A customer comes in with a script for Keflex 500mg which was for his wife. I asked him for generics and he said he'll check with his wife. So he calls her.
He tells me that his wife is ALLERGIC to Ibilex 500mg and that she wants the Keflex brand.
Now Keflex and Ibilex are cross-licensed products so the components and constituents, even the capsule it comes in are completely 100% the same.
I explained to him, if his wife is allergic to Ibilex then that means she's allergic to Keflex. Apparently she gets a rash when she took Ibilex. In that case, Keflex would be unsuitable for her as well.
The husband insisted that the wife doesn't get a reaction with Keflex and he wants Keflex, which doesn't really make sense. Unless he is lying about the allergic reaction........ So I played along, and said I'm obliged to let his doctor know that she's allergic to Ibilex and see if he wants to change her to a different antibiotic.
He was reluctant to let me call but I called anyway. First thing the doctor said was, "oh she has an allergy to Ibilex, then can't give her Keflex. Change it to Alprim."
The husband overhears our conversation and said: "No I don't want to change. I want Keflex."
Me: "Doctor, the husband insists to get Keflex even though they are cross-licensed with Ibilex. You still want to go ahead with it?"
Dr: Nah, better to get Alprim, in case she's also allergic to Keflex. Change it over."
Me: Thanks doctor.
Me to husband: Ok I spoke to the doctor and I'm sure you've heard. He didn't know she was allergic to Ibilex so now that he knows, he will change it to Alprim which is a different antibiotic.
Husband: No, give me the script back. I want Keflex!
Me: As you wish. But the doctor doesn't want her to take it. You can have the script back, up to you if you want to take the risk.
He doesn't say anything and walks away......
Hahaha.... I have a feeling he was lying just to get out of not taking generics. But seriously, if you don't want generics just say so, don't have to lie. If you are going to make up a stupid lie that doesn't make sense, then I don't mind going through the hassle to cancel everything so you can't have neither.
Then again, he could be telling the truth - in that case, maybe he is being misinformed, ignorant or have the wrong perception that Keflex would be ok. And if the patient ends up taking Keflex and ends up getting a reaction - who's fault would that be? The pharmacist knew you had an allergy to cephalexin yet still dispensed it - is that professional misconduct or act of incompetency?
