Complain about a product or service

Wal-Mart Pharmacy

Alicia of Springfield, TN August 12, 2009

1st I had dropped of a prescription on 8/5/09 and told them I would be in the following afternoon to pick them up 8/6/09.I called earlier in the day 8/6/09 and they did not have any of the medication. She did say they had one and since I needed two of them I could pick up one pill 8/6/09 and the other pill 8/7/09 as they would have shipment in.

Once I sent my Dad to pick up the pill they said they would not separate the pills after they told me they would over the phone. He had to make them give me my prescription back since they did not give me the option for them to call them in to another walmart.

Then yesterday 8/11/09 I went to the Dr and had bronchitis. They called me in sterioids and cough syrup. I had then called the nurse to let her know I had a prev steroid pack and she said to see what the pharmacy said. I told them and they said to have the dr call them and then they could release only the cough syrup. After I called the DR, they in them meantime called the pharmacy to release the cough medicine. Well Kelly at the pharmacy told my doctor that my sister in law works at I was being suspicious and they were not going to release anything to me so I have constant coughing and because of a smart mouthed pharmacy employee, I could not get my medication last night. I said well if the problem was me paying for 4 steroids I don't need I can trash them and she said no, I am not releasing any medication to you.

I called the mgr George who took up for pharmacy tech Kelly and pretty much said I was lying. I spoke with my doctor this morning and Kelly the pharmacy tech said I was being supsicious about the cough syrup. I do not appreciate being told by some employee to my DR that I have a problem with only wanting the narcotics, that is not the case and don't appreciate being accused and the mgr did not do anyting about it. I told the mgr I had gotten my medicine for years from there as well as my family and after this we were all switching pharmacies

Carol of Moody, AL August 6, 2009

WALMART PHARMACIST SCREAMS AT DIABETIC CUSTOMER I have been shopping and having prescriptions filled at the Walmart in Leeds, Alabama for over 7 years and never had any major issues until last week. I have been a regular shopper of Walmart for years but this location is just 2 miles from my home.

First, a clerk in the pharmacy refused to wait on me. When I complained to the pharmacist about this, the clerk began to argue with me - in the presence of the pharmacist. I complained to the pharmacist insisting something should be done to address her poor customer service skills.

I also followed up with the manager of the store (who coincidently was the manager over the pharmacy). Upon her arrival (nearly 20 minutes later), she didn't appear too concerned about my complaint and took a nonchalant attitude stating she would take care of the issue.

On 8/4/09, a week later, I went to the pharmacy to purchase diabetic supplies. I noticed the girl with the attitude from the previous week working in the pharmacy. The cashier indicted that although I had been getting my diabetic supplies without a prescription, I needed to present one now to have the insurance applied. After questioning her and getting no explanation I drove home and returned about 20 minutes later.

When I approached the counter the second time, clearly the attitude of the cashier had changed. She did not greet me in a friendly manner or even look me in the eyes. As I handed her the prescription she indicted it would be 40 minutes to process. (My supplies where sitting on the counter next to her and she had already entered my insurance information into the computer). I questioned the length of time to process and reminded her that I just drove home to retrieve the prescription. Now, I was expected to return yet again? That would be my third trip just to process my insurance.

At that point, the pharmacist stepped in with an obvious defensive attitude (not the same pharmacist from last week). The pharmacist told me very matter-of-factly, that it would take 40 minutes and I needed to understand that. Certainly not the courteous explanation I was expecting from a professional. I reluctantly thanked her for her assistance and she responded with a sarcastic/flippant attitude, Your welcome. I told the cashier to just give me my supplies. I was offended by this bad treatment and had planned to complain yet again to a manager.

As I grabbed the items from the counter, the pharmacist stepped over to the window again and this time became yelling at me to leave. I told her I didn't want to hear anything else from her. She had been not helped at all in this situation. (Clearly, tempers were flared). She screamed louder. Leave! I finally went to the front of the store and asked for a manager in charge (Terry). After explaining what had transpired at the pharmacy, the manager spoke with the pharmacist and he returned stating the pharmacist said you threatened them.

I explained to him her entire unacceptable behavior and treatment towards me from the beginning of the conversation and that she had became verbally abusive screaming for me to leave. Then, I responded to her, Don't make me come over there. (Did this eradicate the deplorable and verbally abusive behavior from a Walmart Pharmacist prior to that point?). I have never been verbally attacked like this in my life! The manager assured me he would handle the situation seems like I've heard that one before. I asked for the pharmacist name which he refused to provide. When I asked for his name he only provided his first name (which was on his name badge) and stated, Are you going to file a complaint against me too?

While I was talking to the manager of the store, I was crying and left the store still sobbing and shaking (This was not from low blood sugar from my diabetes. My blood glucose level was normal prior to walking into Walmart). I subsequently called the regional manager of that store (Mike C) and told him of the incident. He spoke with me a few days later and he indicated he had spoken to the staff about this incident.

He explained that our stories were parallel and he had a discussion with the staff about what was important. I had to questioned him about the appalling behavior of the pharmacist. He only indicated the pharmacist stated that she could get a word in edgewise with me. Did this justify the verbal attack of this pharmacist???. He also indicated that the pharmacy was very busy it being the beginning of the month. Was the pharmacist on edge because of the work load?

I'm not sure the reasons, but, I do know that my behavior of questioning the length of time to process my insurance coverage did NOT justify the attack of the pharmacist. The regional manager was kind and seemed sympathetic. However, there was no indication that a serious form of reprimand was administered to the pharmacist and, he did not apologize for the horrifying and embarrassing incident I had just been subjected to in his store. If he had supported me, he would have, at the very least, apologized, and possibly done something to make amends for this dreadful and scary experience. He didn't. He continual stated that he understood “my perspective of the situation. (Translation I support my staff). I'd like to reiterate ¦I've been a customer at that location for over 7 years and have never had any issue until last week.

After this treatment, did the regional manager really believe I felt comfortable shopping in that store again? He certainly didnât assure me this would never happen again. Is there any such thing as customer service anymore? Does Walmart care about the years of commitment from a loyal customer and take a situation like this serious?

John of Lewis Center, OH July 30, 2009

Although Wal-Mart Pharmacy may tell you the law prohibets them from giving you any money back for syringes/test strips damaged prescriptions etc. if they are damaged they can give you a gift card for the item even if they don't take it back. If the customer service person doesn't help you and the Pharmacy doesn't help you call 1-800-walmart from their payphone at the store. Follow what that person tell you to do. Go back to the area they tell you to go to and let them know what they said. If they refuse to follow the directions they gave you go back and call 1-800-walmart again and tell them they are refusing to help you and you had just called a few minutes before and you would like them to call a manager at the store while you hold. Beat the idiots at the service desk at their own GAME.

Beverly of Lithonia, GA July 22, 2009

This pharmacy will needs to be looked into. I have experienced several unacceptable incidents at this pharmacy. I am a diabetic that has recently been put on insulin. My first bad experience was I was given the wrong size syringe. My prescription specifically stated the size. Went home and tried to use the syringe the pharmacist gave me. It was too long and really hurt. Called my doctor to tell him, he asked what size was on the box, I told him and he said that was incorrect, that he had prescribed a smaller size. Went back to Walmart to tell them.

At first they argued that was what I asked for. I told them to pull the presciption and sure enough they had given me the wrong size. Only thing I got was a "Sorry". The next incident was a mix-up in the labels on my medication. As I stated earlier, I am a diabetic and take 70/30 and "R" insulin. They put the label for the 70/30 on the "R" bottle and the label for the "R" on the 70/30 vial. With the dosage being a considerate difference, if I did not know the difference between the insulins, I could have overdosed if I had followed the instructions on the bottles.

The third bad incident was I called in a refill on my insulin. Spoke with a tech and was told my prescription would be ready after 3 PM that day. I arrived around 6:30 PM and was told that they were out of that medication and it had been on back order for 2 weeks. How can you run a pharmacy and let yourself run out of a popular medication? Also, if a medication has been on back order for 2 weeks, wouldn't you know so you can tell your customers so they can get the medication elsewhere? I asked if they could give me the brand name insulin as I was getting the Walmart generic brand. The tech told me that they would need a new prescription from my doctor.

It's 6:30 PM, the doctor's office is closed, I'm out of my insulin and they would not give me the brand name insulin. I had to go without insulin that night and the next morning until I went to another pharmacy to refill. The pharmacist at Walgreen's called Walmart, who in turn gave the okay to refill with the name brand. Couldn't they have done that the night before? The Walgreen's pharmacist also told Walmart about the mix-up in the labeling of the medication. The final incident, which has broken the camel's back, is I went to the same Walmart pharmacy to fill a prescription for 3 medications, Pravastatin, Lisinopril and Humulin 70/30 insulin. I was asked if I was going to wait or come back. She said it would take 45 minutes to fill. I told the tech that I would wait. There is a bench right in front of the pharmacy to wait. After 45 minutes, I got up and went to the counter to pick up my prescriptions. I was told they were out of the Lisinopril, that it was on back order.

Again, don't you know what medications you're out of? Couldn't you have come out and told me this instead of having me to wait? After working all day and sitting for 45 minutes, only to find out that what you've been waiting for is not there, is FRUSTRATING, to say the least.

Cassie of Strawberry Plains, TN July 26, 2009

I've noticed a lot of people complain about Wal-Mart's fish department, but some are just hilarious. Before you go to buy fish, have the aquarium set up at least 24 hours before you put the fish in, this way, the water runs through the filter, and is a stable temperature. Most people make the mistake of getting fish, setting up the tank, then turning the fish loose, and then complain that it was Wal-Mart's bad fish. This is incorrect. You shocked your fish to death from the different water temperature change. You need to let the tank sit a day, then put your bag of fish in the tank for at least 30 minutes just floating around, to stabilize and slowly adjust their water. While some do have very bad tanks and all fish aren't healthy, the great thing about Wal-Mart is, if your fish dies, you can take it in (and yes you have to) and they'll exchange it for a live one! (of the same kind of course) I've never been to a pet store that does that!

Things you should know about Wal-Mart's fish:

1.) They're not ALL sick, but be cautious about purchasing a fish from a tank shared with a lot of dead or sick fish.

2.) Most Wal-Marts (I'm not sure about all) add a bit of saltwater in their tanks via the filtration system, to keep them healthier and some will even suggest purchasing some to add a tiny amount (NOT the amount for saltwater fish) to your tank when they're added to help them adjust better.

3.) Return your dead fish (I believe it is within 30 days) with your receipt and they'll exchange it for you (some even offer refunds, not all though)

4.) I have not had many problems at all with purchasing fish from any Wal-Marts. But, when I introduce my new fish into my aquarium, I add the recommended dose of Stress Coat as well as the recommended dose of Melafix (Melafix for the following 3 days). The Stress Coat helps to calm the fish where the Melafix helps to cure them of any contamination or diseases they may have acquired (does not cure all!!)

5.) Wal-Mart doesn't tell you, but if you use tap water MAKE SURE to use a tap water conditioner.

6.) Not all Wal-Mart employees know even the smallest amount about fish and their tank-mates, so always be sure to read the fish's description and maybe even do a little research beforehand.

7.) Regardless of what an employee MAY tell you: Sharks will eat smaller fish (as your shark grows, and it will, its mouth gets bigger, so fish that may have initially been too big for him to eat, may now become prey.) Same thing with the catfish. Oscars will eat everything and anything, I've even seen one eat until it exploded, and I've seen another even eat the "cleaner fish" or "algae eater". Wal-Mart usually sells them under this name Plecostomus.

Alma of Ailey, GA July 26, 2009

Given the wrong the medication. There wasn't all of the information in the bag. I took the medication for 2 weeks for a nail fungus. I had two other meds for seven days. I wondered why I had one med for 30 days. I had to go back to the doctor after two weeks the finger wasn't getting much better. My blood pressure was high so the doctor gave me a written precriptions and there was a mix up and I did not know it and took medication for the wrong thing. I took the medication to my doctor and that's when we found the mix up after 2 weeks. My doctor is very sure he did not prescribe that med. to me because he keeps a copy of every paper he gives out.

I took the medication back to Walmart and the lady said that my medication name was close to the name of the madiciation I was given. I should have seen the leaflet in the bag but all the information was not in the bag. I has several medications in the bag. She gave the the medication I needed at no cost. I wasn't refund for what I had bought. My meds were suppose to be for my blood pressure and I was given meds for seuizes.

sharon of seagoville, TX July 26, 2009

We went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription that they had called and said was ready to pick up. It was about 6:55 p.m. They close at 7:00 p.m. They couldn't find the prescription because my name was misspelled. When it came 7:00 p.m. we were still standing there and they were looking for my prescription. I had some things on the counter to pay for and they closed the window in my face and said they were closing because they wanted to go home.

CLOSED THE WINDOW IN MY FACE WHILE I WAS STANDING THERE WITH PRODUCT TO PAY FOR. It was the pharmacist on duty and 3 lady workers. They didn't want to look for my prescription because it was time for them to go home.

Lorie of Front Royal, VA July 24, 2009

I had 5 refills on a moderate pain medication. I'd been refilling it about every four to five days. When I tried to refill the last refill on the Rx, the pharmacist said it shouldn't have been filled except for every 6 days or so and based on the original fill date, I'd have to wait 2 weeks for the last refill since it shouldn't have been filled before when it had been. She also wouldn't return the Rx bottle (I usually refill by phone but lightning took out our phone for several days). My belief is that the pharmacy is responsible for refilling prior to next fill date and the pharmacist had not right to use the 1st fill date to determine the last fill date.

They made the mistake, not me. And the last fill date should be based on the previous last fill date, not the first. Nor had she any right not to return the bottle since if I'd filled by phone, they wouldn't even have had the bottle even if they didn't fill it.

Anil of Alexandria, VA June 22, 2009

Asked for corrections in prescription. Next, refused dispensing, instead asked for new prescription. I decided not to do business with this Pharmacy any more. Pharmacy rep was very rude on phone. In store the counter delays are usual. Wasted my efforts with Doctor's office (they are very busy), as well as caused unnecessary delay.

Aeriel of Lilburn , GA July 8, 2009

I went to the pharmacy on July 6 2009 to fill two persriptions. I have something called degerative disc disease and was perscribed a pain killer and a steriod. I have been using this pharamcy for years and the new girl behind the counter wanted to give me a hard time about filling my pain killer. She told me that since I didnt have a state picture ID card that all my other legal documentation met nothing. So I told her that if she wasnt going to fill my perscriptions then to give them back to me. She told me that since i didn't hsve legal ID that she could not give me back my persciption for my pain killer. I had to argue with her for about ten minutes about getting it back. She only returned my perscription after I threatened to call the police.

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