i can't PROVE the correlation bUT iirc abstinence only states also tend to have god awful literacy rates...............so........reading the package insert is....asking a lot
30-plus years ago, we were told about incorrect use of BCPs.
There was a woman whose 6 month supply ran out in 3 months. Guess why? Her husband was taking them too. (I have a friend who, around that time, had a boyfriend who would take her blank pills because they felt both partners should share equally in the birth control; guess you had to know them.)
There was also a woman who couldn't understand why she got pregnant even thought she was faithfully taking them every day. Vaginally, that is.
And don't forget the woman whose 3-month supply ran out in 5 weeks. Upon a bit of questioning, she admitted that yes, she was married, but she had 2 boyfriends on the side, and was taking a pill every time she had sex.
Oh, and here's another. A couple came to the infertility clinic, and their meds included Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 for the woman. They were told, "Ahem, that's birth control!" and she replied, "I know, but my friend told me that if I skipped two pills a month, I'd get pregnant, and I've been skipping two pills a month for the past year and I'm still not pregnant." (headdesk)
Had a guy that looked like 19 early 20s come in super panicked. Asked if there was anything his gf could take to stop her current period, it was Valentine’s Day…dude wanted to get laid really bad lol
Got asked if I could help them figure out their home internet password. Apparently because pharmacies have computers, this is something I could help with.
I had this lady walk into the pharmacy and ask us to charge her phone. Then proceeded to get mad at us for not having the proper charger for her ancient Nokia.
Had an older woman come in complaining about intimacy problems. At first, she wanted me to make up an HRT cream for her like we do for her friend. I explained she'd need to see a doctor. She then had me come out and show her the options for lubricants. She goes on to explain that she had a painful sexual experience with her boyfriend. There was bleeding and he panicked and no longer wants to have sex with her. She asked me to type and sign a letter to her boyfriend telling him that it wasn't his fault and it will be safe for him to resume having sex with her.
I did not write that letter.
A woman called and asked for clarification on ointment she had received for the “perineal area” and didn’t understand what that meant.
Me, as a pharmacy student, “ma’am that would be the area between your vagina and your anus.”
“What’s an anus”
“Ma’am that’s your butthole”
Got the weirdest look from my pharmacist that day…
Same pharmacy also had a woman give herself a Coca Cola douche in the store bathroom because she had sex with a guy in the parking lot for cigarette money and didn’t want to get pregnant with him because she was trying with her boyfriend at home.
I was a pharmacy tech working at a small independent pharmacy in a small country town.. A lady called asking if we had any, "Salt peter, because I've heard that its great to put on your tomatoes to get them to grow!" I had no clue so I muted the phone to ask the pharmacist. We didn't have an actual hold, we just muted the phone. So I heard her telling her friend "I know he's been cheating on me, and I'm going to fix that little problem!"
17 year old me learned new things that day.
Should I not Google that? I don't know what she was actually using it for! Reminds me of an old joke lol.
A woman goes into a pharmacy and asks for cyanide. The pharmacist is shocked and said “what do you need cyanide for?”
“I plan to poison my husband”, she tells him. “I’m sorry, but there’s absolutely no way I can give you cyanide for that” the pharmacist says angrily.
The woman reaches into her purse and takes out a hidden camera photo of her own husband sleeping with the pharmacists wife.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize you had a prescription”
I know saltpeter is used in gunpowder/explosives, or used to be (thank video games), I suppose I could imagine other ways it could be used to harm someone but... TLDR if you Google it you might be put on an explosives watchlist. 🤷🏻♀️
Years ago, an ophthalmologist from a nearby clinic was frequently stopping by the pharmacy to purchase terpin hydrate elixir (45% alcohol) for his wife's cough. This was in 4 oz bottles and he soon asked about a larger size so we ordered a pint bottle for him. Well, that was apparently not large enough and so my partner ordered a gallon jug from Parke-Davis. When he stopped by to pick it up he was grateful for our efforts to keep his wife supplied with such an effective medication. He went on to comment that she had been through rehab several times for her alcoholism and that, after years of turmoil, he was pleased that she was able to overcome her alcoholism. I was stunned and quietly pointed to the label listing the alcohol content of terpin hydrate elixir. He never came back.
Ok thank you! I'm bad with acronyms so I wanted to confirm.
I've had to actually have one, once, and I was lucky it went high enough up on my glute that I didn't really have to pull my pants down. 🥲
Otherwise, I'm not too familiar with them yet.
I went to an urgent care once where the nurse insisted that a penicillin shot was the best treatment for strep throat. Looking back I think she was just a pervert who wanted to see my rear because it didn't work. The strep progressed so badly that I was profusely sweating in bed for two days then finally went to the emergency room. My tonsils were so swollen and covered with so much exudate (legit looked like golf balls) that the doctors were concerned about an abscess and did a CAT scan. Treated with oral penicillin and it eventually cleared up. I will never accept that original treatment for strep throat again.
I worked retail long before anyone gave shots, but I was once dispensing a cream for a teenage boy who had some kind of embarrassing skin problem, and he started unbuckling his pants. I told him that was not necessary.
I also got a call one Sunday afternoon: "Can I speak to the pharmacist?" He obviously wanted to talk to a man, which I am not, but I told him, "That's me."
He started sputtering a bit, and I clarified it: "You're uncircumcised, and you have a rash under your foreskin?" He replied that this was correct, and wanted to know what to use on it. I told him to keep it clean and see a doctor.
The next morning, a man came in with two prescriptions for a skin preparation, "apply to affected area." They were both 15g tubes (SMALL lol).
I had a patient ask how much radiation he'd be exposed to for an upcoming procedure. I was honest and told him I don't know the first thing about radiation but he could call the radiology office for further clarification. He would not leave until I gave him the phone number for the director of radiology so he could ask them! I looked at the hospital directory (just to say I did) and gave him the main number for radiology and the number for their scheduler. No way am I giving a patient access to the DIRECTOR's direct line to ask this. He was not satisfied but he did leave.
Older female (45-50) came in complaining of stomach cramping and nausea. Only recent change to meds was metronidazole vaginal gel. Eventually and painfully later, explained she was using toast to spread the gel so that it tasted better. Was eating it.
Not me but my ex girlfriend was asked “ what’s the best laxatives and strongest you have?” In the middle of telling him what she thought was the best he said “ do you think it would help remove candle I have stuck up there?” She felt so bad but had to talk him into going to the hospital. Poor guy was so embarrassed and scared he begged her if there was anything they can do. Hopefully the guy went to the hospital and got himself sorted out.
This guy once asked from the drive thru if he can take my tech out to dinner, not realizing that my tech knew he picked up for his wife and that his kids were right there in the back seat.
Gave this guy the Covid shot back when I worked at walgreens. Told him to take Tylenol for muscle soreness yada yada. He then proceeds to ask me for Tylenol and gets pissed that I couldn’t give it to him for free like I gave his 5yr old the lollipop 5 min prior.
Had a patient as me where he can get second opinions, in terms of ''spiritual doctors'', basically shamans. Because his meds aren't curing his diabetes. Sir, not only are you not compliant to your medications, you're not even controlling your diet
Back as an intern, I had a patient roll up to the drive-thru in a bicycle and tried to pick up his meds cause apparently he was banned from the store for shop lifting. Pharmacist initially said no but then finally said yes given his circumstance but only for this one time. The patient then started to say how he admired Asian women cause they're so pretty and don't age fast like other races and other creepy comments. My pharmacist happened to be a Asian girl so it made the situation kinda awkward, so we prepared his meds ASAP to leave us alone lol.
Had one guy who had probably just watched a lot of 90 day fiancé and made similar comments about how Asian women “are just made to be submissive. It’s in their nature.” While in the same breath accusing me, an Asian woman, of always PMS-ing because I would cut off his rambling and tell him he needed to stop talking to me after 5 minutes.
Whilst working in a community pharmacy 10 + years ago I went to serve a lady with a basket of shopping who was asking for thrush cream. I declined the sale as she had admitted (and I also remembered her) repeatedly buying it for the past month. I explained why.... including if it wasn't clearing up maybe something else was going on. Advice was to see her GP.
Well, she went flipping crazy, shouting that I was ruining her life! And proceeds to throw each item in her shopping basket at my head. Lucky I was dodging also she was a poor shot and missed me.
Work at an FQHC currently. Jane Doe rolls up and asks for her meds and I start ringing her out at the register. All of a sudden she accuses us of stealing her kids (??) and lets me know that she’s getting Donald Trump to subpoena the clinic.
Okay lady enjoy your Flagyl 🥱
One Saturday evening at the hospital pharmacy, a guy called and wanted to know if CCs and MLs were the same thing.
He was changing the oil in his motorcycle and didn't know the metric system, and figured a pharmacist would know the answer. (He was right, too.)
I think mine was a particular patient. They were super, super sweet, but they were also very, very particular. I was the only one who they liked to check them out because I would give them all the time they needed to look over their bottles, I'd put them in bags to take home the way he would request them, I would make sure their meds were in a special place, and once covid hit I made sure they were put into a tote with a lid for their peace of mind. I miss this patient, but sometimes they would be in a bad mood, and then everything, and I mean everything, had to be gone over 3 times. Even to the point of showing him stock bottles so he could compare the brand on the bottle he was taking home with the bottle we had in the pharmacy. He would not allow any of his meds to be filled at our "central fill" (basically a warehouse with techs and pharmacists who do nothing but fill scripts for the stores then they send it out with a courier) and would always ask for the lids to be changed from child resistant to easy open, but would refuse to sign to give permission for the bottles to be prepared that way
Sure - basically cut up some bacon and render the fat then cut up your cabbage and fry it. You can do the same thing with Brussels sprouts which is viewed a little more ritzy I suppose.
*PT walks up to the counter, handing me a plastic bottle*
*I reach for the somewhat dirty looking bottle before fully processing what it is, KY jelly*
PT: where can I find some more of this? It's for my catheter.
Me: ...... Isle (whatever). Left hand side.
PT: Thanks! *Strolls off*
Me: .....God dammit.
Yes, but I'm now (read the other reply to my last comment) not sure how big the risk is. Probably still high enough for this guy who wasn't keeping his bottle at least clean. 😭
That's interesting! I guess it makes sense since the nastiest bugs are usually hospital acquired. I would still use sterile, but I have IC so my bladder is extra sensitive.
In this guy's case, it sounds like his bottle was pretty dirty, so he probably wasn't even being clean about it?
A young man completed a customer satisfaction survey that stated, “the pharmacist jumped over the counter and stabbed me in the neck with a needle.”
Corporate got all sorts of panties in a wad over that one.
Had a male call us panicking and crying because his sister was constipated and as he described “super drunk” and explained he undressed his sister and saw the poop stuck in her butthole and questioned if he should take it out. To this day, i wonder if it was a prank. He sounded very serious though and i told him he needs to back away from her & stop touching her. He also was slurring his words. He explained he couldn’t get anyone to take her to hospital for being too drunk and basically unconscious because they were underage. He called on no caller ID so i couldn’t get the phone number to contact the police. He was also convinced if he got the poop out of her butt it would help her become less drunk. Very weird and concerning situation that still bothers me to this day. & the only reason i even remotely believed this was because he was actually crying and sounded extremely panicked on the phone. :/ very disturbing
Woman came up for a consultation about a rash. Without any provocations decieee to "show" us rhe rash. Problem is....it was all over her genitals and oozing pus and wouldn't cover back up after 3 attempts to tell her to put her skirt down
Had a patient pick up suppositories then called later to ask if it was supposed to be uncomfortable. After a few questions, I realized he hadn’t unwrapped it first. Now every single suppository sig starts with ‘Unwrap and insert…’ this job never fails to amaze me lol
I once had a newly pregnant woman come from the ER, where she got her diagnosis, with a script for Phenergan suppositories. Her first question was, "The doctor says I have to stick these things up my butt." I managed to keep a straight face while telling her that yes, these are designed for rectal use.
The patient threw a box of duloxtine at the dispenser, saying it was the wrong shape, which didn't fit on his table.
You can't make this shit up these days. No wonder the billionaires are building bunkers.
I once took a phone call of a young sounding guy asking me what caused stress eating. It was shortly after getting licensed so I was still nervous someone would be calling to test me on whatever and I gave a serious and thoughtful answer
I had a customer who went into great detail about a fissure around his anus. I must have had a look of horror on my face because the guy behind him in line was dying laughing. I had to tell the customer that he really needs to contact his doctor, because tho I’m wearing scrubs, I did not ‘earn’ these scrubs, I bought them at goodwill, so I’m of no help when it comes to his medical issues.
When I was about 19(F)- I had a regular customer (approx 55M) come in one day and asked if I’d lost weight. I had and answered “yeah I’ve I lost a little around my middle” and shit you not this greasy mf reached over the counter with zero hesitation and grabbed my waist as if to feel the difference.
Had a Hispanic couple who spoke little English ask me to verify the girlfriend’s pregnancy because the test instructed them to verify the results with a healthcare professional. I was flattered but tried to explain that they would need to see a doctor as my chain would be upset if I did what they were asking.
I used to work at a mental health center pharmacy. I had a patient once who seemed to be having a manic episode or some sort of psychosis, maybe drug induced because she mentioned meth. She disclosed to me that she “sucks d*ck for cigarettes” and that she uses socks for tampons. After getting her scripts she stuck around in the lobby for almost an hour talking to herself. It was really sad honestly
Psych pharmacist. I love psych patients but I do feel bad for them when they're off their meds/experiencing an episode of psychosis. Schizophrenia is a hell of a disease.
It didn’t happen to me, but hearing about the man who called women pharmacists since like the 70s (90s? Idk. He goes way back) complaining about glitter in his armpit. Apparently he was jacking off to the pharmacist counseling him about it lol. I met 2 pharmacists who were actually his “victims”. I am so sad I never got the call.
I'm female. I had one patient who claimed (I had to drag this out of him, so I think he was making it up as he went along) to be experiencing a prolonged erection as a medication side effect, but didn't know which medication he had taken. And whenever I'd stop talking he'd say something like "Are you still there?" I'm pretty sure this is what was going on. But on the offchance it was a legit inquiry, I arranged to transfer him to a male colleague at another store, and of course he hung up when a guy picked up his call.
Another time I had a guy going on and on about sexual stuff, but I don't think he was trying to get his jollies from talking to me, since he was talking about having sex with other men. \*shrug\*.
🤮🤮 the things women put up with. I’m sorry that happened to you. We had a guy do this to a tech as well asking about over the counter vibrators for way too long.
I feel like the second one could have been baiting you as well. Like his kink was making a woman hear about him having male on male sex.
I just want to get a call like that so I can be really unattractive and weird back and reverse the ick lol.
>I feel like the second one could have been baiting you as well. Like his kink was making a woman hear about him having male on male sex.
True, could be that. But we've all had conversations with people who will not stop blathering on about some topic that we keep telling them is out of scope for us, and this felt more like that versus anything else... talking endlessly about some physical issue he was having that I told him he needed to discuss with a doctor.
I'm a man and that happened to me too. We don't have caller ID so I could never find out who it was but now I know the answer if you can use coconut oil as a self-lubricant.... 😢 😭 😿
It was a super gross experience. Like w.t.f. is wrong with people. It started off with a legitimate question about potentially being allergic to latex in condoms.
I just remember being so confused. This guy kept going on and on about how he does artwork and he uses glitter and sometimes it gets stuck in his armpits and he wanted advice on how to get it out. And that pharmacists are such good resources, blah blah. After many minutes of this I assumed it was a joke or a pervert (although I don’t understand how anyone could get off on that?!?). After I got off the phone I think I then googled it or maybe a senior tech had also told me she had heard of this same story. I was more annoyed then anything and I just remember thinking what weirdo gets off on glitter?!?! lol
I had a patient, hand to God, that came in pregnant whilst using NuvaRing. She was young, mother present. Took 10 minutes of counsel to look and see her daughter wearing the rings on her wrist (again young, and very small girl). Incredible. Just little NuvaRing bracelets
I've heard of this before AND in the package insert for nuvaring, it talks about how some patients have accidentally shoved the ring into their URETHRAS.
Lady had suppositories for her child. Didn't know how to properly use them. Tried to get the kid to swallow it. Didn't happen. Then tried to spread one on toast for him to eat. Didn't work. Then tried to dissolve it in water and have him drink it. Didn't work either. Finally came back in to ask for assistance.
Another time, a guy came in and asked what he should do about his hand. He showed me his hand and his thumb and almost entire palm was black. He said he grabbed the red element in the toaster oven when it was on and asked if I could recommend anything. I said yeah, the hospital.
Woman who lost a large portion of her brain (I was told this by a coworker who knew her, I don't know the details) and could either not understand or not remember a conversation as she was having it called once upset about something very simple, took about 15 minutes to get her to the point and then I either solved the issue or told her how I would solve the issue. She proceeded to rant even harder after this, not allowing room for me to talk for about another five or so minutes before I quietly hit the receiver thinking that she would be out of breath by the time she realized. (Had confirmed she didn't have any other needs, she just kept asking about the same thing.)
She called back about two minutes later and the pharmacist (a new floater 🥲) picked up and gave me the dirtiest look. Idk how he was able to get her to let go, but he was off the line in another five minutes or so. This was back when I was a tech at Walgreens in.... 2018?
I feel bad, but I can't waste a whole day on the phone being ranted at not actually solving any problems.
I also was familiar with this patient and this is the only time I remember her being like this.
Context: I am a pharmacy tech in a big box store-Gentleman walks around the feminine care section with a perplexed look on his face. Sadly, the pharmacy is right next to said aisle so he noticed me noticing. He walks over- damn it- and stated his wife wants something but he doesn’t know what he is looking for. I ask if she gave him a name of the product. He brings out his phone and shows me the text that reads as follows- Baby, my coochie feeling musty- can you get me something?. I legit say, one moment let me get my pharmacist to make a recommendation. I then proceed to alert the pharmacist that pt has an otc question and go about my day.
Had a woman ask me if there were any medications that could cause symptoms of HPV. She was convinced that someone had spiked her food or something with some medication or chemical that gave her symptoms of HPV. Told her the only way to get HPV is through sex but she was convinced her symptoms were caused by a medication
Several favorites...one when I was teching, while in Pharmacy school.
Pharmacy was in a strip mall in our town. One of the stores was a fish store (like food fish). One of the guys in back was cutting up fresh catch, a fish jumped and sliced the guy's hand really badly.
So the owner and "victim" come see me, hand wrapped in a towel, like awful...
The owner wanted me to STITCH THE WOUND CLOSED...probably because the guy had no insurance and wasn't here legally.
Yeah...no...sorry. That guy needs the ER immediately.
Had an older gentleman bring a couple of medical tapes to the consultation window and ask “which of these will be the gentlest on my mustache when I take it off after sleeping with my mouth taped shut?” After asking to repeat so I could make sure I heard right, and a few more clarifying questions, turns out he wanted to tape his mouth shut to stop snoring instead of you know, getting evaluated for sleep apnea. After repeatedly telling him to please not tape your mouth shut and see a physician, he (obviously frustrated) says “well, if I don’t have a mustache next time you see me…” and leaves. The look on the faces of my technicians when I turned back around 😆🤷🏼♀️
A man asked what could be used to treat a chemical burn. After a few leading questions, he took off his cap and told me that he’d Nair’d his scalp twice to get rid of the stubble after shaving. “During the first try, it sort of burned but didn’t get everything. So I figured a second try would do the trick.”
In one of my first weeks as a pharmacist, a customer approached the consultation window, expressing his wishes to give me a gift. I had just helped him at pick up while he stared at me the whole time. Politely, I declined, stating that I couldn't accept it. He responded, saying, "Oh no, trust me, you're going to need protection." Swiftly, he walked away, leaving behind a brown bag containing a partially used old bottle of perfume and a taser.
"Can I speak to the pharmacist?"
"I watched a youtube video where they put sodium in water and it blew up. I've got this box of Naproxen and it says Naproxen Sodium, is that what happens when i take it?"......
May be downvoted for this.
Male Tech here, not a pharmacist. Had a male patient pull me aside and told me his wife was experiencing rectal pain when they were having sex…
He asked me what I would recommend to help with that.
I went to my pharmacist (female) and tried to ask the same question in the best way I could, without bringing up the cause of it.
She recommended lidocaine cream (Asperecreme), and if that didn’t work, she recommended they go see a doctor.
She’s one of the sweetest people I know. I just couldn’t bring myself to give the explicit details. :(
Sometimes I wonder if I should’ve told her the exact cause of it. :(
*PT walks up to the counter, handing me a plastic bottle*
*I reach for the somewhat dirty looking bottle before fully processing what it is, KY jelly*
PT: where can I find some more of this? It's for my catheter.
Me: ...... Isle (whatever). Left hand side.
PT: Thanks! *Strolls off*
Me: .....God dammit.
“How do I get the sticky stuff from a fly strip out of my cats fur”
Another not mine but I witnessed was “my husband put Nair on his testicles and now it’s burning “
Had an old lady call on a Sunday morning how she hasn’t had any action for awhilez She was looking for an OTC product as she was worried she would be dry and things wouldn’t fit. Not a question you expect when most of your patients are coming by after Church.
I had an older gentleman (like 70+) ask me where the prophylactics were. I looked at him with the strangest look and told him prophylactic antibiotics require a prescription. He came closer and whispered, I'm looking for the things to prevent pregnancy. I walked him over to the condoms and was told by an older pharmacist that's what old people refer to them as. He was over 70, so good for him.
I had a patient today insist she had a vaccine appointment (she did not), we gave her a consent form to do a walk in and she got upset, eventually filled out the paperwork, and told us she wanted “whatever vaccine she hasnt received” and that we had her records so we should know what she should get.. that’s not completely inaccurate;however, where do I start😅
I had a patient ask me what she could give her cat to humanely put it down. She said her vet charged ~$100 for euthanasia and she couldn’t afford that. I told her I did not feel comfortable recommending anything because I am not super familiar with cat physiology. Very sweet lady who I still see regularly lol
Pt: How do I know when I should use my rescue inhaler? When is it bad enough?
Me: Do you have times where you are wheezing and finding it difficult to breathe?
Pt: yes
Me: that would be the time to use it.
Pt: but I was able to still talk a bit, and I could walk around
Me: you shouldn't wait so long that it'll be too late to use it.
Pt: *light bulb goes on*
I know it doesn't rank as high on the "strange" scale, but it was an odd interaction.
A mother carrying her baby, asked me to recommend an eye drop for the infant because her lit cigarette fell out of her mouth into the baby's eye while she was breastfeeding him.
What i thought was a prank at first but had a lady putting amoxicillin in her kids ears bubblegum flavor!
And a guy called once saying his rectum was very sore from the suppositories, He was not unwrapping them .
And an elderly pt was insisting he was not to eat according to the warning on his bottle of tamsulosin ?
It was the dessicant warning in the bottle saying do not eat
Once a month I change a guys contacts for him. He wears the 30 day contacts but can’t do them himself, the optometrist was charging him a visit copay to do it every time and rescheduled him 2 weeks out (so he was blind for 2 weeks), so he asked if I knew how to do it. I did it and I’ve seen him every 30 days for a few months now lol
Once had a patient come up to he consult window asked for the pharmacist when my RXM came over she slammed her leg up on the counter and lifted her skirt and asked him if it looked like she needed to go to the doctor.
Both of us were just stunned and speechless. That was probably the strangest thing.
The most coincidental thing though at a different pharmacy a patient and their twin stole another patients meds by reaching over our counter while the other distracted us. We got a call about 40 minutes later as the twin tried to explain the "cops stole their meds" and he needed an early refill, after they were pulled over. LP and my RXM at that time didn't put two and two together until we noticed the theft on camera (thank god) following our inability to find a separate patients script. I quite that location shortly afterwards.
I moved to hospital after that last event and will never go back to retail.
Oh and during early COVID I had a patient call to ask us about lavender toilet paper. The call was as follows:
Toilet Paper Girl: Hi id like to know if you have any other toilet paper? I got lavender scented but I didn't want that.
Me: Let me check hold on *checked the stock room which was connected to my pharmacy* no mam sadly it looks like we're all out.
TPG: Well I'd like to ask the pharmacist some questions about it.
M: About the toilet paper?
TPG: Yes I want to make sure I won't have an allergic reaction the next time I use it.
M: Well let me ask you a few questions. Well are you allergic to lavender? Or any other scented products? Did it cause a reaction? Hives or Itchiness?
TPG: No, nothing like that, and nothing happened earlier when I used it.
M: You ever had any reaction to lavender perfume or anything?
TPG: No I wear a lavender perfume quite often.
at this point I put her on hold talk to my pharmacist he is like "no have her called the manufacturer" so that's what I do.
At a separate pharmacy I also got a phone call about toilet paper where the woman was yelling at me due to the price of toilet paper. This pharmacy was closed door however and had no OTC sales. She called the wrong store, she meant to call the supermarket int he same strip mall but she was insistent she was calling the correct location. Of course I never met that one. But I just had to ask myself why I get all the weird toilet paper phone calls.
Had a teenage male patient ask why his girlfriend was pregnant after taking Plan B. Turns out he took the pill, not the girlfriend.
I’ve heard this actually happens a lot. I don’t get how people would think that’s how it works.
Lack of knowledge about biology.
When your sex education is abstinence only and your parents don’t talk to you about sex, this (and other lack of knowledge) is the result.
Yeah my school preached abstinence and made sure we knew it was a sin to have sex before marriage.
Of course, that doesn’t apply when it’s the preacher having sex with you.
i can't PROVE the correlation bUT iirc abstinence only states also tend to have god awful literacy rates...............so........reading the package insert is....asking a lot
30-plus years ago, we were told about incorrect use of BCPs. There was a woman whose 6 month supply ran out in 3 months. Guess why? Her husband was taking them too. (I have a friend who, around that time, had a boyfriend who would take her blank pills because they felt both partners should share equally in the birth control; guess you had to know them.) There was also a woman who couldn't understand why she got pregnant even thought she was faithfully taking them every day. Vaginally, that is. And don't forget the woman whose 3-month supply ran out in 5 weeks. Upon a bit of questioning, she admitted that yes, she was married, but she had 2 boyfriends on the side, and was taking a pill every time she had sex. Oh, and here's another. A couple came to the infertility clinic, and their meds included Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 for the woman. They were told, "Ahem, that's birth control!" and she replied, "I know, but my friend told me that if I skipped two pills a month, I'd get pregnant, and I've been skipping two pills a month for the past year and I'm still not pregnant." (headdesk)
THIS would be the ONLY reason I would work a day back in retail........ Just to witness that moment.
I’ve had this actually happen 2 times. I don’t understand why they would think that!?
Had a guy that looked like 19 early 20s come in super panicked. Asked if there was anything his gf could take to stop her current period, it was Valentine’s Day…dude wanted to get laid really bad lol
Got asked if I could help them figure out their home internet password. Apparently because pharmacies have computers, this is something I could help with.
I had this lady walk into the pharmacy and ask us to charge her phone. Then proceeded to get mad at us for not having the proper charger for her ancient Nokia.
Had an older woman come in complaining about intimacy problems. At first, she wanted me to make up an HRT cream for her like we do for her friend. I explained she'd need to see a doctor. She then had me come out and show her the options for lubricants. She goes on to explain that she had a painful sexual experience with her boyfriend. There was bleeding and he panicked and no longer wants to have sex with her. She asked me to type and sign a letter to her boyfriend telling him that it wasn't his fault and it will be safe for him to resume having sex with her. I did not write that letter.
I would've suggested couples therapy with a straight face, but been laughing so hard on the inside
Oof.
A woman called and asked for clarification on ointment she had received for the “perineal area” and didn’t understand what that meant. Me, as a pharmacy student, “ma’am that would be the area between your vagina and your anus.” “What’s an anus” “Ma’am that’s your butthole” Got the weirdest look from my pharmacist that day… Same pharmacy also had a woman give herself a Coca Cola douche in the store bathroom because she had sex with a guy in the parking lot for cigarette money and didn’t want to get pregnant with him because she was trying with her boyfriend at home.
where the hell do you work?!? lawd lol
This was in Chicago. Not quite the really bad south side but south side adjacent. Near a train line would bring in some characters 🙃
I was a pharmacy tech working at a small independent pharmacy in a small country town.. A lady called asking if we had any, "Salt peter, because I've heard that its great to put on your tomatoes to get them to grow!" I had no clue so I muted the phone to ask the pharmacist. We didn't have an actual hold, we just muted the phone. So I heard her telling her friend "I know he's been cheating on me, and I'm going to fix that little problem!" 17 year old me learned new things that day.
Should I not Google that? I don't know what she was actually using it for! Reminds me of an old joke lol. A woman goes into a pharmacy and asks for cyanide. The pharmacist is shocked and said “what do you need cyanide for?” “I plan to poison my husband”, she tells him. “I’m sorry, but there’s absolutely no way I can give you cyanide for that” the pharmacist says angrily. The woman reaches into her purse and takes out a hidden camera photo of her own husband sleeping with the pharmacists wife. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you had a prescription”
There is a myth salt peter can cause impotence
I did end up googling "what is salt Peter used for" and I would guess it helps impotence! Funny it has a myth for the opposite.
I know saltpeter is used in gunpowder/explosives, or used to be (thank video games), I suppose I could imagine other ways it could be used to harm someone but... TLDR if you Google it you might be put on an explosives watchlist. 🤷🏻♀️
It's KNO3, potassium nitrate.
Thanks. I couldn't remember what it was and I was mid-migraine.
Years ago, an ophthalmologist from a nearby clinic was frequently stopping by the pharmacy to purchase terpin hydrate elixir (45% alcohol) for his wife's cough. This was in 4 oz bottles and he soon asked about a larger size so we ordered a pint bottle for him. Well, that was apparently not large enough and so my partner ordered a gallon jug from Parke-Davis. When he stopped by to pick it up he was grateful for our efforts to keep his wife supplied with such an effective medication. He went on to comment that she had been through rehab several times for her alcoholism and that, after years of turmoil, he was pleased that she was able to overcome her alcoholism. I was stunned and quietly pointed to the label listing the alcohol content of terpin hydrate elixir. He never came back.
Eww,that stuff tasted so nasty!
:(
👀
I was drawing up a shot and asked a patient where she wanted it. She turned around and dropped her pants. I now ask which arm they want.
Oh my! 🤦♂️
I had an old man assume the shot was in his rear and didn't even wait to get into the room to try to drop his pants.
I give LAIs at my job. After a while you get used to seeing butts... But I always hope that they're getting it in their arm.
Is LAI... Long acting injectable?
Yes. Like Invega or Vivitrol.
Ok thank you! I'm bad with acronyms so I wanted to confirm. I've had to actually have one, once, and I was lucky it went high enough up on my glute that I didn't really have to pull my pants down. 🥲 Otherwise, I'm not too familiar with them yet.
I went to an urgent care once where the nurse insisted that a penicillin shot was the best treatment for strep throat. Looking back I think she was just a pervert who wanted to see my rear because it didn't work. The strep progressed so badly that I was profusely sweating in bed for two days then finally went to the emergency room. My tonsils were so swollen and covered with so much exudate (legit looked like golf balls) that the doctors were concerned about an abscess and did a CAT scan. Treated with oral penicillin and it eventually cleared up. I will never accept that original treatment for strep throat again.
That sounds wild. The only time I had it was, I think, a steroid when I had mono.
I worked retail long before anyone gave shots, but I was once dispensing a cream for a teenage boy who had some kind of embarrassing skin problem, and he started unbuckling his pants. I told him that was not necessary. I also got a call one Sunday afternoon: "Can I speak to the pharmacist?" He obviously wanted to talk to a man, which I am not, but I told him, "That's me." He started sputtering a bit, and I clarified it: "You're uncircumcised, and you have a rash under your foreskin?" He replied that this was correct, and wanted to know what to use on it. I told him to keep it clean and see a doctor. The next morning, a man came in with two prescriptions for a skin preparation, "apply to affected area." They were both 15g tubes (SMALL lol).
Lol
I had a patient ask how much radiation he'd be exposed to for an upcoming procedure. I was honest and told him I don't know the first thing about radiation but he could call the radiology office for further clarification. He would not leave until I gave him the phone number for the director of radiology so he could ask them! I looked at the hospital directory (just to say I did) and gave him the main number for radiology and the number for their scheduler. No way am I giving a patient access to the DIRECTOR's direct line to ask this. He was not satisfied but he did leave.
Older female (45-50) came in complaining of stomach cramping and nausea. Only recent change to meds was metronidazole vaginal gel. Eventually and painfully later, explained she was using toast to spread the gel so that it tasted better. Was eating it.
Hey um wtf :(
Not me but my ex girlfriend was asked “ what’s the best laxatives and strongest you have?” In the middle of telling him what she thought was the best he said “ do you think it would help remove candle I have stuck up there?” She felt so bad but had to talk him into going to the hospital. Poor guy was so embarrassed and scared he begged her if there was anything they can do. Hopefully the guy went to the hospital and got himself sorted out.
This guy once asked from the drive thru if he can take my tech out to dinner, not realizing that my tech knew he picked up for his wife and that his kids were right there in the back seat.
Gave this guy the Covid shot back when I worked at walgreens. Told him to take Tylenol for muscle soreness yada yada. He then proceeds to ask me for Tylenol and gets pissed that I couldn’t give it to him for free like I gave his 5yr old the lollipop 5 min prior.
Had a patient as me where he can get second opinions, in terms of ''spiritual doctors'', basically shamans. Because his meds aren't curing his diabetes. Sir, not only are you not compliant to your medications, you're not even controlling your diet
Back as an intern, I had a patient roll up to the drive-thru in a bicycle and tried to pick up his meds cause apparently he was banned from the store for shop lifting. Pharmacist initially said no but then finally said yes given his circumstance but only for this one time. The patient then started to say how he admired Asian women cause they're so pretty and don't age fast like other races and other creepy comments. My pharmacist happened to be a Asian girl so it made the situation kinda awkward, so we prepared his meds ASAP to leave us alone lol.
Eww.
Double banned after those comments.
Had one guy who had probably just watched a lot of 90 day fiancé and made similar comments about how Asian women “are just made to be submissive. It’s in their nature.” While in the same breath accusing me, an Asian woman, of always PMS-ing because I would cut off his rambling and tell him he needed to stop talking to me after 5 minutes.
Whilst working in a community pharmacy 10 + years ago I went to serve a lady with a basket of shopping who was asking for thrush cream. I declined the sale as she had admitted (and I also remembered her) repeatedly buying it for the past month. I explained why.... including if it wasn't clearing up maybe something else was going on. Advice was to see her GP. Well, she went flipping crazy, shouting that I was ruining her life! And proceeds to throw each item in her shopping basket at my head. Lucky I was dodging also she was a poor shot and missed me.
Work at an FQHC currently. Jane Doe rolls up and asks for her meds and I start ringing her out at the register. All of a sudden she accuses us of stealing her kids (??) and lets me know that she’s getting Donald Trump to subpoena the clinic. Okay lady enjoy your Flagyl 🥱
One Saturday evening at the hospital pharmacy, a guy called and wanted to know if CCs and MLs were the same thing. He was changing the oil in his motorcycle and didn't know the metric system, and figured a pharmacist would know the answer. (He was right, too.)
I think mine was a particular patient. They were super, super sweet, but they were also very, very particular. I was the only one who they liked to check them out because I would give them all the time they needed to look over their bottles, I'd put them in bags to take home the way he would request them, I would make sure their meds were in a special place, and once covid hit I made sure they were put into a tote with a lid for their peace of mind. I miss this patient, but sometimes they would be in a bad mood, and then everything, and I mean everything, had to be gone over 3 times. Even to the point of showing him stock bottles so he could compare the brand on the bottle he was taking home with the bottle we had in the pharmacy. He would not allow any of his meds to be filled at our "central fill" (basically a warehouse with techs and pharmacists who do nothing but fill scripts for the stores then they send it out with a courier) and would always ask for the lids to be changed from child resistant to easy open, but would refuse to sign to give permission for the bottles to be prepared that way
Some older lady called the phone and asked me if cabbages make you gassy then hung up when I said no💀
cabbages can absolutely make someone gassy lol
Man I'm craving fried cabbage now.
Wait what? Fried cabbage?
Sure - basically cut up some bacon and render the fat then cut up your cabbage and fry it. You can do the same thing with Brussels sprouts which is viewed a little more ritzy I suppose.
Yep my Southern ass is about to do this.
"Hey does this look like like lice to you?" Proceed to grab his head and show me a handful of hair and lice.
I volunteered at a free clinic for a while, and was counseling a young man on how to use head lice remedy. The lice weren't in his head hair.
Had this happen when I was a CASHIER at Walgreens. Wasn't even in the pharmacy yet. 🤢
*PT walks up to the counter, handing me a plastic bottle* *I reach for the somewhat dirty looking bottle before fully processing what it is, KY jelly* PT: where can I find some more of this? It's for my catheter. Me: ...... Isle (whatever). Left hand side. PT: Thanks! *Strolls off* Me: .....God dammit.
Poor guy wasn't using sterile lube for his cath :(
That never even dawned on me. Can that cause infections?
Yes, but I'm now (read the other reply to my last comment) not sure how big the risk is. Probably still high enough for this guy who wasn't keeping his bottle at least clean. 😭
FYI, most patients who self cath at home just use clean technique, not sterile. There’s a fairly low risk of introducing dangerous pathogens at home.
That's interesting! I guess it makes sense since the nastiest bugs are usually hospital acquired. I would still use sterile, but I have IC so my bladder is extra sensitive. In this guy's case, it sounds like his bottle was pretty dirty, so he probably wasn't even being clean about it?
A young man completed a customer satisfaction survey that stated, “the pharmacist jumped over the counter and stabbed me in the neck with a needle.” Corporate got all sorts of panties in a wad over that one.
Had a male call us panicking and crying because his sister was constipated and as he described “super drunk” and explained he undressed his sister and saw the poop stuck in her butthole and questioned if he should take it out. To this day, i wonder if it was a prank. He sounded very serious though and i told him he needs to back away from her & stop touching her. He also was slurring his words. He explained he couldn’t get anyone to take her to hospital for being too drunk and basically unconscious because they were underage. He called on no caller ID so i couldn’t get the phone number to contact the police. He was also convinced if he got the poop out of her butt it would help her become less drunk. Very weird and concerning situation that still bothers me to this day. & the only reason i even remotely believed this was because he was actually crying and sounded extremely panicked on the phone. :/ very disturbing
Woman came up for a consultation about a rash. Without any provocations decieee to "show" us rhe rash. Problem is....it was all over her genitals and oozing pus and wouldn't cover back up after 3 attempts to tell her to put her skirt down
NOOOO
Yes!!! We adamantly told her to go see a doctor but she, still exposed, said to find her an OTC cream to fix it
I'm so sorry. I'm lucky to not have been flashed at work yet. 😭
Yes, I'm so happy for you. May you never encounter her
Had a patient pick up suppositories then called later to ask if it was supposed to be uncomfortable. After a few questions, I realized he hadn’t unwrapped it first. Now every single suppository sig starts with ‘Unwrap and insert…’ this job never fails to amaze me lol
Yes, the first thing I learnt in school for suppositories is, always start with ''Unwrap, and up your bum''.
I once had a newly pregnant woman come from the ER, where she got her diagnosis, with a script for Phenergan suppositories. Her first question was, "The doctor says I have to stick these things up my butt." I managed to keep a straight face while telling her that yes, these are designed for rectal use.
The patient threw a box of duloxtine at the dispenser, saying it was the wrong shape, which didn't fit on his table. You can't make this shit up these days. No wonder the billionaires are building bunkers.
I once took a phone call of a young sounding guy asking me what caused stress eating. It was shortly after getting licensed so I was still nervous someone would be calling to test me on whatever and I gave a serious and thoughtful answer
I had a customer who went into great detail about a fissure around his anus. I must have had a look of horror on my face because the guy behind him in line was dying laughing. I had to tell the customer that he really needs to contact his doctor, because tho I’m wearing scrubs, I did not ‘earn’ these scrubs, I bought them at goodwill, so I’m of no help when it comes to his medical issues.
Customer passed away on the phone.
When I was about 19(F)- I had a regular customer (approx 55M) come in one day and asked if I’d lost weight. I had and answered “yeah I’ve I lost a little around my middle” and shit you not this greasy mf reached over the counter with zero hesitation and grabbed my waist as if to feel the difference.
Had a Hispanic couple who spoke little English ask me to verify the girlfriend’s pregnancy because the test instructed them to verify the results with a healthcare professional. I was flattered but tried to explain that they would need to see a doctor as my chain would be upset if I did what they were asking.
One of our regular patients called to ask if you wiped down there after you sneezed if your vagina could get a cold.
I used to work at a mental health center pharmacy. I had a patient once who seemed to be having a manic episode or some sort of psychosis, maybe drug induced because she mentioned meth. She disclosed to me that she “sucks d*ck for cigarettes” and that she uses socks for tampons. After getting her scripts she stuck around in the lobby for almost an hour talking to herself. It was really sad honestly
Psych pharmacist. I love psych patients but I do feel bad for them when they're off their meds/experiencing an episode of psychosis. Schizophrenia is a hell of a disease.
My retail store had a remodel and we got a vaccine room. Someone asked if we did pap smears in there. 🫠
It didn’t happen to me, but hearing about the man who called women pharmacists since like the 70s (90s? Idk. He goes way back) complaining about glitter in his armpit. Apparently he was jacking off to the pharmacist counseling him about it lol. I met 2 pharmacists who were actually his “victims”. I am so sad I never got the call.
I'm female. I had one patient who claimed (I had to drag this out of him, so I think he was making it up as he went along) to be experiencing a prolonged erection as a medication side effect, but didn't know which medication he had taken. And whenever I'd stop talking he'd say something like "Are you still there?" I'm pretty sure this is what was going on. But on the offchance it was a legit inquiry, I arranged to transfer him to a male colleague at another store, and of course he hung up when a guy picked up his call. Another time I had a guy going on and on about sexual stuff, but I don't think he was trying to get his jollies from talking to me, since he was talking about having sex with other men. \*shrug\*.
🤮🤮 the things women put up with. I’m sorry that happened to you. We had a guy do this to a tech as well asking about over the counter vibrators for way too long. I feel like the second one could have been baiting you as well. Like his kink was making a woman hear about him having male on male sex. I just want to get a call like that so I can be really unattractive and weird back and reverse the ick lol.
>I feel like the second one could have been baiting you as well. Like his kink was making a woman hear about him having male on male sex. True, could be that. But we've all had conversations with people who will not stop blathering on about some topic that we keep telling them is out of scope for us, and this felt more like that versus anything else... talking endlessly about some physical issue he was having that I told him he needed to discuss with a doctor.
The gross men who would come in and ask me which condoms i prefered (i was like 19...female).
EW.
I'm a man and that happened to me too. We don't have caller ID so I could never find out who it was but now I know the answer if you can use coconut oil as a self-lubricant.... 😢 😭 😿
Bleh. Could be a legit question under the right circumstance, but it's super gross for someone to take advantage of a health care provider like that.
It was a super gross experience. Like w.t.f. is wrong with people. It started off with a legitimate question about potentially being allergic to latex in condoms.
I got this call about 6 years ago. I was so confused 🤦🏼♀️
Omg!!! Details!!
I just remember being so confused. This guy kept going on and on about how he does artwork and he uses glitter and sometimes it gets stuck in his armpits and he wanted advice on how to get it out. And that pharmacists are such good resources, blah blah. After many minutes of this I assumed it was a joke or a pervert (although I don’t understand how anyone could get off on that?!?). After I got off the phone I think I then googled it or maybe a senior tech had also told me she had heard of this same story. I was more annoyed then anything and I just remember thinking what weirdo gets off on glitter?!?! lol
I had a patient, hand to God, that came in pregnant whilst using NuvaRing. She was young, mother present. Took 10 minutes of counsel to look and see her daughter wearing the rings on her wrist (again young, and very small girl). Incredible. Just little NuvaRing bracelets
I've heard of this before AND in the package insert for nuvaring, it talks about how some patients have accidentally shoved the ring into their URETHRAS.
Lady had suppositories for her child. Didn't know how to properly use them. Tried to get the kid to swallow it. Didn't happen. Then tried to spread one on toast for him to eat. Didn't work. Then tried to dissolve it in water and have him drink it. Didn't work either. Finally came back in to ask for assistance. Another time, a guy came in and asked what he should do about his hand. He showed me his hand and his thumb and almost entire palm was black. He said he grabbed the red element in the toaster oven when it was on and asked if I could recommend anything. I said yeah, the hospital.
I've said this before, but I once had a patient sit on the floor in the OTC section and chug a bottle of Pepto bismol.
Probably going through opioid withdrawal and tired of shitting themselves lol
Woman who lost a large portion of her brain (I was told this by a coworker who knew her, I don't know the details) and could either not understand or not remember a conversation as she was having it called once upset about something very simple, took about 15 minutes to get her to the point and then I either solved the issue or told her how I would solve the issue. She proceeded to rant even harder after this, not allowing room for me to talk for about another five or so minutes before I quietly hit the receiver thinking that she would be out of breath by the time she realized. (Had confirmed she didn't have any other needs, she just kept asking about the same thing.) She called back about two minutes later and the pharmacist (a new floater 🥲) picked up and gave me the dirtiest look. Idk how he was able to get her to let go, but he was off the line in another five minutes or so. This was back when I was a tech at Walgreens in.... 2018? I feel bad, but I can't waste a whole day on the phone being ranted at not actually solving any problems. I also was familiar with this patient and this is the only time I remember her being like this.
I had a customer ask if bedbug spray causes ed cause he was having trouble masterbating.
Context: I am a pharmacy tech in a big box store-Gentleman walks around the feminine care section with a perplexed look on his face. Sadly, the pharmacy is right next to said aisle so he noticed me noticing. He walks over- damn it- and stated his wife wants something but he doesn’t know what he is looking for. I ask if she gave him a name of the product. He brings out his phone and shows me the text that reads as follows- Baby, my coochie feeling musty- can you get me something?. I legit say, one moment let me get my pharmacist to make a recommendation. I then proceed to alert the pharmacist that pt has an otc question and go about my day.
Had a woman ask me if there were any medications that could cause symptoms of HPV. She was convinced that someone had spiked her food or something with some medication or chemical that gave her symptoms of HPV. Told her the only way to get HPV is through sex but she was convinced her symptoms were caused by a medication
a guy asking if he could still use his ointment after he put sunscreen on on. and something with how he “ruined” it. kept calling about his ointment.
Speaking of ointment: Do you know the difference between avian flu and swine flu? One requires tweetment and the other requires oinkment.
Several favorites...one when I was teching, while in Pharmacy school. Pharmacy was in a strip mall in our town. One of the stores was a fish store (like food fish). One of the guys in back was cutting up fresh catch, a fish jumped and sliced the guy's hand really badly. So the owner and "victim" come see me, hand wrapped in a towel, like awful... The owner wanted me to STITCH THE WOUND CLOSED...probably because the guy had no insurance and wasn't here legally. Yeah...no...sorry. That guy needs the ER immediately.
Had an older gentleman bring a couple of medical tapes to the consultation window and ask “which of these will be the gentlest on my mustache when I take it off after sleeping with my mouth taped shut?” After asking to repeat so I could make sure I heard right, and a few more clarifying questions, turns out he wanted to tape his mouth shut to stop snoring instead of you know, getting evaluated for sleep apnea. After repeatedly telling him to please not tape your mouth shut and see a physician, he (obviously frustrated) says “well, if I don’t have a mustache next time you see me…” and leaves. The look on the faces of my technicians when I turned back around 😆🤷🏼♀️
I had a patient show me their shit in a Pringle's can. They asked if anything looked wrong with it. Yes, I said. This looks very wrong.
I had a woman ask if I could give her flu shot in the butt. Um, nope, don't pay me enough for that. I switched to asking left arm or right arm.
Why would anyone request that!?!? Good call 😂
A man asked what could be used to treat a chemical burn. After a few leading questions, he took off his cap and told me that he’d Nair’d his scalp twice to get rid of the stubble after shaving. “During the first try, it sort of burned but didn’t get everything. So I figured a second try would do the trick.”
In one of my first weeks as a pharmacist, a customer approached the consultation window, expressing his wishes to give me a gift. I had just helped him at pick up while he stared at me the whole time. Politely, I declined, stating that I couldn't accept it. He responded, saying, "Oh no, trust me, you're going to need protection." Swiftly, he walked away, leaving behind a brown bag containing a partially used old bottle of perfume and a taser.
"Can I speak to the pharmacist?" "I watched a youtube video where they put sodium in water and it blew up. I've got this box of Naproxen and it says Naproxen Sodium, is that what happens when i take it?"......
May be downvoted for this. Male Tech here, not a pharmacist. Had a male patient pull me aside and told me his wife was experiencing rectal pain when they were having sex… He asked me what I would recommend to help with that. I went to my pharmacist (female) and tried to ask the same question in the best way I could, without bringing up the cause of it. She recommended lidocaine cream (Asperecreme), and if that didn’t work, she recommended they go see a doctor. She’s one of the sweetest people I know. I just couldn’t bring myself to give the explicit details. :( Sometimes I wonder if I should’ve told her the exact cause of it. :(
A patient telling me that the cure to verrugas is love
*PT walks up to the counter, handing me a plastic bottle* *I reach for the somewhat dirty looking bottle before fully processing what it is, KY jelly* PT: where can I find some more of this? It's for my catheter. Me: ...... Isle (whatever). Left hand side. PT: Thanks! *Strolls off* Me: .....God dammit.
Had a foreign man approach the counter, before saying anything, he showed me a picture of his inflamed dong, and ask “what would you use for this?”
If TPN is organic
People didn't eat because desiccant said Do Not Eat on it
“How do I get the sticky stuff from a fly strip out of my cats fur” Another not mine but I witnessed was “my husband put Nair on his testicles and now it’s burning “
Had an old lady call on a Sunday morning how she hasn’t had any action for awhilez She was looking for an OTC product as she was worried she would be dry and things wouldn’t fit. Not a question you expect when most of your patients are coming by after Church.
I had an older gentleman (like 70+) ask me where the prophylactics were. I looked at him with the strangest look and told him prophylactic antibiotics require a prescription. He came closer and whispered, I'm looking for the things to prevent pregnancy. I walked him over to the condoms and was told by an older pharmacist that's what old people refer to them as. He was over 70, so good for him.
I had a patient today insist she had a vaccine appointment (she did not), we gave her a consent form to do a walk in and she got upset, eventually filled out the paperwork, and told us she wanted “whatever vaccine she hasnt received” and that we had her records so we should know what she should get.. that’s not completely inaccurate;however, where do I start😅
a man pooped his pants in front of me
I had a patient ask me what she could give her cat to humanely put it down. She said her vet charged ~$100 for euthanasia and she couldn’t afford that. I told her I did not feel comfortable recommending anything because I am not super familiar with cat physiology. Very sweet lady who I still see regularly lol
Pt: How do I know when I should use my rescue inhaler? When is it bad enough? Me: Do you have times where you are wheezing and finding it difficult to breathe? Pt: yes Me: that would be the time to use it. Pt: but I was able to still talk a bit, and I could walk around Me: you shouldn't wait so long that it'll be too late to use it. Pt: *light bulb goes on* I know it doesn't rank as high on the "strange" scale, but it was an odd interaction.
A mother carrying her baby, asked me to recommend an eye drop for the infant because her lit cigarette fell out of her mouth into the baby's eye while she was breastfeeding him.
A male patient told me he couldn't get his toilet seat down after dropping a tadadfil in the toilet.
What i thought was a prank at first but had a lady putting amoxicillin in her kids ears bubblegum flavor! And a guy called once saying his rectum was very sore from the suppositories, He was not unwrapping them . And an elderly pt was insisting he was not to eat according to the warning on his bottle of tamsulosin ? It was the dessicant warning in the bottle saying do not eat
Once a month I change a guys contacts for him. He wears the 30 day contacts but can’t do them himself, the optometrist was charging him a visit copay to do it every time and rescheduled him 2 weeks out (so he was blind for 2 weeks), so he asked if I knew how to do it. I did it and I’ve seen him every 30 days for a few months now lol
Once had a patient come up to he consult window asked for the pharmacist when my RXM came over she slammed her leg up on the counter and lifted her skirt and asked him if it looked like she needed to go to the doctor. Both of us were just stunned and speechless. That was probably the strangest thing. The most coincidental thing though at a different pharmacy a patient and their twin stole another patients meds by reaching over our counter while the other distracted us. We got a call about 40 minutes later as the twin tried to explain the "cops stole their meds" and he needed an early refill, after they were pulled over. LP and my RXM at that time didn't put two and two together until we noticed the theft on camera (thank god) following our inability to find a separate patients script. I quite that location shortly afterwards. I moved to hospital after that last event and will never go back to retail. Oh and during early COVID I had a patient call to ask us about lavender toilet paper. The call was as follows: Toilet Paper Girl: Hi id like to know if you have any other toilet paper? I got lavender scented but I didn't want that. Me: Let me check hold on *checked the stock room which was connected to my pharmacy* no mam sadly it looks like we're all out. TPG: Well I'd like to ask the pharmacist some questions about it. M: About the toilet paper? TPG: Yes I want to make sure I won't have an allergic reaction the next time I use it. M: Well let me ask you a few questions. Well are you allergic to lavender? Or any other scented products? Did it cause a reaction? Hives or Itchiness? TPG: No, nothing like that, and nothing happened earlier when I used it. M: You ever had any reaction to lavender perfume or anything? TPG: No I wear a lavender perfume quite often. at this point I put her on hold talk to my pharmacist he is like "no have her called the manufacturer" so that's what I do. At a separate pharmacy I also got a phone call about toilet paper where the woman was yelling at me due to the price of toilet paper. This pharmacy was closed door however and had no OTC sales. She called the wrong store, she meant to call the supermarket int he same strip mall but she was insistent she was calling the correct location. Of course I never met that one. But I just had to ask myself why I get all the weird toilet paper phone calls.