Medical reps should proof read!

Pharmacists see medical reps come in all the time. They never say anything bad about their drug. They always say good stuff. Studies show this is better than the competitor. The competitor comes in and shows me another study, that its better than the other ppl. Don't know who to believe.

Anyway, check this out. This came with the Wagner Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract sample we received. 

Let me highlight the discrepancies:

- Angiotensin II receptor agonists (candesartan, telmisartan, olmesartan) --> WRONG, these are all antagonists. Agonists would increase blood pressure. 

- Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors aka ACE-I (nifedipine, felodipine, amlodipine, diltiazem) --> WRONG these are all Calcium Channel Blockers!

- Calcium channel blockers (such as Adalat, Cardizem and Felodur ER) --> yes but why start to use brand names all of a sudden. Adalat (nifedipine), Cardizem (diltiazem) and Felodur (felodipine) as above. 

As a health care professional, I don't know if I can even trust this study and this company LOL

Should at least get someone else to proof-read first before publishing. 

By the way, I tried the samples. It stinks like garlic. 

Impatient patient threatening to leave pharmacy

My colleague took in a script today for Diaformin XR 500mg. The patient was holding an old box of Diaformin 500mg. Dunno if the doctor wrote it wrong or not, or changed it something else. The dose/directions also differed from what the patient usually takes. So we explained to the patient the problem and decided to cal the doctor to clarify.

You know medical centres and doctors - sometimes they take a while to get through. Anyway this particular patient wasn't overly patient, he asked me how come its taking so long.

Me: The pharmacist is calling the doctor to clarify your prescription since its different from what you've been taking.
Him: Can't you just give me my old one?
Me: No we need to call the doctor and ask him.
Him: Forget it. Give me back my script. I'll get it another pharmacy.
Me: She's in the middle of the phone call talking to your doctor.

He waits ........ then starts to become impatient again.

Him: Ready yet?

This is when I really got annoyed. All he cares is about himself so I told him off.

Me: Look she's in the middle of the phone call to your doctor. She's just trying to help you, you know. There's a problem with your prescription and we're just calling your doctor. You know you should appreciate what people do for you - she's just trying to help. It's not very nice or helpful if you start complaining ok?

He shut up. He had nothing to say coz I was right. We as pharmacists pick up mistakes for you, go to the trouble of contacting the doctor FOR you, yet you don't appreciate what we do and all you do is threaten to leave to another pharmacy coz its taking too long???

Anyway, the doctor said he made a mistake so the patient had to go back and get a new script. And when he came back, he said the doctor apologised for writing the wrong script.

Me: Yeh see doctor can make mistakes too. We as pharmacists pick these mistakes up and get the doctor to fix it. Not our fault.

He had nothing to say.

I want the ORIGINAL brand

A man comes in with a script for his son. The doctor had written Alphamox 250mg/5mL. So prepared the syrup and we dispensed it. Afterwards, the man asked us if this was the 'original' brand.

Pharmacist: Yes this is the brand that the doctor has prescribed for you (show him the script).

Him: No I want to know if this is the generic brand or the original brand.

Pharmacist: This is the Alphapharm brand which is what the dr prescribed.

Him: No I don't want Alphapharm. I want the original brand!

Pharmacist: They're all the same. We just gave you what the doctor wrote. 

Him: Listen to me. You can't do this. You HAVE to ask the patient if they want the original or generic brand. Every chemist does that. I'm not happy that you didn't.

Pharmacist: Well we usually just dispense the brand that the doctor prescribed you. If we wanted to dispense you another brand, we would've asked you before hand. But since we didn't, we gave you the doctor's brand and that's it here.

Him: No I don't like Alphapharm. I want the original brand.

And this is when I butt in. 

Me: Ok sir. So what brand would you like? 

Him: I want the original brand.

Me: This is the original brand that the doctor has prescribed. Is there a specific brand that you prefer? 

Him: I want the original brand. 

Me: You have to tell me what brand you want. Coz there are a few 'original brands'. If you can't me what brand you want, then you have to stick to this brand that the doctor has prescribed.

Him: Look I don't like the way you are talking to me. This is medicine for my SON. It is very important for me to get the BEST brand. I have the right to the BEST brand.

Me: There is no BEST brand. So you don't even trust the doctor. You don't trust the brand that the doctor has prescribed for you. Ok. Fine I can change the brand for you. But next time, you let the doctor know. You speak to the doctor yourself if you don't want this brand. You tell the doctor you do not like the medications he prescribes for you. Otherwise, we will just dispense the brand that the doctor has prescribed for you.

Him: (to the other pharmacist) I don't like the way she speaks to me. 

I roll my eyes. 

Pharmacist: So you don't like this brand? I'll give you another brand then. 

Him: Yes please.

And you know what we changed it to? Cilamox 250mg/5ml ---- which is ANOTHER generic brand muhahahaaaa...

He was alright with it coz he doesn't even know what the 'original brand' is. Its funny how some people think they're so smart and smarter than the people that work with medications every day aka doctors and pharmacists.

If you're so smart, why don't you go to med school and become a doctor? Then you can prescribe any brand you want for your little precious son. It's just an antibiotic. You make it sound like its a matter of life and death and that your son will die if he gets the Alphapharm brand. Seriously........ 

Patient rants about their pharmacist

I just came across this post: http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/fibromyalgia-discussions/general-support/666196-rant-about-pharmacy-and-vicoden-refill

Its an old post written by a disgruntled patient who is not happy with their pharmacist.

Long story cut short. Patient got a refill for their pain killers which they've been using for a very long time. Pharmacist decides to intervene and counsel patient on long term narcotic use and to seek proper chronic pain management. Patient rants because they've been taking it for a long time, and never had this problem with the pharmacy before.... I quote as written:

"WTF? I then spent 10 minutes being lectured on Narcotic use and that how Vicoden is going to banned and that I should learn different ways to help my pain. WTF? Are they my dr now?? I mean my dr has no problem with it so why should the pharmacy? All of this was said in front of others waiting for their script. Now I have been getting the same amount for 3 1/2 years, I'm know exactly how many I'm allowed to take and don't need a lecture about how I used to many.

Sorry for the rant guys but I think this is the begining of the B.S. we are going to have to contend with now!! I have never had a problem with my scripts and now this. So don't be suprised if you too run into this the next time you get your script." 

Scroll down and you'll see other randoms commenting on this rant and giving words of support like: 

"They were WAY out of line. A pharmacy is basically a retail store. Until a pharmacist is also an MD they have no say so in how we take our medication. You should report them to whatever commission monitors pharmacies. Not cool." 

"That is totally out of line!! I would change pharmacies, I know it's a pain but still, they had no right to do that to you.. I would report them too that was so unprofessional it's crazy!!"

Ummm excuse me, but contrary to some of the beliefs out there, we are pharmacists not some supermarket check out chic telling you how to take your medications. They obviously haven't heard of opioid dependence and tolerance. In normal lay terms, that's addiction. Yes it is addictive and you'll depend on it. That pharmacist was actually doing you a favour and counselling you on the proper use. It doesn't matter that your doctor has prescribed that for you. Don't believe everything your doctor tells you. For starters, your normal GP, does not necessarily have the qualifications to deal with chronic pain management. If you had this pain for a long time, and its not going away, well then you should be finding the cause. And probably referring you to see a pain specialist would be a good idea too. Because you know, sooner or later, you'll depend on this and you'll just take more and more due to developing a tolerance. So yes you do need a lecture on how to use it. 

A pharmacy is NOT basically a retail store. A pharmacist has a university degree and qualification and training to give you medical advice. Did you know we can always REFUSE to dispense a legit prescription if we don't think that's appropriate for you? Did you also know that we can call your doctor and suggest them an ALTERNATIVE medicine if we think there's a more suitable one? Did you know we can detect DRUG INTERACTIONS that your doctor might of not picked up and get him to write you another one? We LIASE with your doctor and we can also speak to your doctor about our concerns. So before you start a rant, it was NOT out of line, that was normal practice, something that ALL pharmacies should do in terms of providing the correct counselling. You should appreciate that you are getting information and extra service from the money you've spent. Don't be a smart-ass and think you know everything just coz you've been taking it for a long time. Do you know how it works? Do you know what side effects it causes? Do you know what other medications it can interact with? Do you know the half life of the drug? And to call that unprofessional - ppffttttt.... pharmacists who DON'T provide counselling is what you call unprofessional. I feel sorry for that pharmacist, shouldn't have wasted their time on you. SMART-ASS

Anti-Generic medication

With the PBS reforms going through, pharmacies ain't doing very well these days. We have to survive by pushing generics. Helps not only the pharmacies, but also the government and the whole health care system as a whole. Why pay more for a branded item when the quality is the same with the generic? Its like Lexus and Toyota, they use the same engine but Lexus is a premium brand. You pay more because of the brand and the appearance. The engine's gonna work the same. It will take you from A to B. Fair enough, some people may prefer a Lexus over Toyota coz of the appearance and prestige that comes with it, but medicines - seriously, are you really going to show off to your friends that you are taking Amoxil instead of Alphamox? These are tablets that you are gonna swallow and throw out the box when you're done. Why be a whinger and get non-generics?

Most people these days understand that generics and the original are the same quality and they accept it but there are still those people who still believe their smarter than the doctors and pharmacist.

A lady comes in wanting to fill her scripts. She says NO GENERICS. I checked her history - she's been taking Noten (generic brand for Tenormin) since forever. I look on the doctor's prescription, the doctor wrote Noten. I always use this opportunity to change the patient's perspective on generics.

Me: "Mrs B, just wanted to ask you, have you been taking Noten for a very long time?"
Her: "Yes, I have for many years."
Me: "Well you mentioned you didn't want generics. But Noten is a generic. And the doctor actually wrote the generic brand for you on the prescription. Did you actually want me to change it to another brand?"
Her: "What?? Noten is a generic!!!??!?"
Me: "Yes that's right. Noten is a generic. The original brand is called Tenormin. Would you like me to change it for you since you don't want generics? It will cost you a bit more though."
Her: "No no no. I would like to stick to the Noten please."
Me: "I think that would be the better choice to make. You see, there is nothing wrong with generics. If there was a problem, your doctor wouldn't have prescribed it for you and you wouldn't have been on it for all these years."
Her: "Yeh I don't like generics. They don't work."
Me: "They work exactly like the original brand. Noten is the clear example."


ROCKED YA HARD!

Read the script before getting it dispensed

Computer generated prescriptions are the most easiest to read. No need to squint your eyes and make out if that is an A or an O. Because computer-generated prescriptions are the easiest to read, even patients can read what the item is. 

This scenario happens quite often:

Patient hands in a script for (drug name). So i dispense it. When I finish with the prescription and hand it to the patient, they say: "Oh I got that already at home. Can you please cancel it for me?" 

Waste my time. Waste of labels. Waste other patients time. 

You SAW what the prescription said. Did you just close your eyes, saw the doctor, the doctor gave you a script, and you never looked at the script during the journey from the surgery to the pharmacy??? And now you tell me, you didn't know what the doctor prescribed you and you just gave the script to your local pharmacy and then get them to dispense it then tell them to cancel it coz you have it at home already? Is this a joke???!!

Doctors giving patients wrong information for their own benefit

My father was sick with a viral infection so I gave him Clamoxyl Duo Forte to take since he can't see the doctor. He took 2 days worth and saw the doctor on Day 3. The doctor decides to prescribe my father Curam Duo Forte. My father told my doctor he is already taking Clamoxyl Duo Forte. Doctor tells him to stop taking the Clamoxyl Duo Forte and to take Curam Duo Forte instead coz its better.

I come home from work and I see both the Clamoxyl and Curam Duo Forte on the breakfast table. I asked my dad why he bought it coz its the same thing and he hasn't finished the Clamoxyl. He said he didn't know and that the doctor told him to take it coz its better. 

I was furious. Furious because the doctor lied to the patient. Furious because my own parents don't trust me and my professional advice. 

They believed the doctor completely. I told them never to ask for my advice again because they don't appreciate it. 

My mother told me: "Well we had to go to see the doctor because your father is very sick and he had a high temperature."

My reply: "Yeh so you went to see the doctor. What did he give you? The same tablets you were already taking. So obviously there's no change in treatment. You are no back to square one."


You see the doctor if you're not getting any better. So you would expect to get something new or different to the medications you are already taking. Not another prescription for the same product. 

I really wanted to call the doctor and ask him whats the difference between Curam and Clamoxyl Duo Forte. I'm very curious. 

Doctors lie and give wrong information so they can benefit financially. I know because his wife is a pharmacist and he recommended my parents to go to her chemist to buy the Curam. Unethical and unprofessional in my opinion. 

Symptomatic relief

This man walks into the pharmacy on the mobile phone. Now if you're on the mobile phone, I tend to not get up and serve you because you're busy. So after the man hangs up the phone he asks me: "My wife has this inflammation inside her when she goes to the toilet. Do you have anything for it?"

My thoughts: 

• inflammation inside - how do you know? you can't see it if its on the inside
• going to the toilet - urinating or opening the bowels

So i ask him what he means by inflammation? He says burning sensation when going to the toilet. So I figured it must be when passing urine. He says she's done a test but still waiting for results. dr said she might need antibiotics. 

Me: Burning sensation when passing through urine right? Any other symptoms?

Him: No its not passing through urine. Its always there. 

Me: Its always there? As in its burning on her genital area? 

Him: Yeh.....

Me: Any discharge? 

Him: Like mucus? Yeh normal.

Me: What colour? Yellow, white, clear. And is it thick or watery?

Him: Lemme call her and ask (calls wife). She says its normal, clear, normal amount of discharge that she gets all the time. 

Sounds to me its some sort of vaginal irritation, dryness so I proceed to give him a cream. 

Him: Is there anything for the inside? Coz its burning on the inside not the outside.

Me: But you said it was the outside.

Him: No i didn't.

Me: Yes you did. I asked you if it was on the inside, burning when passing through urine and you said no. You said it was on the outside. 

Him: Oh I meant its burning when she goes to the toilet.

Okkkkk... so you gave me the wrong info. She has a urinary tract infection and needs antibiotics. Since she can't see the dr, I'll give her Ural to alkanise her acidic urine that's causing the burning sensation. 

Good hope I gave the right product to him. The patient's not here, she's in the car looking after the kids and got the husband to go into the pharmacy to get something for her. If she knows this is how her husband relays information to other ppl, then I think its better for her to walk into the pharmacy herself next time. 

Its not inflammation. You can't feel an inflammed bladder. Its a bladder infection. 

 

Privacy issues between husband and wife

A man comes in requesting a one year history report for his medications for both him and his wife. Due to privacy and confidentiality issues, I was only able to print out his medications - not his wife's. I told him why, and that I would require HER permission to produce that document. He went beserk!

Him: "Why! I went to the other chemist and they gave me these! She's my wife!"
Me: "I understand its for your wife. But due to privacy issues, we are not allowed to discuss or produce any documents about your wife without her permission. Privacy laws entail even if you are married. Likewise, I can't give out any information about your medication to your wife without your permission.
Him: "What kind of pharmacy is this? I need this for housing alright. It's my wife. You have to give it to me!"

Lucky my boss came in at that time, so I got him to explain it to him in his language. The guy accepted it.

Clearly he had a different reaction when an older taller man tells him the same thing. Maybe because I'm young and he thinks he can step down on me and be louder?

Pharmacist advice on nappies and shampoos

Why do people like to ask the pharmacist, who is in the dispensary in the middle of dispensing prescriptions, about "i need some assistance with the shampoos and nappies pls"?

What kind of professional advice do you require with shampoos and nappies? You ask the juniors to help you.

Tablets to make blood

Customer: I want tablets to make bood! 

Me: Bood? what do you mean? 

Customer: you know after giving birth, she lost a lot of bood!

Me: Ohhh you mean BLOOD. Ok you want tablets. did you mean iron tablets?

Customer: No no. Not iron tablets. Tablets to make blood!!

Me: There is no tablet to 'make blood'. you can't just 'make blood'. I think you mean iron tablets. That helps when you have low blood count. 

Customer: no not iron. Farout... I'm gonna ask the doctor. 

Me: Errrr ok. 


He comes back with a script for Ferro-F.... iron tablets lol ...

Me: Yeh this is iron tablets. 

Customer: Oh I didn't know.... 

-----------------

Seriously thought there's vampire tablets to make blood? 

Complaint

Don't you hate it when its really busy and then someone decides to make a complaint about an old issue? Well that happened today when a patient decided to complain about her medicine that was given to her yesterday.

I was serving another customer and overheard this lady complaining to my colleague about how she wasn't told or informed or asked that she was given a generic brand.

After I finished serving my customer, I attended to this lady and asked her what was wrong. She said her doctor had written Flagyl 400mg on the prescription but was given Metrogyl 400mg by the pharmacist yesterday. She was not told of the change and she was worried so she missed out on one day of treatment. She wants to make a complaint because we didn't consult her.

Now she was speaking quite calmly to me. She did mention how she overhead me and my other colleague giving good counselling just then. But for some reason she didn't receive any yesterday and she's disappointed.

I checked her script and reassured her its the same thing. It is correct. The instructions on there is correct. I also told her maybe it was busy at the time and we may have missed out on passing that information to her or that maybe she didn't remember. I did also reassure her that we do inform each and every patient about these changes. I did apologise on the pharmacy's behalf if that did happened but that there could be some misunderstanding we don't remember.

Anyway, after my reassurance and apology, she said she still wanted to make a complaint. I did ask her, "is there anything else I can help you with today?" and "what would you like me to do?" but all she said was she's 'well aware that its the same thing and thank me for the time to explain to her' but she still insisted in making a complaint.

Hmmm now I'm an expert at complaints. I make complaints at restaurants, clothing store, everywhere I go where I'm not happy with the quality of the product or service. Now with all complaints, rule of thumb is, you need to go in and ask yourself 'what do you want to achieve as a result of this complaint'. ie. do you want some sort of apology, or compensation, or closing down of shop or give the store a bad rep?

I've apologised to the lady (even though it wasn't my fault but i was the pharmacist on duty then so i had to do it). Compensation - don't expect to get some money from 'bad service - we did supply the correct drug and we didn't kill anyone after all'. Closing down - no that won't happen from a random complaint. Bad rep - depends on where you complain to. If you complain to the media then yes, but if you complain to our manager or boss, outsiders won't know.

So my question is, what did she want to achieve as a result of a complaint?

No refunds on medications

Everyone knows that medicines can't be exchanged or refund due to stability issues. We have policies in place, and we also have signage on each counter and at the front payment counter to indicate that there is NO REFUND OR EXCHANGE on PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES. Pretty clear English.

Anyway, today a lady comes in with her teenage daughter and little 5 year old son, with a box of Nexium 10mg sachets which was dispensed about 3 weeks ago. She wanted to exchange it for a can of Pediasure.

I asked what was wrong with the medicine. She said her son doesn't like it and said that he won't take it. She said she hasn't used it. I thought that was weird because how do you know your son doesn't like it if he hasn't taken it. She said she showed her son the box and asked her son if he wants to take this, and he said no and cried. Seriously, which parent asks their kid - "Do you want to take this medicine?" and if they say no, you just won't give it to them? Does that apply if the child has a fever and you need to give him Panadol? If he says no, are you just gonna let him sit there and die or get brain damage from a fever? That is not a good reason I'm sorry.

Of course I didn't tell her what I was thinking in my head. I did indicate that I go with her request because of the following reasons:

a) its a prescription medicine. We do not accept any exchange nor refund for any prescription medicines due to stability, storage and quality control reasons. This policy has been in place for many years. We have signages at both counters in the dispensary and also at the front payment counter. We do not deal with returns simply with a change of mind. We will only process returns if we did a mistake (eg. dispensed the wrong medicine). Now the doctor had prescribed this medicine because he thinks its the most suitable for your child. You should at least attempt to give it to him.

b) its been more than 3 weeks since you purchased it. We only deal with non-prescription refunds within 7 days. That is outside our return policy.


She still wouldn't listen. YOU MUST RETURN BECAUSE MY SON WON'T TAKE IT AND ILL JUST THROW IT IN THE BIN. I said: "Well even if you give it back to me, I'm gonna have to throw it in the bin. I am not giving that box to another child." I DON'T CARE. I said: "Well I'm sorry, there are pretty clear signs everywhere." She goes on and on and on.

By this time I've had enough of her. Her teenage daughter seems to be more reasonable so I turn my approach and talk to her. I ignore her mother's housewife rants.

Me: "I hope you understand it is difficult for me to process any refund or exchange due to the reasons I've pointed out."

Daughter: "Yes I understand."

Mother rants on and on......Daughter tries to calm her down and reassure her.

Me: "Yeh can you please explain to your mother why, because she doesn't seem to understand me."

Mother: "I understand what you are saying! I know English ok!"

Me (speaking to daughter): "I don't think she understands the policy, there is no refund. Maybe you can explain to her a bit better."

Mother: "I want to speak to your boss! Where's your boss!"

Me: "This is the policy set out by MY BOSS. My boss is not here today."

Mother: "I want to speak to the one in charge. Your supervisor!"

Me: "I am the pharmacist in charge today. I am the supervisor. But you can speak to my boss, he'll be here on Monday if you want."

Mother: "Fine! I'll come back on Monday and get my refund!!!!"

Me: "Suit yourself. You can try."

---------------------

Why do customers have to be like that? There's policies and when someone says no to you, why be so persistent and keep on trying? And then you get angry. We're a pharmacy. We sell medicines. We  don't sell clothes. We don't sell books. We don't sell shoes. Medicines. Medicines you put in your mouth or on/in your body to help treat a condition. Something that needs to be of high quality and strict storage conditions. Why would I re-sell something to another kid if its been lying in your car for 3 weeks? How do I know you didn't put it in a sunny place? And why wait 3 weeks to return it?

Try returning an unopened unwrapped Big Mac a mere 15min after you've purchased it. Do you think they'll allow you? Are you gonna chuck a tantrum if they don't?

Here's my box of Noten

A lady gives me a bunch of scripts to dispense today. So I start ticking them off as she tells me: Noten, Seretide, Lipitor........ And as I finished ticking them and about to take them off to get it dispensed, she fumbles around in her bag. I thought she has gonna give me more prescriptions or perhaps her pension and Medicare card. Well you know what she pulled out? A almost-finished box of Noten and waved it in my face and said: "Yeh I need Noten because I only have 2 tablets left inside." .... Errrrz..... yes, you already told me you wanted Noten and you've already given me the script and I'm ready to dispense it, now why did you have to show me that box of Noten? You wanted to prove that you almost finished your box or did you want me to give you an award to say that you've been taking it everyday?

Emphysema

You know when you have a medical condition, and they always tell you that you must let your doctor or pharmacist know what medications and medical condition you are taking (protocol) so we know what's suitable for you. Well I think there SHOULD be a few exceptions because the other day I had someone ask me if its ok for them to use a lip balm as they have emphysema (which is a lung condition aka bronchitis - difficulty in breathing)...... /me knocks head on table

Seriously. A lip balm? You need medical professional advice for a lip balm? May I ask how is a lip balm which is basically some oily substance that you smear onto your lips to moisturize gonna get into your lungs and affect you? What medical conditions CAN'T you use a lip balm anyway? Do people know what a lip balm is!?!??! 

Bactroban Nasal Ointment

I dispensed a Bactroban nasal ointment for this guy today. When I counselled him on the use and told him to apply to the affected areas twice daily, he asked me: "Do I apply this on the outside or inside my nose?"

My reply: "Well sir, I don't seem to see a problem with ur nose on the outside, so i presume the wound should be on the inside. in that case, just apply on the inside."

Seriously...................I think its kind of obvious where to apply it.

Prescriptions IN AND OUT counter. and BUZZERS

We're a big pharmacy so our dispensary counter is set up with one counter that says PRESCRIPTIONS IN and another counter that says PRESCRIPTIONS OUT. But for some reason, ppl don't read and they always try to hand in scripts in the OUT counter. I hate it when they do that, coz it just affects the flow. Ppl running into each other, and the counters look congested when they shouldn't.

I even put up a sign that says "PRESCRIPTIONS GO IN THE IN COUNTER. THIS COUNTER IS FOR COLLECTION ONLY." in big bold red writing but ppl still don't read.

Sometimes I'm slack. I see them wait but I don't purposely tell them. I let them wait for a while. And when I feel the time is right, I say: "Can I help you there?"

They proceed to hand me the script but I'll refuse to take their scripts in and I'll say: "Sorry this counter is just for collection only. Scripts have to go in there over at the IN COUNTER."

Some would shamefully walk over. Some would be pissed and get angry and say: "Why didn't you tell me earlier?!??!?!"

If that's the case, I'll cheekily reply: "Well it's pretty obvious, there's signage everywhere, here, here and here." *shrugs*


We also run on a buzzer system. We give the customer a buzzer so we can page them when their script is ready since the store is big. When we give them a buzzer, some would make some disgusted face like WTF is this? I don't want it. Its scary.... OMG seriously. In Australia, you haven't encountered a buzzer before?!?!?! They have it in our food courts and restaurants all the time! I believe they have seen it before but just acting dumb coz they haven't been in a big pharmacy that uses a buzzer system. Independent smaller pharmacies, you can yell their name and the whole store can hear you. But for us, you won't hear me in our store coz its huge like a supermarket.

Embrace technology people. If you know how to use an iphone, you'd know how to use a buzzer. nothing new. nothing to be scared of. and no its not a telephone and no you can't take it home either.

Little old lady calls pharmacy and talks as slow as she walks

An assistant passes the phone to me coz the patient on the line wanted to speak to the pharmacist.

It was Mrs D. who is a 92 year old lady that came into the pharmacy 3 hours ago to pick up her websters. Her doctor had prescribed her Magmin which had to be added into the webster pack. I added one tablet daily.

Anyway, she's calling to clarify that the tablets were inside coz she can't see them. But get this, she's old and she talks in a veryyyyyy .... sloo....wwwww .... wayyyyyy

The below convo was going at a speed of 1word/5seconds

She: Hello my dear, this is Mrs D. You might know me. I came in earlier with a script from Dr N.

Me: Yes that's right. 

She: Now the doctor said that has to be added into the websters so the pharmacist told me to take a seat. You know I'm very old and I can't walk far so I had to take a seat first.

Me: Yes ok.

She: Well to cut the long story short, because i just don't want to bore you with the details... but i only sat down for 5 min and they gave me the websters. 

Me: Yes.

She: Well when I got home - you know I can't walk very well, and I'm very old, so I don't come out to the pharmacy that often - I come down every fortnight on the shopping bus to ran errands, but what I wanted to ask is, because I went home and looked at the websters, it looked the same as the ones at home. 

Me: I added in the tablets for you.

She: because I can't see them so I was wondering, maybe the pharmacist forgot to put it in? because i can't see them.

Me: Mrs D. I'm the pharmacist that packed your websters and I did put one tablet into your websters in the bedtime slot. Its definitely in there. You probably can't see it coz its white and it looks similar to your other tablets. But i can assure you that they are in there, coz I was the one that personally packed it in for you.

She: Oh thank goodness. Thank you sooo much!! I was worried there because you know I'm old and I can't really get down there so I wanted to double check. but very good that you put it in there.

Me: That's ok. Anything else I can help you with?

She: No that's all. Thank you now. 

Me: Ok bye bye then.

She: Bye bye love.

Poor elderly lady. I like her. she's very friendly and nice. but i kinda feel sorry for her because there's really noone that looks after her. never saw her kids (dunno if she has kids) *shrugs*..... but you know how old ppl talk ... the above convo could've been answered after one question: "This is Mrs D. Just wanted to know if you added any Magmin into my websters." I could've answered yes or no straight away. without going through a whole life story...................

Don't believe those medical stories you hear on tv

A man comes into the pharmacy with a private prescription for Lyrica 75mg. Before I dispense, I let him know its not covered on Medicare and that the price will be $75. He says ok so I proceed. But when I finished dispensing the meds, he goes: "I saw on tv last night. They said the price for this medicine has gone down should be about $30?"

Well being the busy pharmacist I am, I haven't watched tv in years. So i presumed possibly that Lyrica is now on PBS list but probably needs to meet certain criteria and dr has to call Department of Health for authority. 

So i relay this information to the patient, saying that it will be covered on PBS only if the doctor applies for authority. He didn't seem to believe me and thought that i was ripping him off.

My concern is, people watch stuff on TV and believe everything there but they don't read the fine print,  and totally misunderstands the whole concept. 

For example, last year when Medicare has the PBS reduction reforms, concessional card holders/ pensioners who were paying $5.80 (in 2012) per prescription, was upset that they didn't get a discount. And then when we tried explaining that the PBS reduction reforms do not apply to them, it only applies to General patients and pharmacies, they still didn't get it! Why? Coz the articles and news reports they read did not specify that PATIENT CO-CONTRIBUTION payments still remain the same! 

Be patient - The Pharmacy is NOT McDonald's!

Why do people treat the pharmacies as a take-away shop where service has to be QUICK? I'm sorry but we're not a fast food chain and dispensing medications is not the same as putting a meat patty between 2 pieces of bread. You see, we're a big pharmacy and you are not the only person who has medications waiting to be dispensed. If you see that there are 5 other ppl waiting in front of you, don't expect your script to be ready in 2 minutes. I don't care if you have a bus or train to catch either, or that you are doubled parked outside. Maybe you should have organised your time a bit better and come back another time, because I will not rush things and make mistakes and provide a low quality service just because you can't be bothered waiting.

5 cent is not worthless

A lady tried to rip me off 5cents. Medicine was $21.45. She gives me $21.40 and says she only has that much. I knew she had more money in her bag coz she gave her kid money to buy lollies earlier which I gave change for. I repeated the price, she looks through her bag and produces a 50cent coin. I swear it was intentional. It's just 5c but its the principle. To be honest, I'm not too fussy if I was short-changed 5cents if the customer genuinely doesn't have enough. I just don't feel like being used to conveniently lighten a lady's coin purse. 

I've been in situations where I was short 5cents buying Maccas. They wouldn't sell me the burger. Who sympathised with me? lol

Guy with trust issues

A man comes in and tells me his fighting in the courts for his medical expenses. Me thinks some sort of compo. He shows me a bunch of scripts to be dispensed but he doesn't want to give them to me all at once as he thinks it will 'confuse' me and I will mix them up. There are other customers in the store waiting to be served and I insist it'll be best and a lot easier if he gives me all the scripts and let me know what he needs and I'll work it out. He just didn't trust me. Prolly thinks I'm gonna steal his scripts. I frankly said just don't give them to me if you don't trust me and thanks for teaching me how to do my job which I already know. I told him to maybe think about it first while I serve other customers. He was standing aside seriously thinking. 

He gives me the scripts. He wanted 'copies' of his scripts back. He still had repeats left so I said no problem. Fast forward, I dispense his meds and even print out a receipt for him (in case he needed it for his claim or whatever). I show him the receipt, and clearly showed him the repeats left which I'm giving back to him. He asks me "Are you sure? Some chemists forget to give them back." So I flick through one page at a time and show him what they are. 

He buys Waxsol and 2 boxes of Ural. Concession card patient. Total sale including meds was $68.35. He looks at me and says: "Why? That doesn't sound right. I never pay that price." So I show him the transaction and tell him the price of EACH item. He questions me: "why is the ural $27.90?". I said: "its $13.95 each, which isn't covered and you are buying 2 boxes so total is $27.90." Still not satisfied and continues to shake his head. He says: "Something is wrong. You must be wrong. This doesn't add up."

So using my brilliant Asian brain, I do the math in my head out loud one by one so he understands that the price on the screen is correct. I got $65 through my Asian brain, the screen says $68.35 ... It was close but not close enough to satisfy him. I said: "I did it in my head with a lot of rounding, I didn't count the cents. but $65 is close enough to $68. The computer does the calculations so its right. I'll give you a receipt anyway, so you can add up at home to make sure the calculation is correct if you don't believe it. And I do believe I'm not wrong, but you are wrong." 

I process the transaction. There's 2 other customers in the store waiting to pay their money at the registers and there's this dude creating trouble. The other customers are giving him dirties. After I finished the transaction with the fussy dude, who sits down and checks his receipt, I serve the next customer and apologise for the wait. He was nice, he shook his head and said: "No worries. It's not ur fault anyway." and looks at the fussy dude. 

Guess what? The fussy dude is not gone yet!!! He still has one more script to dispense. It was the last repeat so I photocopied the duplicate so he can keep it for his records since he wanted 'copies'. He says its the wrong one. He wants the actual duplicate like other pharmacies give him. I had to explain to him it was the last repeat, and he won't be getting any original scripts back coz its finished so I can only give him a photocopy. He goes other pharmacies give him back the original. I said: "thats because you have repeats left. you can still use them. But this time, its finished so I get to keep them. If it wasn't finished, I would have given it back to you like I did with the other ones just then. But if you like the original script back then there's only one way and that is, don't buy the medicine. If you don't buy the medicine, then you get to keep the script. So what would you like to do SIR????" 

After 30min the pharmacy, he got his meds and left. I hope he doesn't come back. I have a headache........

I can't make money for you SIR

This guy came in with a script for his wife for Tramal. He asked me if this will help cure her. I said no, it only provides temporary pain relief. He said will she get better. I said it depends on what type of pain it is. This is provide pain relief for the meanwhile but it will wear off. He should take her to see the doctor if it doesn't get better.

Then he asked me "Can I have a smile from you pls?" I smiled but I'm thinking WTF. 

He leaves then comes back later and askes me where's the panadol section. He picks up a packet of 24 pack Panadol tablets and askes me, is the price for 2 pack or 1 pack?".

I look at him and said: "Its for 1 pack of course."

He wanted to buy them: $4.50. He produces a credit card. I said sorry there's a minimum purchase of $10 for card. He snaps back: "Listen, there's a long queue of ppl outside and I need these tablets now. I got no cash". I go: "there's a westpac ATM right outside, maybe you can withdraw some cash from there." He goes: "All the atms are closed. I can't get any money. My wife is having pain at home. She needs these tablets urgently so you will have to give it to me no matter what. What can I do huh?"

I go (with a HUGE smile on my face): "We have a policy in place. We call it minimum purchase of $10 on card. So if you can't withdraw cash from an ATM, you have the other option of purchasing other items in the store to make up the $10 if you insist on paying with card."

He goes: "You're kidding! But there's nothing to buy here. It's just medicines!!"

I go: "Well we are a chemist afterall. You just purchased the Tramal which is a medicine. And Panadol is also a medicine. If there's no other medicine you want, you can buy some lollies or chewing gum as well."

He goes: "There's nothing else I want to buy here. You have to do something"

I go: "Well I can't help you then. There's nothing I can do. I provided you with the options. I don't know how to make money for you." 

He left without buying the Panadol coz he didn't have cash and he was too lazy to go to the ATM (there's like 10 different ATMs in the suburb as if all of them are closed). He refused to buy something that was $5.50 to make up for the minimum purchase. I gave him so many options, if his not willing to do something about it and just ignore me then bye bye.... 

Ppl walk out of the house with no wallet?

Again and again ppl try to get away with a few dollar and a few cents. When it comes to payment, they're always short. Then you give them the option of card or generics and they refuse to change it. And ask why they have to have the correct change to get the med? 

Firstly, customer isn't regular and secondly, there's too many ppl working here and its hard to keep track of who owes what. Most will come back but some won't come back at all. Stop taking advantage of us pharmacies, we're just a business, not a charity. 

Yet ppl find it so ridiculously selfish that we don't just 'let it go'......... If you don't have enough money, don't buy medicine. And who walks out of the house with just $6 in coins, no wallet, no card, no nothing.... seriously..... did they just randomly wake up, and decide to walk to the surgery to see the dr in their pjs and then hope the chemist can give them the med with whatever spare change they have in their pocket. 

It happened again to me today. $6.35 for Amoxil. They only had $6... After some persistence, they came back with a 50cent coin. I like to keep my tills spot on. 

No drinking water here!

Are pharmacies obliged to provide drinking water? Sometimes, I get random ppl coming in from the doctor's surgery asking for a cup of water (not to buy). And then when I say we don't provide drinking water, they get angry and say why? 

Reasons:

1. We don't have plastic cups. I use my own ceramic YAZ cup for drinking and I don't want to share it with randoms who come in. Plastic cups are also not "green". If you have a drink bottle, I'll be happy to fill it up for you. But not gonna provide a plastic cup for ppl who only take one sip out of it. 

2. We don't have a liquor licence. We're a pharmacy, we don't sell food, we don't selll drinks (some do but not all). 

3. There's a convenience store right next door, go buy your water there. 

4. I don't think you need to take your meds right this instance. You can go home and take it there. Ppl often come in and say "omg I need to take this now im so sick!" and pops some Amoxil capsules in their mouth and then want water. Antibiotics won't relieve you of ur infection straight away, so it makes no difference if u take it in ur pharmacy or take it at home.

5. They are not buying things from my pharmacy and want some water whilst waiting to see the doctor. I don't have a water dispenser in my pharmacy, neither does the doctor's surgery. So why do ppl get angry at me for not providing water and they're alright with the doctor's surgery not providing water. Maybe it would be considerate of the facility to put a water dispenser and provide free drinking water for their patients in the wait room, rather than them coming to my pharmacy and asking for some. 

Water is free. I have no problem providing water but I only have a tap not a water dispenser so very inconvenient to provide drinking water. Ppl have to understand not all businesses are obliged to have drinking water. Go-lo doesn't. Woolies doesn't. Pharmacies are legally obliged to have distilled water to mix syrups and make extemporanous preparations. Not water to wash down a tiny pill or because ur thirsty. You can easily buy one from the supermarket next door, yet don't want to spend $1 to buy a bottle. And they can't wait to go home to swallow it - they MUST do it right here. I'm not stingy, its just so annoying ppl coming in asking for it then having a go at me for not providing it. 

Another thing is I don't want to sit next to a tap and manually refill ppl's cup with free water .. I just got better things to do. 

Photo ID required please

Got this guy coming in asking for Cold & Flu tablets. He tells me his symptoms so I recommend Codral Cold & Flu (Pseudoephedrine) as he said he wanted something strong. I ask him for a driver's licence or photo ID so I can record it on our system. 

He yells at me and said he doesn't have one and that he lost his licence 10 years ago. Btw, his a full grown man, as if he doesn't drive! His phone rings, he picks up the phone and chats to his mate. Hello, I'm right here talking to you and I'm not gonna stand there waiting for you to finish ur whole convo ... so I do other stuff. He gives me his credit card (whilst still on the phone that is so rude) and I said: "I need some sort of photo ID pls to record it." He goes through his wallet and shows me his debit card as well as a business card. And you know what his business card was "Smash Repairs". Seriously, do you think I'm gonna believe you lost ur driver's licence 10 years ago and you work in a Smash Repairs store, dealing with cars and that you don't drive at all. BS... if you wanna be difficult, fine i'll be difficult too.

He's still on the phone btw, and says he doesn't have a effin photo id and he needs it and asked me why he needs a photo id, other chemists never asked him. I said, "You wanted a strong one. These products contain pseudoephedrine which requires us to see a photo id and record it. If you can't produce one, then I would have to sell you something less strong like those over-the-counter." Me points to the Codral PE range. 

And what does he say........ "EF YOU BITCH." and walks out, still on the phone.....

LOL. 

Worse than my English teacher

He asked me his bought some tablets last week that he hasn't used. I said unfortunately for medications we don't do any exchanges or refunds due to storage/stability issues. It is clearly indicated on our refund policy (me points to it).

He goes: "The sign is pretty hidden."

I go: "There's no where else to put it but you can still see it. Its clearly visible. People just don't read it. But this policy applies to most pharmacies anyway. No exchange or refunds on medications for change of mind."

He reads it and then questions the way its written. It says: Please choose carefully. You do not automatically get a refund simply changing your mind.  "Oh so that means there is a possibility to get a refund?"

I go: "Yes, if you bring the top part before that it says: We will credit, exchange or refund if the item purchased is faulty, significant different to the one shown/described to you. So if we gave you the wrong medicine or it was expired, then yes you'll get a refund. But if you're saying you don't need it anymore and you changed ur mind then no, you can't get a refund." 

He accepts my explanation. 

THEN when I'm explaining to him the directions to take his tablets: Take 1 tablet twice a day after food. He goes: "Ok so that means I gotta split one tablet into half and then take it twice a day." Here it goes again..... "No. You take one tablet in the morning and one tablet at night." He goes: "But you said 1 tablet twice a day so half in the morning and half at night." I go: "No. 1 tablet twice a day means 1 in the morning and 1 at night. HALF a tablet twice a day means half in the morning and half at night." He goes: "Why's that?" I go: "It's just is. There's no other way to explain it. That's what it means." 

GEEZ I don't know how else to explain 1 tablet twice a day when i clearly say 1 in the morning and 1 at night and then he questions me.... and questions what these wordings mean.....

-----------------------

In a past scenario, related to this refund/exchange business, I actually had a customer come in with a half taken box of medicine and demanded a refund because "it didn't work." It was something like an antibiotic. Now although 'it didn't work' for him doesn't mean the product was faulty because a) the dr prescribed the wrong thing or something that wasn't strong enough; b) one course is not enough; c) the condition is more severe than originally expected ..... basically that problem doesn't lie within the company or the pharmacy that dispensed it. 

I just told the patient the above... and told them to see the doctor again coz it's not working and she needs something stronger and better or another course of it. Like if the doctor decided to prescribe you Amoxil 500mg for a UTI without running a urine test, then that's really not my concern because the dr should've done their part and prescribe something more appropriate. Mind you, we pharmacists do also have the obligation to intervene in situations like that and ring the dr and question them... but comeon, that doesn't happen in real life and what can you do if the dr is ignorant. And the patient trusts the dr more than the young pharmacist so at the end of the day, if it doesn't work, the blame is all shifted to the pharmacist anyway so learnt not to do 'over-perform'. Trust me, the dr won't thank you nor will the patient. "Yeh yeh whatever, i dunno, just gimme what the dr wrote." So I do. 

In-store promotions have nothing to do with government

This guy comes in to buy meds and sees our sale shelf. We currently have Optium Omega Blood Glucose Monitors on sale for $1 (with any purchase of $30 or more). The guy bought meds and it only costed $11.20 coz he's got a health care card. I go, he can buy other things in the store to make up the $30 if he wants the machine. He refuses to and this is what he says.

Him: But you're getting a subsidy from the government over $30 so therefore i can get this for $1. 

Me: No, it doesn't matter what the government subsidises, you have to spend actually $30 in the store.

Him: yeh but ur getting the $30 from the gov, so you get ur money back for the promotion.

Me: the government has nothing to do with the promotion.

Him: you don't get me, the $30 is coming from the gov as subsidies. Why can't you get it from them, so i can get the machine. Its the same thing.

Me: no its not the same thing. First of all, the government has nothing to do with the promotion. Its the customer who pays out of their pocket, then they will get the promotion. 

Him: Same money. 

Me: No of course not. That $30 purchase is from the customer. Subsidies from medicines is a different thing. The government pays for it through taxpayer's money, you pay ur money from ur wallet. How is that the same? 

Him: no no ur wrong.

Me: No i think you misunderstood. It's pretty self-explantory. Prices of promotions in the store has nothing to do with the government but you keep on thinking about the subsidised price when its the price that ppl actually spend in the store. The machine is not from the government. We're - the pharmacy - is selling it for $1 for promotional purposes. We actually had to buy it from the company ourself. It's not government-owned. 

He's in his own little world. 

Service reflects UR attitude you give me

This lady comes in with a few prescriptions. I let her know that some of these are not covered on health care and give her the price. She askes me again: "Why? Its not covered on h/c?" I said: "yes its not covered on health care. not everything is."

She gives me the other prescriptions. I start dispensing. She yells out to me "EXCUSE ME!" so I look up. "Yes?" She doesn't say anything... i just continue with dispensing the scripts. On the health care card she gave me, there was a name missing, I asked if her husband has a health care card. She shouts at me and says "I dunno! Look don't worry about doing that one then! Do the others!". As i proceed to tell her that I can find out the card number if he has one from Medicare Australia... she went off at me again..... THAT's IT. I had it with her and so i stopped talking to her, I just gave her back her that prescription she didn't want me to dispense. And I look at her not smiling. Then I shrug my shoulders and shake my head in disgust. 

She sees me do that LOL and apologises to me: "Sorry. I'm not feeling too well today." 

I reply: "Sometimes if you treat ppl a bit nicer, other ppl will treat you the same way."  Thought I'd give her a bit of advice on life and social etiquette. 

Didn't talk much to her thereafter. I continued with that I don't give an EF about you attitude until I got her money. 

I'm not ur daughter, I'm not ur husband... if u're feeling unwell and you want to vent out, vent out on them. It's just not an excuse.....I'll do my job don't worry, but I won't put extra effort into providing an enjoyable transaction for ppl who don't deserve it. And what I usually do if there are other customers in the store, I'll treat the next customer after them SO NICE BEAMING SMILE in front of them, so they know what they did wrong and they would usually be fuming and stomp out. 

Non-regular customer calling up for some medical advice when they should be contacting the dr

Not very impressed with the way a patient was talking to me over the phone.

She gives me her name and asks me if she should change her warfarin dose. She's been feeling a bit unwell in the past few days: not eating well, stomach pains, back pain. She's a bit constipated and there was a bit of bleeding probably due to some straining. She's taking Digoxin, metoprolol and warfarin (regular meds).

I bring up her record. She last purchased her meds in Nov 2011... haven't seen her since and she's not a regular patient. 

Me: I don't seem to have a recent record of your history so I'm not sure what medications you are taking. What other new medications have you been taking besides the ones you told me recently? 

She: Yeh that's coz i don't buy from you. I buy my meds from a discount chemist. And I just told you. Those are the ones I've been taking.  

Me: New medications recently taken. For example, antibiotics or cold & flu??

She: Lemme think. Oh yes, I think i took an osteoporosis injection 2 weeks ago. I don't know if that would be relevant to my question though. 

Me: Ok. It may be constipation that could be affecting ur apetite and stomach pains. You can increase fibre..... (she interrupts me)

She: Ok. Well i can't eat. 

Me: in that case, you may been a laxative, possibly a suppository. Then again, you are also taking digoxin and warfarin, and I would advise you to see the doctor to get a blood test as you are on these medications and we gotta make sure ur levels are within range.

She: Well my doctor isnt in until Thursday. Should I reduce my warfarin dose? I am taking 8mg a day.

Me: Unfortunately I won't be able to answer that as i don't have access to ur INR levels or medications that you are taking. But in your case, you shouldn't wait for ur dr, just call up the medical centre and see another doctor who will be able to help you. They have access to your records.

She: Ain't you the pharmacy? Then that defeats the purpose of my phone call. It's useless calling you up when you don't have access to anyone's records.

Me: We are not affiliated with the medical centre. And for confidentiality reasons, I can't access them. I only have information on medications of patients who buy from the pharmacy. 

She: Ain't you in the same building?

Me: Yes we are. But this building as 5 levels, there are specialist doctors, physios, dentists..... we don't have access to your records at the medical centre. You called up the pharmacy (even though you are not a regular customer) for advice. I am giving you advice based on the information you are giving me over the phone. My advice is for you to see another doctor (don't wait for ur GP who comes on thurs) in the meantime. You are asking me about warfarin dose. I don't have access to ur blood results and even if i do, its not me who determines the changes to ur dose. 

She: Well then I guess I have to that then. You haven't been much help. 

Me: Then I can't help you. Call the medical centre or call the discount pharmacy that you regularly shop at. You might get a chance there. Thank you. 

She: Thanks ...... (i shut the phone in her face before she could finish)

Why call me for then? Waste my timeeeeeeeee .......... don't really care if she suffers from digoxin/warfarin toxicity.... she's got a regular pharmacy she doesn't call. and her gp is part of a medical centre she doesn't call. yet she calls us who she hardly buys from for advice and then doesn't appreciate the advice i give her...... wthhhh.... 

Speaking on someone's behalf geez

Working by myself tonight so a customer calls me on the phone, what do I do? Pick up and answer their queries. Asking me about Xanax etc...... spoke to her about 5min then when I hanged up the phone, I get blasted by a customer who's been waiting in the store for about 2min.

She yells at me and says: "You on the phone for so long! There's other customers too!!" (and she points to another customer who's seems patiently waiting. 

I said: "Well I apologise for the wait. But as you can see, I'm by myself. That was also a customer on the phone. What did you want me to do? Hang up on her? If that was you on the phone, I'm sure you wouldn't like it if i hanged up on you."

She starts to get a black face and says: "Yeh but so many ppl waiting for you."

I turn to the gentleman who was patiently waiting. "Excuse sir, are you complaining? I want to know are you upset or not happy that you had to wait for a 3min because I was on the phone with another customer. If you are, I would like you to tell me that and I will apologise to you."

He goes: "No no..its ok.."

Me: "I apologise for the wait. Looks like ur a very understanding person. A 2-3min is very normal in a pharmacy. I don't see why some ppl would want to speak on ur behalf when they don't even know how you feel." (me gives dirty to the complaining lady) 

I give the med to her without saying thank you or giving eye contact. Put it in a bag, put it on the table and smile and serve the next customer whilst she's grabbing the bag. She mutters something under her breath and I just roll my eyes. 

SO NOSEY. Not everyone thnks the same way as you do maam!!! Next time you call me, I make sure I hang up on you and I'll use "sorry I'm busy lots of customers here can't speak to you on the phone." BEEP BEEP

Why do ppl want to know the price first?

We see this all the time. People asking for prices before you finish dispensing. Fair enough, if they are asking for a price check, I give them a price of each item BEFORE I dispense it. Their math is prolly crap so they make you ADD it up for them. I already gave you the price, can't you total it in ur head? That's what I do.... $13.45 + $8.95 = so you round it up $15+9 = about $24..... so easy.. but this is so hard for some ppl. 

But most commonly, what annoys me is when they ask for the price WHILST you are dispensing. So you already got the script, and finished typing it out, the labels are printed and you are about to go to the shelf to get the meds when they suddenly ask you the price. This happened to me today.

I'm dispensing and the man goes: "How much is it altogether?"

Me: "I'll let you know when I'm finished." (I know the price but they should wait til its all finished and then I'll tell you the price at the sales counter).

Him waits.

I'm finished with dispensing and take it down to the sales counter.

Him: What's the price? 

Me: I'll just scan it for you. (my hand is about to scan)

Him: I don't care what you do. Just tell me the price!

Me: (I stop) Well I need to scan it first before I can tell you the price ok?

I scan it...... 

Me: That's $11.20 thank you. (big sarcastic smile on my face) 

Him: Well I don't have enough money. I don't want it. 

Me: Ok fine. I'll delete it and give you back the prescription.

Him: That's why I wanted to know the price first. But you can't tell me the price. 

Me: Yeh I can't. I can't tell you the price if I don't process it first . 

Him: Isn't this covered on pension/concession? 

Me: Yeh its $5.60 each. 

Him: Then you charge me $11.20?!?!?!?! (so angry)

Me: Yeh $5.60 each... you are buying TWO things!! 

I gave him back the script, shaking my head so he saw my reaction. He walks off.

There is a way for price check. But I usually like to do it before I start doing the scripts. Coz then that way I won't waste my time and labels and paper. But some ppl like to ask the price WHILST you are dispensing (already started and almost finished) because they want to get money ready first from their wallet. I like to do things step by step. After dispensing, i don't just collect money. I do some patient counselling BEFORE i take their money. You don't mix up the dispensing process with money collecting. It's at a different counter anyway. That's why I always say "I'll let you know when I'm finished." before telling them the price. Which is true, because how do you know the price if you don't scan it (from the customer's point of view) and what happens if they are getting other OTC items as well... the price would be different... also if there's a wholeeee heap of meds - 9 diff meds - all diff prices... how can you do that on top of ur head? You wouldn't want to waste ur time with a calculator and adding it up when one scan at the end will give you the same result. It's just a waste of time and inconvenient. 

People should understand there is a step by step process.... that's just not pharmacies but every retail outlet. You get the TOTAL price at the point of sale/transaction... not during, not before. And noone should waste their time calculating it for you with a calculator before hand.