Missing prescription pills from Walmart... What should I do?!
Question:
Missing prescription pills from Walmart... What should I do?
I got my prescription refilled tonight. I have a monthly prescription for 150mg Wellbutrin (30 pills). This comes in a sealed Gaxo-Smith-Kline bottle. I opened my container tonight to find it missing a seal and 4 pills. What should I do? I know I am going up there tomorrow and asking for my 4 pills, but why would they be missing?
Answers:
As you state the prescription was just filled and you normally receive a new, sealed bottle discuss this with the pharmacist directly. Do not waste your time talking to a pharmacy "tech."
As the bottle seal was broken you should demand a new bottle while surrendering or returning the opened bottle you received. It was apparently opened and the capsules/tablets removed. If you are a regular customer at Wal-Mart pharmacy the pharmacist should be willing to do this.
However, realize that since you did not open the bag and discover this while standing at the pharmacy counter the pharmacist is under no obligation legally to replace the medication. As Wellbutrin is not a scheduled drug, such as Lortab or the like, it is likely he/she will work with you.
If the pharmacist is unwilling to help you, contact your states Pharmacy Board to lodge a complaint.
Although it takes a few minutes, I would recommend you always check which drugs you received and the accuracy of the filling of the prescription. Bear in mind that while the pharmacist is in charge of the pharmacy, the bulk of prescriptions are filled either automatically, semi-automatically by "pharmacy techs" who generally have no formal training in pharmaceuticals much less medicine and are highly prone to error. This is a problem which is occurring with increasing frequency, particularly amongst the elderly.
Good luck!
DrEarp