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Who Rules? Pharmacist or MD?

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 9/26/2008 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
The pharmacist told my husband to take less medicine than the surgeon prescribed.
My husband is now afraid to take the Darvocet that he needs. My husband has never
taken a pain pill in his life. The Tylenol in one prescription isn't going to kill him!
Can you people help me with this one.
That Pharmacist! I think he's nuts.
Pamela Neckpain shakehead
Posted 9/26/2008 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
When I had my gallbladder removed when I was 15 the nurse told me to take less pain med then what was prescribed for me and it scared me so I didnt take any suffered in severe pain for 2 weeks. She told me it would make me horribly sick if I took a whole one and I was already severely nauseated from the surgery itself, I wish I would go back in tme and made that whole experience alot more better and took the meds cause I suffered ALOT. I would follow the doctor's orders.
Posted 9/26/2008 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Kitty,
If you had that experience TODAY, your parents could talk to that nurses superiors
and get her fired.
Unfortunately, at 15 there wasn't much you could do. You were scared and helpless.
That's one of those horrible experiences that live with you all your life.
Pamela Neckpain
Posted 9/26/2008 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Pamela,
I would suggest calling the pharmacist and ask WHY he/she told your husband that. If there's a medical reaosn - such as your husband's pharmacist knows of other meds your husband may be taking that, in combination, could result in some kind of overduse, that would make sense. Sometimes surgeons don't pick up on this (tho' they should). However, if there's no medical reason, then I think your husband should follow his surgeon's advice. Actually, even if the pharmacist said there was a medical reason, I'd call the surgeon's office anyway, because as Kitty said your husband shouldn't have to suffer needlessly. If there's a medical reason the pharmacist told you that, then call the surgeon's office and tell them and let them decide.

Good luck!
PaLady
Posted 9/26/2008 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
PaL,
My husband isn't taking anything that would clash with his medication. I will do
what you suggest.
I'd like to get that pharmacist slapped on his wrists. He's brand new but not young.
He talks like he knows EVERYTHING. Know that type. Grrrrrrr.
Pam
I will do it after my next dose. nono
Posted 9/26/2008 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Pamela,
My view is hubby should follow his doctor's instructions! But maybe you (or your husband0 should talk to the head pharmacist and tell them what happened, especially if that pharmacist is brand new. May have been more related to his biases than medical stuff.

You go girl!

PaLady
Posted 9/26/2008 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Pal's 4 ever
turn turn turn turn
Pam
Posted 9/27/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Pharmacists don't have the knowledge to give that type of direction and it really steams my grits when they do.
Posted 9/27/2008 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Oh holy spotted cow ... I do not want to steam Bionic Womans' Grits!
I haven't made my move yet, I'm recovering from a panic attack. Just
wait till I get my hackles reupped! I will boil the pharmacist's bon bons.
My husband is of a very kind and forgiving disposition so it is I who will
do the speaking.
Of course, as I speak I will keep in mind that THE PHARMACIST (Any
pharmacist, can report anything to the DEA.) My public record of triplicate
meds is perfect BUT different people could see it different ways.
It's too easy to be sent to Hell when one suffers Chronic Pain.
Pamela
Posted 9/27/2008 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
OK All ...
Wanted you to know I called the head Pharmacist and told her what happened.
She is most definitely on our side. I don't think the offending pharmacist will
get fired but I do think he'll be strongly spoken to.
His boss is reallllllly scary too. Her name is Fifi and she's about 4'11" tall and smart
as they get.
Pamela smilewinkgrin
Posted 9/27/2008 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
You know what they say, some pharmacists are just frustrated doctors. Not all, but some Glad Fifi is on the case. Things will get straightened out now, I'm sure.

Reminds me of when my brother told me he was naming his daughter Phoebe. I thought he said Fifi. I had the hardest time with those two names. Hahahahahahaha.

Blessings and hope your husband gets adequate pain relief in the end after all is said and done.

Lindaloo
Posted 9/27/2008 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Woo Hoo Pamela! yeah

Savor the victory! We get few of them, so we'd better relish the small successes! smilewinkgrin

PaLady
Posted 9/27/2008 9:08 PM (GMT 0)

Doctors frequently order drugs for patients outside the recognized and recommended use and dosage. They do this based upon their own experience with the patient's condition and the drug. Pharmacists are charged by their own licensing body to assure that patients are aware of the recommended use and dosage for medications. This then allows the patient to decide for herself whether she wants to take the higher or lower dosage.

Nurses who administer medications based on the doctor's orders are also required to exercise their own professional judgement. If the dosage recommended is higher than recommended and the nurse has concerns, she is supposed to contact the doctor and clarify, make sure the dosage is what he intended to order. Then if the nurse still feels the dosage may harm the patient, she is required by state licensing laws to decline to give the medication. The doctor may then try to find another nurse to give it, or give it himself.

Even though the doctor prescribes the medication, the pharmacist and any nurse administering it have responsibility for the patient's well-being also. So they aren't really playing doctor or trying to second-guess, just doing what they are required to do.

Posted 9/28/2008 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Part of the problem with the offending pharmacist was his attitude, Judy. He had
a know-it-all expression and complained about doctors who prescribe medicine
for drug addicts.
Then he said, "Well opiods are of some use to keep people out
of nursing homes.
It's like he draws his pharmaceutical line right there. How awful!
That guy looks at my medical profile! Your post is an excellent wake up
call for every one of us. I say, make sure you're comfortable with your pharmacist
and that he/she understands your situation and "likes" you. I don't look like
I'm in real bad pain especially when I take my field trip to the pharmacy.
I took one medication that was controversial at the time. Before I had
it filled I asked the pharmacist if he was comfortable with prescribing it. (There
was one, but he wasn't the boss)
At this point, I'm kinda stuck. If I change pharmacies that looks bad on my
medical record. (Besides that I'd miss Fifi!)
Everybody knows everything. We have no secrets.
I take Methadone for pain and I've taken Xanax for over 20 years.
So folks, smile and step lightly.
Paranoia Has Struck!
Pamela
Lindaloo ... You surely made me laugh with your Phoebe story. I think Fifi is
a cute little name but what if one's child weighed 215 pounds? A Fifi MUST be
tiny. (IMHO) wink
Posted 9/28/2008 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Pamela, that comment from the pharmacist was inappropriate. If you wish, you could certainly complain to your state pharmacy board; I sure snarky remarks like that are frowned upon by them.
Posted 9/28/2008 8:00 AM (GMT 0)
Judilyn,
Yes, I suppose I could report him. However,
It would be my word
against his. It's so hard to fight.
Sometimes it's better for
me to do just the minimum and let it be.
Pamela will just breathe deep for now yeah
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