Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Prescription problems and Walmart

Cliff takes two prescription drugs for his blood pressure and heart:  Lipitor once a day, at bedtime; and Metoprolol twice a day.  He also has doctor's orders to take a small aspirin daily.  I add a calcium pill and a multivitamin to the mix.

We use two of those containers with seven compartments, one for each day of the week:  one container for his morning pills, one for his bedtime pills.  I'm the one who fills these each week.  Three days ago I started filling the daily-dose container and realized I was woefully short of Metoprolol... and it isn't time for a refill.

Why is it that when something like this happens, I assume I'm the one who did something wrong?  But the more I thought about it, the more I knew there was no way I could have done anything wrong.  I knew I hadn't given Cliff any extra pills, and I was sure nobody had meddled with his medication.

Pharmacists can't refill a prescription early, and I surely didn't want Cliff to miss taking his meds for a week!  Because of the holiday, I waited until this morning to call Walmart, worrying about the situation off and on all weekend.  I figured I'd have to get permission from our doctor to get the extra pills, and it would be a big hassle.  But here's how it went when I called:

"I don't know what happened, but my husband ran out of his Metoprolol early this month, and it isn't time to get a refill yet."  I'm sure there was a definite whine to my voice.

The lady confirmed Cliff's birth date and asked me to wait a minute.  When she came back, she said, "If you'll come in and pick them up, we'll give you the ten pills free of charge; someone must have miscounted."

"It's that simple?"  I was amazed!  No hoops to jump through, no strings to pull.  Just come in and get the pills.  And they took the blame!

No wonder I like Walmart.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOO HOO for Wally World!
I've had that sort of thing happen to me a few times.
Sugar

Anonymous said...

So glad you didn't have to fight them for a few pills. I had an obvious miscount done by Walgreens. Geez, you can just forget it. I lost out. Now, if I use Walgreens I count them before I leave.

Deb

Anonymous said...

I suppose pharmacies can make mistakes just like everyone else.  Not many of us would take the time to count them when we got home. Glad you had no hassle.  Now a days it seems like most things are.  It is always a blessing when someone is nice !  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Glad that you got the prescription filled without any hassle. The
Pharmacists shorted Ken once on his pills. The prescription called for 45 and they only gave him 30 It wasn't until he ran almost out that we noticed it. That was 1½ tablets per day. One at night and one half during the day. They gave the pills to him but on that particular med he always takes a quick look to see if it looks to be right. Helen

Anonymous said...

Nice to hear about a 'happy' resolution to what could have been a pesky problem.. have a great week you two!   Judy

Anonymous said...

That never happens!! Wow you got lucky!
I remember my Stepmother refilling their meds and actually counting out each bottle to make sure each had the correct number. I never understood that until years later.
Pam

Anonymous said...

It's so nice to know there is a policy in place for missed, important meds.

Anonymous said...

Lordy, my SIL loves WM too!  I can't stand the place!  I only go because she forces me too! lol

Glad Cliff got his pills though.  I can't see them keeping you from refilling something like that.  It's not a controlled substance.

Jackie

Anonymous said...

I had the same thing happen to me last month....was short on one of my prescriptions....they checked it out....and gave me the extra...like you ... free of charge....they do good in that department - pharmacy I think....I love Walmart too LOLOLOL...glad all went well....hugs from KY...Ora

Anonymous said...

How nice that it was that easy!!!  Linda

Anonymous said...

wow, that is great! I have a love/hate relationship w/ WM. Cliff surely shouldnt go w/out the Metoprolol. Glad it wasnt a hassle for you.

Anonymous said...

Don't know which Walmart you go to. The one in Oak Grove is my favorite, at least the pharmacy. I live down in Belton now and the pharmacy at the Walmart in Raymore annoys me!

Anonymous said...

WOW......thats good that it was that easy!! Usually its not...LOL
Hugs
Carrie

Anonymous said...

Good for you

Anonymous said...

I'm glad they didn't give you any trouble.  I "fix" C.Y.'s pills too.  He takes 10 at night and 5 in the morning.  I had to stop using the compartmental boxes because he would take the wrong meds even when I had them clearly marked.  Now I do them just before he takes them. All I have to worry about is me keeping my mind on what I am doing and not getting them mixed up.

Anonymous said...

DONNA  YOU NEED TO COUNT THE PILLS WHEN YOU GET OUT TO THE CAR.  I NEED TO REMBER THIS MY SELF. BECAUSE I TAKE ALLEGRA-D AND THEY GAVE ME 6 OTHER PILLS AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE. AND I HAVE BEEN SHORT CHANGED MYSELF. THEY MAKE MISTAKES TOO.      FROM JO

Anonymous said...

WHAT???? No daily update????   What's up?   Anne

Anonymous said...

So glad that worked out for you with the prescription miscount.  I have had similar things happen and now I sometimes will actually try and count the pills when I get home with a new prescription.  Hugs,
Lisa