Who can you trust with RX labeling?

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 3:32 pm

I just got my Rx for my liothyronine refilled and use the Paddock manufacturer to avoid any potential filler risks. I noticed a note on the pamphlet that the manufacturer changed. When I look on the label on the bottle is still says Paddock. I called Walgreens and asked if that possibly meant the ingredients changed? She guessed that the tech put the notification on the pamphlet but used the same label from the previous prescription. I had to raise an eyebrow to that. Now I have to take it back in so they can look at it. The pills are identical and have the same number stamped on them. I'm assuming if it came from another manufacturer then there would be a different unique number. It seems each time I get my thyroid meds refilled there is always some issue. Can it really be that difficult? It is noted in their system that both meds cannot be substituted.

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 8:29 pm

We have to be our own advocate! Good for you for making them check on that!

Pat

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 8:47 pm

Deb
i have been going through similar ?battle, challenge.
New state, new pharmacy, different brands and suppliers...
The looks i get when I question what is being supplied (as it is not what i clearly requested when lodging the scripts), the facial expressions and body language from the staff are like 'even if there is some soy, a little bit wont matter...'

I find that people that have intolerance's themselves or their children/relatives have intolerences, they are fantastic, they get it, they are pro-active about it, they will discuss things with me BEFORE they dispense it.

Post by **tex** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 10:12 pm

Deb,

The numbers stamped on the pills could be the same for various manufacturers, because that number probably identifies the dosage (rather than the manufacturer).

One time about a year ago, I received a pill bottle that contained tablets in the bottom, then a wad of cotton separating them from capsules on top.

This happened when the manufacturer of Metanx changed the formulation from tablets to capsules, and the pharmacy completed the refill with some of both. Apparently, they don't throw anything away.

Tex

DebE13 · Post by **DebE13** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:15 am

Good to know about the numbering. I thought maybe it was specific to the manufacturer. I've already had the cotton ball separator with my entocort and the generic brand and with my levothyroxine. The latter of the two I wouldn't accept. Even with it noted in the computer about not switching, it still happens. I did take the bottle back and it was confirmed there was no substituion made. It was an error since they were out of it when they initially tried to fill it. Keeps me on my toes.

Post by **tex** » Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:58 pm

Deb wrote:Good to know about the numbering. I thought maybe it was specific to the manufacturer.

It probably is. I doubt that there are any industry standards. Some manufacturers distinguish between various dosage levels by color, for example. Double-checking is definitely a good idea, because drug manufacturers like to keep us guessing.

Tex