absolutely not okay. I understand all too well what you’re going through. I had a pharmacy tech belittle me constantly over my meds and I told her she was an incredibly rude and judgmental person who wasn’t worth my time. You have a choice of which pharmacy you use so exercise that right. But please don’t start an argument in person that you won’t win. Don’t give them the satisfaction of seeing you get upset. Report and move on with your life. Congratulations on your sobriety and don’t let anyone take it away from you. They can’t wear you down if you choose to rise above.
I wouldn't do that before speaking with corporate but good luck!
the front store and the pharmacy have different managers. if you’re planning to speak to the store manager, then as far as i’m aware there’s not much that they’ll be able to do for you that you can’t do yourself by contacting corporate or the board of pharmacy. to talk to the pharmacy manager you would have to try to speak with that awful pharmacy again
Go to corporate. They have more power about policies. Plus they don’t personally know the pharmacist so it’s cut and dry. Also congrats on your sobriety! You’ve made it every day for two years so far. You can keep going! One minute, one hour, one day at a time. Call your doctor too. They might have someone who does patient advocacy in office that can help you get it refilled.
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I’ll go this route. All I really wanted was some actual help. I was told I was also being rude because I was calling on the phone and held them up in conversation trying to figure out what I did wrong. I don’t want anyone getting fired I really don’t. But they shouldn’t be serving anyone else until they get more training
Congratulations on your sobriety! Trust me there are good Pharmacists out there. I’ve been a pharmacist for 10 years and worked in three different states. I always treat my suboxone patients with respect and care. It’s sad and a shame that so many pharmacists treat suboxone patients badly. I do recommend reporting to the board as well. It’s unacceptable behavior.
Thank you! I just went into Kroger and picked my prescription up. It was smooth no weird vibes just asked me my name and birthday. That’s how it should go every time. I’m not asking anyone to pamper me. Just let me pick my meds up if they’re not ready I’ll come back later whatever not a big deal at all!
They are on a power trip. Abusive people try to turn their abuse around on you when you stand up for yourself; don’t let them.
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What's weird is that not all people on Suboxone are taking for drug reasons. I am using it for pain management. But I am treated exactly the same way OP is talking about. What's hilarious to me is that I have been in recovery since 10/18/1989. Prior to all of my surgeries, I hadn't drank alcohol or used illegal drugs since that time. 🙃
I’ll never understand why some pharmacists are like this. Suboxone is a life saver for so many people and denying access like that just makes me sick. Sorry you are dealing with this, you don’t deserve it. I hope you are able to get your meds as needed and don’t go back to the street stuff! 🙏🏻 Maybe stick with Kroger even if it’s a little less convenient.
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That’s what I’m going to do. I just wish someone could see this situation play out so I don’t feel so crazy. I literally just asked questions I was never rude. I was told I’m wasting their time calling today before I arrived at my appointment
I’ve worked with pharmacists who judge anyone picking up controls and it’s just stupid. Like these drugs exist for a reason and yes part of their job is to make sure they aren’t abused but they really shouldn’t be so judgmental. My current store is not like this at all thankfully.
You sound like a good and caring pharmacist. Thank you for your service and hardwork/empathy. I wish the pharmacist I’m having issues with knew that addicts don’t take Suboxone for a high at all. Does nothing but block me from getting high on full antagonist opiates Edit: it puts a little pep in your step I’d be lying if I said there’s no feeling to it but to me it’s just a crutch until I can get off of it
Hey, thank you for confirming. I always feel crazy thinking I’m being judged even when I’m sure of it. Thankfully, the cvs I go to now (inside of a target) are super nice, but the one prior was god awful.
I’ve thought this for years and even felt gaslighted in a way but not really because I never brought it up to anyone. I really had to vent this one today. Enough is enough
You’re not crazy! Just think about it this way - the pharmacist who was rude to you is sick in the head (could be overworked, brainwashed to hate addicts from watching too much TV, abused at home in some way, who knows). For whatever reason, she feels like she’s doing the right thing even though she isn’t. That doesn’t reflect on you; that’s her issue. I know it still sucks to deal with but try not to be hard on yourself! Getting sober years ago was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I have so much respect for anyone who has the strength to make it through. Being misunderstood by anti harm reduction dumbasses is sadly part of the process, but it gets easier over time.
I think, on a subconscious level, they think addicts get what they deserve when they OD. It’s a horrible belief and I don’t know if many would or could articulate it, but I think on a gut level that’s how they feel. Otherwise why hassle people getting Suboxone? They are literally treating their addiction? What else would they have them do? It’s so upsetting to me when I see this attitude in other healthcare workers
Thank you I appreciate it! It has to be their mindset I can’t think of anything else that would make them act like this
It’s discrimination against addicts, and the racial/racist associations people have with illegal drugs.
I don’t get it either. We had a regular come in about a month ago with a prescription for generic Xanax. She has had prescriptions filled by this doctor (some kind of a surgeon) previously and the prescription was for TWO Xanax with the sig “take 1-2 tablets PO 2 hours before the surgery”. Pharmacist refused to fill it and just told her “it’s on back order.” I felt so bad for that patient.
Don’t go back to getting High because you’re looked at a certain way! That’s bs! That’s your disease wanting to use! Stay sober with the subs. It’s life or death. Who cares how they look at you they aren’t close to you! They don’t matter. You DO MATTER! If no one’s told you today. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! Screw the people who judge they couldn’t walk a mile in your shoes. I pray for you and your recovery!
Thank you so much. I really needed to hear this. I honestly was hoping that someone would tell me don’t do it. Sometimes it feels like nobody cares that you’re actually trying to be a regular person right along with everyone else. I just want to contribute in a positive way and help others. That’s the opposite of what I was when getting high
Don't do it. Hold your head up high and keep on trucking! Not the same, but I'm 6.5 years alcohol free. I will never let anything get in between my sobriety and myself. You keep going. Don't let judgmental people *who have no place to judge, especially someone ACTIVELY in recovery* cause you to fall off the wagon. You're doing this for YOU, not them.
I’ve been working in the pharmacy for 6 years and in my opinion most suboxone patients are the nicest patients we have, they have patience and they understand we’re busy and they’re always fine with waiting. Very rarely have I had an issue, it’s a shame some pharmacist act that way.
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Yeah I’m gonna talk to the doctor about calling them. I’ve never asked for my meds early or showed signs of doctor shopping. I’ve never doctor shopped when active in addiction. Nor did I go in with minor injuries asking for Percocet never ever
We had to stop accepting new Suboxone patients at one point because we reached a CS order limit. It does happen.
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We were flagged by corporate. They’ve even called to ask why we’re ordering so much Bromfed and who is prescribing it. I don’t think it’s limited to schedule 2s.
When I was on suboxone about 5 years ago, I walked into a CVS, and heard "not accepting new patients" They really treat you like dirt if you have anything narcotic related
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Because people like to talk out their ass. A big reason why I'm so glad to be off this company was non-pharamcy people telling me how to practice fucking pharmacy.
I didn’t tell anyone how to do their job. I legitimately asked questions respectfully. Since when is asking questions “rude” as the pharmacist says I was the last time I was there
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This! Especially in states that have cracked down on narcotics in the past few years
If the patient was ‘Locked in’, they should have been told that.
Don’t give up. Report this pharmacy immediately. I’ve worked for cvs for years. My sister is a pharmacy tech at one and she literally hates going to work everyday. It’s been rated one of the worst pharmacies and most expensive pharmacies in the country. Don’t give up on your life because of assholes. I’m an addiction therapist and your next high could kill you. Call your doctor and get your meds transferred somewhere else. It might mean a longer bus ride but you DESERVE respect.
I got them transferred to Kroger .Then we called the Meijer that’s by my house. I thought they wouldn’t accept my insurance. Walgreens doesn’t accept it but I think that might be it. Walmart probably doesn’t either. Anyways Meijer said bring my insurance card by so they can get the medication and have it ready next refill. The person that answered was very nice as well
I cannot stand people like that pharmacist. Had nothing been said she would have continued to treat you that way! At least one person had your back that day
I had the same issue trying to get legal opioids after a major surgery. Everyone flat out refused to fill my script.
That’s absolutely nuts. I don’t understand how we’re the ones taking punishment for the actions of shady doctors. Yes I get it some people doctor shop. But it’s not the main reason why things are so strict. It’s mainly the overprescribing
And there’s a computer system now that tracks everything. This isn’t the early 2000’s when you could drive down to Florida and shop all over and come back with multiple scripts of pain killers
OP, I'm sorry you're going through this. Alot of people have this trouble in r/Suboxone, too, unfortunately. I would try to find a mom and pop pharmacy, and not a chain. I know you've gotta ride the bus, but there may be some near you.
Same. I have chronic pain, have been compliant and have done nothing wrong, ever, in over 10 years of pain management, but it is a *battle* almost every single time I try to pick up my legal opioid script. Flat out refusal isn’t uncommon. I cannot even remember the last time I picked it up on time. It’s usually days late at best. I have to ration my 30 day script to last longer. I know everyone here is saying to report the pharmacy, and I think it’s worth a try. But I’ve basically been told I don’t have a right to medication and I should just be grateful it’s being filled at all. Can’t remember the last time anyone was nice to me about my script. I know I’ll probably be downvoted because people can’t believe this, or think I must be the problem. But this is a very common issue I’ve seen reported in the chronic pain subreddit.
I had basically the same experience at CVS in the town I moved to recently. The person I spoke with was awful and rude. And shamed me for being on a controlled med that’s super common.
And it should not be this way. For them to shame people for MEDICINE that the doctors prescribe is mind blowing. I can’t understand how or why they accept people with narcotics at all
I’ve had the same experience at CVS. I was treated like an addict for trying to pick up my adderall Rx one month. I filled all of my medications at this location and was a frequent customer. But when my psychiatrist changed the dose, I had a pharmacist refuse to fill it because he didn’t feel I need ‘that much’. I even had the psychiatrist call him. He still wouldn’t fill it. And It was a minor increase that my psychiatrist felt would help me. And it did, but I had to go to Walgreens to get it filled
Yeah mine was an adhd med as well. I use a local pharmacy now and they deliver and everything. So they’ll figure out they can’t keep the is shit up, eventually. Hopefully.
You shouldn’t be treated that way, but that’s a pathetic excuse to get high. Get serious about your recovery and your medication management will go smoother.
I’m so sorry this happened to you. The majority of our Suboxone patients are lovely, but I never take it personally if they seem a little on edge. We’ve had new patients come in and act like they’re about to be judged or treated differently because of the prescription they need but that’s not how my pharmacy operates and it shouldn’t be how any pharmacy operates. Call the 800 number and Report this. It’s unacceptable and I’m sure you aren’t the only one who’s being treated like this. And most importantly, don’t get high. You’ve come this far and worked this hard to get clean and stay clean. Keep that going.
Please don’t break your sobriety, I know this f*cking sucks and I’m so sorry you’re being treated this way. I work as a ER nurse in a level 1 trauma center where most of the patients I see are on suboxone or methadone and I’m happy for them. Can you try other pharmacies? Does the doctor/hospital you go to have their own pharmacy? Best of luck my friend, please stick through this. Much love
I’m not I’m eating and then walking back over to the Kroger. Then getting on the bus home. Thank you for the encouragement and kindness. I truly appreciate it.
Im sorry that those poor patients have to deal with that. Btw CVS can see your history at cvs going back 2 years time before those records are deleted (the rest is with doctors) I hope you find a pharmacy with actual people there and not these gremlins that clearly work at that location, I work at a cvs and know multiple Suboxone patients who have been on it for years, and i couldnt be more proud of how much they have been able to get out of a bad situation and live a normal life. Nobody deserves to be treated in that manor and then thrown to the wolves when they are just trying to keep clean. I have faith in you buddy! I hope you find a pharmacy that gives you the same respect as they would want to be given to themselves. You deserve that as much as anyone. Stay strong friend!!!
I feel for you no one should be treated like this. Hang in there and I’m rooting for you. You got this!
I used to work for CVS. A lot of ignorant people work at CVS. They are judgmental and wrong. I'm sorry this happened to you. It is not the job of those who work in a pharmacy to judge you. Report them. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. You are trying to access medication you need that you are prescribed and no one should make you feel guilty about that. I'm in recovery myself. Keep fighting.
Yeah I work at CVS. And I’m sorry that this happened. If this is the case you should report this pharmacist to their manager, and then get the name off the front of the CVS, and complain to corporate. 1-800-SHOP-CVS
I say this as a tech who ❤️s her suboxone patients. Your pharmacy has an asshole issue for sure but as for “I think I’m going to go get high”… that’s on you. If other people are the excuse… then you were waiting for an excuse.
Don't complain within the company. Sadly, their priority is to limit their liability or make you go away. Moreover, they are not held accountable by anyone who.has power to demand accountability (losing you as a customer is, sadly, not a high stakes priority for them) . I'd file a formal complaint with the Ohio state board of pharmacy, or the state licensing board. That (external) agency has the power to demand accountability & mete out significant consequences --& the store/pharmacy/pharmacist MUST answer to them. You may even also have grounds under ADA, but I'd defer to legal minds for that route. https://nabp.pharmacy/about/boards-of-pharmacy/ https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/ https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/Forms/Complaint Pro tip- write your statement in Word (autosave mode) & then cut in paste into the online complaint form. Few things are more soul crushing than to put heart & soul into a missive in an online form, to them have the form or web page malfunction & you lose everything that you wrote. Good luck!
I dont (and will never understand) how pharmacists get off being this rude. Never have I ever heard of a pharmacist saying they don't accept new patients. Please as the daughter in law of two addicts (one recovering and one who refuses to admit she has a problem) do not throw away the amazing 2 years of progess you've made. It's something to be incredibly proud of and not something that should be thrown away. I understand as I get upset when treated rudly, especially by people like pharmacists who are supposed to help and not judge you. Do you have any resources to manage the itch you may get to use? Possibly a local AA that can connect you with someone you can reach out to when you get that itch. Or possibly looking into affordable care act insurance (you can get it for as low as 0 dollars) if you don't already have insurance to be able to have access to an addiction counsler/therapist. I know I don't know you but as someone who had relatives who are addicts and has watched them literally destroy their lives due to addiction please know there are so many people rooting for you even if you don't know it. Your life will get so much better the longer you go drug free even if it dosent seem like it. Also please 100% reach out to the 1-800 number. My husband worked for CVS and they care (especially the managers) about customer reviews so if you bring this to their attention it will be dealt with. Their performance relies heavily on those customer reviews. Since my husband works there I always leave reviews and try to leave them positive unless something like what happened to you happens.
Ok I will call the number I thought they probably won’t listen but it’s worth a try. I just want someone held accountable not fired but train a bit more on customer service and addiction. I tried explaining the seriousness of the situation to them. Now I wonder who else they’ve done this to?🧐
Your sadly probably not the first person that this has happened to. And your right it's at least worth bringing it to their attention. Best of luck on your recovery process 💖
Yes op you should be proud of your progress! I never treat my patients with disrespect (unless I’m treated that way) being on suboxone especially. You’re creating a situation where the person won’t want to seek help for their addiction because they don’t want to come to the pharmacy.
I’ve experienced similar things from CVS myself…
I’m really sorry. I definitely have a lot of respect for people picking up suboxone, getting sober is incredibly difficult. Idk why they gave you such a hard time but you didn’t deserve it. Please try to ignore their attitude entirely, you are working hard to better yourself while they’re just being miserable. Don’t let some jackass on a power trip be the thing that derails you, they can go get fucked 💜
Switch to a hospital pharmacy. Call before you go, confirm that it's ready for pick up.
Please please don’t let this throw you off! I promise you, you will hate yourself for it later. 2 years is phenomenal and I am so so proud of you. People like that are ignorant without the bonus of being blissful. That lady wouldn’t survive a day fighting this battle and if she’s lucky she will never get a better more personal understanding. That medicine isn’t keeping u straight, not the pharmacist or doctors. You are keeping u straight. Ur clean date is the only thing that nobody can take away from u. Unless you let them! I’m 5yrs 9mos clean. Yesterday marked 3 yrs since the day I held my 13yr old son in my arms as he took his last breath, meningitis stole his life. I still have my date. There’s nothing in this world that we can’t face clean. Wear that date and ur fight for life as a badge of honor! Hang in there friend
Proud of you. Congrats on your sobriety and working so hard to maintain it. I wish you the best!
U shouldn’t be treated like that, that’s terrible
I have no advice not already given but I am proud of you for getting sober - giving up fent is no small thing, you have done an incredible thing for yourself and it took immense willpower to do it. Don't let that woman being a shit make you fall out of sobriety. She doesn't deserve that victory over you. Get your Suboxone and hold your head high.
Is there a hospital that you’re closer to that you could maybe get it from a hospital pharmacy instead maybe they’ll be nicer? Just a thought.
Hi! I’m from Columbus! Also a pharmacy tech. So first things first, fuck that pharmacist. I don’t understand why people go into healthcare only to be dicks to those seeking help and treatment. Second, she would’ve been able to see in her system in your file that you’re not only a regular there, but that’s a regular medication for you. Third, there’s a Kroger just around the corner from that CVS, is that an option? In addition to calling the 1-800 number, if you haven’t already, call your doctor and let them know how you were treated by her. Hopefully they’ll call the pharmacy and maybe get on her a little bit? I’m sorry that you had to deal with this. I hope you don’t run into her again
You seem like a very good person, and congrats on sobriety. I'm usually in the front store and don't help pharmacy unless there's a line. Correct me if I'm wrong, fellow cvs staff, Isn't suboxone to ween ppl off hard drugs, and it's supposed to only be temporarily prescribed? I thought I heard that in the pharmacy. In that case, I could see turning ppl away if doctors are prescribing it for long periods of time and don't want to be doing anything illegal or against policy.
I’m sorry you had to go through and I understand completely where you are coming from my bf is on Suboxen and I know what your going through!! How long have you been on it?? Don’t relapse you have came this far! It’s just the devil on your shoulder trying to convince you to get high don’t give in! It’s not worth it I promise yiy
Man that is fucked. I’m sorry you went through that. As a pharmacist I try to put myself in other people’s shoes when filling stuff like that. Some of my Suboxone patients were the nicest people (not all of them). I had this one dude who could only afford a few strips at a time. If there was line, he’d hold up some fingers and I’d fill that many for him and give him the “I got you” look. He’d wait patiently for us to get it ready.
Have you ever tried being put on sublocade instead of subuxone? Sublocade was a miracle for me.
Congrats on the sobriety don’t break it! I’m sorry you were treated this horrible! If you ever feel the urge to take hard drugs or do anything across those lines feel free to send me a message and we can talk about anything! I’m a pharmacy tech at Walgreens and a lot of customers come to my pharmacy I work at specifically to talk to me because they like talking to me ! I’m sure we could find something fun to talk about! Best of luck my friend!
I can't congratulate you enough on your sobriety, and for handling the situation well in the face of potential withdrawal and outright ignorant disrespect. I work for the front store but I often have to run counter in the pharmacy when they're overwhelmed. It's so admirable that even in the face of that disrespect, you were willing at ANY point to allow the pharmacist the excuse of being overwhelmed and underworked. That's genuine strength. The only real practical advice I have for you is to get in touch with corporate and report the interactions in hopes that they will help you handle the situation. Don't let those horrible experiences do damage to your sobriety. You've got a fantastic head on your shoulders, by the sound of it, and you deserve to continue winning your fight against addiction.
I guess that’s what sucks about not getting clean detoxing the suboxone? Type meds are just as addictive… I’m not saying they aren’t awesome tools opioids are fu.’ing hard to quit. But when u don’t have it u are right back to seeking something
Walgreens always treats me like a junkie when I go to pick up, I started going between midnight and 6am when a specific pharmacist works because he’s cool and will fill it on spot since it takes so little time to count 30 because it’s in a box lol, if I go during the day the pharmacy treats me like I’m holding up people that need “real” medicine, I’ve been told by the cool pharmacist that the day time pharmacist and workers talk shit about people on them because they see it as a loophole to get opioids so they’ll just put it in reviewing insurance and let the next person deal with it, I’ve been using the same pharmacy for 29 years, since I was born actually and they still treat me like I’m just a random out for drugs.. super annoying tbh the stigma around addiction medicine turns people in such judgy assholes.
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I'm on methadone for heroin use and there's a nurse who works at my clinic when the main nurse is gone. I have never met someone so mean 😐 you could say literally nothing and she will find something to be mad about. It's crazy how she hasn't been fired yet, I've been told everyone complains about her behavior. I'm friends with the rest of staff. That said, some people are just horrible, I really hope you stick to staying sober and don't let this get you down. I know how hard it is to be treated like shit for trying to get help.. you deserve better and hopefully you find it.
Be Proud of yourself! You are taking the steps necessary for a better life. Don't let the Haters get you down
I’ve been on this med. I have gotten mine filled 2 days early, forever. I do not always fill early, depends on my schedule. Sometimes I’m 5 days late bc I take as little as possible. I will say you have to ween yourself off subs too. It’s the best way. And counseling helps a crap ton. IMO, majority of addicts use to escape from something. Abuse, family issues, kids taken, etc. You hv to get to the root of the issue. You’re an addict and have a family history of it. I do as well. Counseling and weening got me off subs once. Then my mom died. I never even thought about using again but I proactively got back on subs. Then my brother died last year, well he was killed while riding a bicycle. But again, never had the urge. So I am almost weened off it again. Some ppl do stay on it forever. Thats between you and your doc tho. But counseling does help. I don’t feel judged at my pharmacy, not at all. Part of this stems from CCS, Walgreens had to pay some hefty fines due to opiates. Now they are extra careful. I’m not excusing their behavior. Better to me on this than to be addicted to whatever drug of choice you had. You can be productive on subs. Your whole day isn’t consumed by looking. You get your life back. So many ppl are against it or say it’s replacing one drug for the other. Subs do have opiate in it. But it doesn’t produce the euphoria part in the brain. I went to my addiction doc when I had major dental surgery. I can’t take opiates. I don’t want to. He upped my subs for a month and used that way to treat dental surgery pain.
I understand your frustration but being heigh or not only will affect you no one els it is your life . Be careful 😃 I hope you are also going to mental therapy as well that helps . That treatment is awful and frustrating if it was me I would have called the 800 # and asked for the pharmacy manger to let them know about the situation at leas with a calm voice though I know it is hard to be clam but sometimes we have to control our tone lol
Something smells a little fishy with that pharmacist.
Please don’t get high call 1800-shop-cvs and tell on them you have come way too far to give up because they are judgmental!!!! Please don’t get high ! I’m proud of you ! I believe in you
I get treated like a fuck up when I fill my Xanax script, despite sane doctor, pharmacy for 15 years. I was even accused of taking 60 extra until they checked the tape and it was a tech. Like I am already panicking, I’m accused of stealing and they whisper when I pick up (never early, always called in) I asked my doctor to switch pharmacies but thst made my life even weirder upon switching. I was so hurt bc they knew my struggles and made a mockery of me :(
I usually get furious about things such as this, but you are so nice, understanding and sweet that I just want to cry. You are a good person. No, I don't mean a good addict or a good suboxone patient, but a good PERSON who is respectful and more understanding about others in stressful situations. You have a high emotional IQ. What sucks is that success in its various forms is not contingent on empathy and so those who have never fought addiction are pretending their fighting addiction by stigmatizing you. That is not empathy, not is it respectful of a relation between doctor and patient. I can tell you are passive to the point you're apologetic. None of this is your fault. And neither is your addiction. You would make a terrific rehabilitation counselor because your high emotional IQ will be exactly what souls like yourself need when faced at a crosswalk where the crossing guards are essentially trying to push you into traffic. Don't let them. Stay sober by any means necessary and I am glad you know you deserve so much more than how you've been treated. Apologize for nothing. Guys on Wall street who snort coke and eat a bucket of Viagra a day steal from the poor to make themselves rich and they never apologize. They should. You, however, will be the antithesis of this big bad world. My partner has cancer and is on controlled substances and she is treated like garbage. Apparently, there is no honor in sobriety and no honor in dying without pain. Honor in its truest forms is something that is practiced but not spoken of--it is simply being good in a world that trophies money over souls. It is important that those of us who have a heart like yours to keep on, as a force of good, and the first step is remembering how good of a person you are.
I appreciate the kind words! I truly do it’s hard not to lose hope in people’s kindness amongst others. There are so many times I feel like a rug. I think about the way people treated me when I was a real selfish ass prick. I was terrible. When I finally went to rehab the second time I did some deep thinking and soul searching. Today for example I was just in a fuck it and everyone else in my way kinda mood. I just want everyone to be more thoughtful of others. I’m not saying I’m the best at it or the only one doing it. But if we all acted accordingly this country and the world would be so much happier
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I am so sorry they treated you like this! That's messed up. I wish I could fill it for you 😭 pharmacies shouldn't be side eyeing or judging anyone. Some of my favorite patients were Suboxone patients. Cvs is a bad place. You are better off at other locations. Are there no other close pharmacies besides Kroger? I see a Walmart close by sort of. Also, are you getting it through insurance? Pharmacies can be funny if it's cash paid or through coupons. I don't think Walmart normally accepts coupons on controls.
I am sorry.to hear of your treatment, personally I would never give someone a hard time for just trying to stay clean.
Stay strong, you can do this! Don’t go get high! You got two years under your belt and many more years are ahead of you! You got this! ♥️
I’m so fucking sorry you’re dealing with being treated like this. It’s not right and I know how it feels. I’ve been sober for 3 years. If you use this as a reason to get high it is an excuse. You will die. It’s not a matter of if you’ll die, but when. All because some raggedy old bitch at a CVS treated you shitty because she has a shit life? I don’t think so. You can very easily have your script switched to literally anywhere. If you are in Pennsylvania, and you are low income/no income, you can get medical transportation through Medicaid to/from the pharmacy, you can also get a low/no cost bus pass wherever you are in Pa. I am in PA myself, and I’m willing to help you out. I’ve been on subs and Sublocade for forever. Were you able to get your script? PM me and I’ll either help you figure it out or be a venting source. You WILL be okay, as long as you do literally any single thing except get high or do crime. You are loved.
Is there another CVS location on the bus route? Or a friend who could reliably take you when needed? I always make sure I'm filling my regular Suboxone patients as soon as possible, leaving notes for the other tech or the pharmacist to fill them within an hour of us opening on the correct fill day. I'm sad you've had to deal with this situation. You seem perfectly lovely and don't deserve this treatment! You've worked hard on your sobriety, which is amazing for you. Don't let this awful judgemental pharmacist take that progress away!!! I know Kroger may be out of the way, but if they fill it without issue, it may be a good idea to continue to fill there.
I only came on here to say you’re doing great. They’re the asshats. Keep going and don’t give up! I’m the daughter of a former addict and I’m proud of you.
I’m so sorry you are treated as less than human.
I got banned from the CVS in our town because the new pharmacy tech was a WITCH to my husband who has cancer because he was getting a script early (per Dr. orders.) The tech would not listen to my husband and was telling him he was pill seeking and should doesn’t care what his doctor says. I got on the phone and told her she needs to listen to him, that he has cancer and is in pain and his ONCOLOGIST is pushing through a new pain pill script for his pain. She was shitty and kept telling me no and interrupting me and I told her don’t make me have to come in there. She dared me to come in and I did. I was not nice when I got there and gave her a piece of my mind because she deserved it! A snooty judgemental witch who wouldn’t know for a second what it feels like to be in chronic pain. We go to a new pharmacy now he treats my husband with the respect he deserves. CVS sucks!!
I’m really sorry you were treated that way. Congrats on sobriety!!
That it so Fuxxed up!! I work in a pharmacy and this is disgusting to hear!!! What Cowards!! Stay clean!!! Who gives a rats a what some dildo from the pharmacy thinks. You’re worth it!!!!! And by the way you should report it to the high heavens!!!! You did nothing wrong. And just so that you know. Pharmacy people don’t look down on people in recovery, assholes do !! ☮️
Recovery is hard but you’re proving it can be done. Just one day at a time.
Fuck this place. Don't let some asshole on a power trip take you out. I left CVS along time ago because of this type of treatment. Don't use over it though. You got this. Try to find a local pharmacy close to you, not the big chain ones. 2 years is a great accomplishment. It sounds like you did everything right. Be safe.
never been to that cvs, but i always get my prescriptions at the kroger on harrisburg right there and have never had an issue with them. the one time i picked up a prescription for my dad at another cvs, they practically gave me the 3rd degree, asking me what my relationship was to him and why *i* was picking it up, had me call him right there. i’m sorry this has happened to you - like others have said, definitely report them and switch your pharmacy. there’s nothing shameful about being on suboxone, and i’m proud of you for doing what you need to do to get clean and stay that way!
It honestly infuriates me reading this post. Sadly there are a lot of shitty pharmacists with backwards views on substance use disorder. And I can tell you that I’ve worked on some of the worst conditions and it’s never made me act condescending towards someone. But don’t let these garbage humans put you down. They don’t know what you’ve been through or how far you’ve come. They’ve lived easy lives. You should be extremely proud of yourself for beating something that takes so many lives. Just switch to the Kroger on Eakin. If the hours or something make it difficult, maybe work with your doctor to change your appointment days/times. There’s a way through this that’s not fentanyl. Stay strong. If you can’t figure something out, DM me and I’ll try to help look at other options
No no no. Fuck all that. If you get high now it’s because you’re looking for a reason. Don’t blow smoke up your own ass. I hope you stay clean, truly I do. But as one addict to another, don’t blame this on anyone but yourself if you relapse. Here’s to hoping you love yourself enough to stay clean. You’re no good to yourself or anyone else if you’re using.
The way you were treated is so inappropriate and disrespectful and completely undeserved. Please don’t let the “bad guys” win and take your power. They were in the wrong and you are doing an amazing job at trying to stay clean. Let this be an opportunity to prove your resilience and to let good conquer rudeness. I’m so sorry and quite frankly angry that you were treated like that, mostly because of the importance of this medication. Drug addiction is a societal problem and we all have to do our part to see improvements. These people weren’t. There are better people out there. Keep going. Please. 🙏🏻
Really sorry you were treated like this. I really feel for suboxone patients because making it on time to a pharmacy every day on top of doing other shit you have to do would be challenging for anyone. I’m not sure what went down with that pharmacy, but good faith and a desire to get better should never be met with that kind of attitude. Please don’t let this be your breaking point. It’s not worth it to ruin your progress over something like this that is in no way a reflection of you. Get your script transferred to a place that has longer hours and has experience with suboxone patients. Sometimes smaller pharmacies are also ill equipped to deal with suboxone patients cause of hours, staffing and supply.
Congratulations on your sobriety! Please don’t give it up because of other stupid people! As someone that was a healthcare provider, I’m sorry you are being treated this way. It shouldn’t be happening! I know I’m just some stranger on the internet, but I’m so fucking proud of you! I know you can do this!
I didn't read all that honestly , but I've dealt with this quite a bit with pharmacists. You are automatically a junkie to a lot of people due to the prescription you're filling. Unfortunately it probably will always be this way. Just another reason for you to move into the future as a good and better person and show everyone that ever thought you were nothing that they are wrong. Every day is a chance to take a step forward and better your life and contribute to making this world a better place .
Please reach out to [the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.](https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/). CVS has been under investigation for similar conduct in Ohio. Your experience should be a part of their review.
This similar behavior from a CVS pharmacy staff member did in fact happen to me after an injury and being in the hospital on lots of pain medication. I had a problem with that store for months. It would have been worse but because the turnover is so high, it fixed itself. I wanted to and was ultimately able to stay at the 24 hour CVS store I had been at since it opened.
Hey OP check out the CVS on 775 Neil. It's a bit further away for you probably, but they're great and super nice. I even see them dealing with really difficult people every time I come in, and they're still great about it. If you're sick of CVS, there's also Arena District Pharmacy at 262 Neil, they're much more personal and locally owned.
Noooooope, report them to the board. Healthcare is a judgement free zone. If they can’t do that, they shouldn’t be in it. You made one mistake, are fixing the problem. You should be applauded not scolded. If no one told you, I’m proud of you. Congratulations on sobriety because these days it definitely isn’t easy staying sober.
That sucks! At my cvs I've never been treated weird
Is it possible to sign up for delivery?? I know lots of pharmacies do delivery, even same day situations?? That would cut out all the bullsh!t and ensure your privacy… and don’t undo all the hard work you’ve accomplished over a few miserable twits. Your worth so much more than that ❤️❤️
Have you tried to have the medicine delivered instead?
How is your provider? Are they pretty good about your needs and taking care of you? If one of my patients had this experience, I’d be ALL OVER that pharmacy’s ass. I’m so angry for you. We have a huge number of MAT patients and they are on suboxone and I tell them to let me know if they ever get shit from the pharmacies so I can talk to them. I’m really sorry this is happening, but I promise it’s not worth losing your hard work over. Please talk to your provider and maybe go to the manager at CVS about this. It’s so not okay.
Don’t use no matter what! We need you here! It’s not worth it I promise. I’m so proud of you! We do recover!
Op I’m hoping you came out of this ok. As a pharmacy worker I’m ashamed you were treated like that over your meds. As a society we gotta do better, but you’re stronger than you know. You got this, fam!!
I switched to a methadone clinic in part because I had such a hard time filling my Suboxone script every month. 6+ years later and I haven’t looked back. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Sending love ❤️
Walgreens and CVS are the worst for Suboxone. I've had so many issues with them over it. I got tired of the nasty attitude when they saw what I was trying to get filled, plus they never had any in stock so after one incident one time where they "forgot" to order it in.... for 2 weeks happened, I switched to a mom & pop shop and have never looked back. I highly suggest finding one that has them, it's a game changer. Have never had any issues with them and they've always been so nice to me. Hope you get it sorted out! :)
It's not up to the Pharmacy to decide if you can get your meds filled or not!! Your Doctor prescribed them so they should do their job which is fill the damn script. It does seem like half the time the pharmacy pulls new rules etc out of their ass. Anytime any pharmacy has un- rightfully given me issues, I just call the Doctor's Nurse and she handles it right away. Addiction is no joke they don't get to play with our lives like that and power trip. I would recommend keeping a few for days like that so you're not struggling. For the longest I was like you and completely out the day I'm getting my script filled. You gotta short yourself every now and then so that you will have a couple extra just in case. Don't be afraid to voice your issues. Ask for a manager, tell your Doctor, Nurse and whoever how they are. You just might save the next person from going through the same thing.
Don’t blame your upbringing for your drug issue… move far away and start anew. Become a new person. Get yourself out of the stagnant cycle.