Attempt of force sale of medication. If this was policy, I would have loved to see it. Around 6PM February 25th, 2026. RPh: TP-RB
I will note this is not my normal pharmacy, I only use this pharmacy when I go to the dentist since they are next door to each other.
I will be reporting the following concerns:
Profiling and stigmatizing language.
The suggestion that I might need Naloxone “when I go to a party” implies recreational drug use without any clinical basis and reflects profiling.
Creation of potentially misleading medical record documentation.
The statement that a “note would be made” that I declined Naloxone, despite it not being prescribed, raises concerns about inaccurate charting and reputational harm within my medical record.
Refusal to dispense a legally prescribed medication unless I agreed to accept an additional, non-prescribed product.
Misrepresentation of the status of Naloxone.
I was initially told I had “two prescriptions ready,” implying Naloxone had been prescribed. It had not. I called my provider after the interaction to confirm it was not prescribed.
Violation of informed consent and patient autonomy.
I clearly declined the medication. Continuing to pressure me after refusal constitutes disregard for my rights.
Unprofessional communication and patient humiliation.The interaction occurred in front of my husband and others, causing me extreme embarrassment and emotional distress.
The level of offense I feel is accurate and large. I had my husband with me, he witnessed it all as well.
Maybe the pharmacist meant well, but there is major profiling happening that is unfounded.
I was not feeling well at all, as I just had a major dental procedure. I wasn't wearing makeup, and wearing comfortable clothes. I didn't think I had to dress up at the pharmacy to get respect.
I was prescribed a "baby dose" (dosage was my wish) of opioids post procedure. The medication was for 3 days. I am not one to take medication unless I truly need it. I don't drink caffeine, I don't smoke, and I don't drink alcohol.
Apparently, I looked otherwise.
The incident↓↓↓↓
I walked in with my paper script, with my husband and dropped it off with no issue. I was told to come back in 15 minutes. I came back, and they stated I had two prescriptions ready. This was confusing since I only handed them one paper script.
They told me that I had my prescriptions ready, and that one of them was NARCAN! I am an active constituent so I understand when it is recommended as a co-dispense.
Both my husband and I were completely dumbfounded and bewildered. I stated that "I did not need that."
The pharmacist stated that she cannot sell me my medication unless I also pick up the narcan (force selling). Again stated that I did not need it. I then looked at my husband and told him "this was not going to work.". I personally do not want anything in my medical chart, even for a pharmacy to be inaccurate. There has never been a need for me for a medication that is for overdoses.
She then stated to me that my insurance will cover it. I stated, "I do not want this, I do not want that in my chart.".
Then came another accusation, that I might need it when I go to a party.
That implies that I go to parties where drugs are. This was dehumanizing and embarrassing to hear.
The pharmacist then stated, "it's over the counter.". Which means she lied to me, it was never prescribed to me like she originally said it was.
My husband was red in the face, and was about to speak up, when the pharmacist said "I'll make a note that you don't want it." To which I agreed since I have a pharmacist in my family, and I know that this isn't even a thing. To put a note in that someone denied over the counter medication that wasn't prescribed to them.
I thanked the pharmacist, because I'm sure this could help some people... But, this is the 2nd time she has profiled me. Previous issue was my address on my ID and Insurance (they both matched) she just didn't like it.
I believe some training is in order. I don't want to have to report to the DOH.