Staged Medication, Issue with Chemist

[Erin83]

Hi

I am wondering if anyone else has had an issue with a chemist over staged meds?

I am on staged medications by choice in consultation with my GP, I only get a week supply at a time. The chemist I was using had been my regular chemist for a number of years but since the staged meds started I feel I have been treated so poorly. When I first took the script in the pharmacist on duty was great and supportive and set it all up for me and did the paperwork without a fuss. However since then the other 2 pharmacists one of which is the owner have repeatedly questioned me about why I needed to be staged and wanted to know the ins and outs of my 2 suicide attempts including dates, medications, amounts etc , and changed the original paperwork to state that I must pay a fee per medication. This was all done with a line of people behind me. The fee works out to cost more per month than the actual medication costs me. It has gotten to the point where I stopped taking it because the anxiety I was getting from have to go to this chemist felt as though it was worse than the depression I need the meds for.

I finally got the courage to tell my GP that I had stopped taking it and why so he wrote a letter so that I could move the scripts to another chemist. I went in with the letter today and they were so rude to me, wanting to know why, and that I was inconveniencing them because they had already made the next batch. They told me I would have to keep going there for another month and then they would release the scripts which I refused. I was in tears, shaking so much I was on the verge of a full blown panic attack but that didn’t stop them. My poor daughter who is only 12 was trying to comfort me. They kept me waiting for about 10mins then gave me the scripts.

I now have to find a new chemist which gives me anxiety all over again because I don’t want to go through that again. I understand that they may need some info regarding the reason for staged meds but I felt as though I was humiliated every time I went in there and surely telling my story once should be enough.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Do you have any advice on dealing with it please?

I now have to fin

[Summer Rose]

Hi Erin

I'm so sorry that you are having issues with chemists over staged meds. It's hard enough to get help and get the prescription that it just doesn't seem fair to then have a hassle at the pharmacy.

I have been in a similar situation when my daughter was reducing her medication dose (she was 19 at the time and I used to manage her prescription). The pharmacist had a million questions and the entire shop was listening.

I refused to answer, requested the owner (who happened to be close by) and we moved to have the discussion in a private consultation room. His view that it was the pharmacist's role to ask. I disagreed. Although he did concede that the pharmacist's tone and voice level were inappropriate. Small win.

I remember being furious and my GP was quite sympathetic when I told her about the incident. But I still don't really know what the pharmacist's role is.

I'd like to suggest that you request a private conversation with the owner of the next pharmacy you attend. If they don't want to help, try the next one. I wish you the best of luck.

Kind thoughts to you

[Croix]

Dear Erin83~

A staged supply of medication can be very useful for a number of reasons and you as the client have a right to expect that the matter be handled in a confidential and professional manner.

Thise has been set out in detail by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, an old copy from NSW is here:

https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/212846/standard-and-guidelines-for-pharmacists-providing-a-staged-supply-service-for-prescribed-medicines.pdf

(link needs to be copied and pasted into your browser).

I do not know if it is out of date.

Given the complexity of the pharmacist's duties (which include a confidential area to discuss the matter) it may in fact be reasonable for there to be a charge, though in the above document this is not set down as mandatory. It would also be reasonable for them to ask a number of questions.

Frankly, as set out above, one of the things the pharmacist needs to do is ensure the welfare of the client, and that includes treatment with respect.

As you have already found different pharmacies, with different staff, can make the whole process easy or a nightmare. I think you have certainly done the right thing in returning to your doctor and hope you find a better dispensary who charges only a modest amount soon.

Perhaps getting on the phone and ringing several to gain an impression and know their charges might be helpful

Croix

[geoff]

Hello Erin, if you are receiving fortnightly payments from Centrelink then type this into your search browser 'staged supply consent form Australia', where it says the government pays for this: 'The Australian Government is paying the pharmacy for the Staged Supply Service. You will not be charged an additional fee by the pharmacy for this service. '

I will get back to you.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hello Erin, just a follow up from my last comment it says 'the first patient registration appointment to allow the Australian Department of Health (the Department) to monitor and evaluate the program’s effectiveness•Collect personal and sensitive information from you at six monthly appointments after you start'.

The concern is your health and safety because of the pharmacist, they are responsible for giving you or any other patient the medication prescribed by your doctor.

That's the reason why the receptionist checks with the pharmacist whether you are being given the correct medication before you are given it/them.

Your doctor could provide a letter which only your pharmacist should read but gossip between the staff is going to happen.

It may seem to be confusing as each pharmacy has its own standards.

Best wishes.

Geoff.