Started HRT! But not the best experience picking up my prescription!

[diane 2606]

There are recent changes in FDA regulations about the legal responsibility of the pharmacist to be able to assure himself that the patient has a clear understanding of the effects of any pharmaceutical he dispenses, and that the patient has either been counseled or has denied, in writing, the need for counsel.

Would you mind disclosing in which state this occurs? I live and get all my scripts in Ohio. I've never heard of anything like this. Thanks.

[Kacie Lynne]

congrats on getting started,
sorry to hear you had a little trouble,
i happened to get lucky and the pharmacist i go through is right inside the clinic i go to and they are very understanding and always use my chosen name except whats printed on my bottles and scripts

[AnonyMs]

There are recent changes in FDA regulations about the legal responsibility of the pharmacist to be able to assure himself that the patient has a clear understanding of the effects of any pharmaceutical he dispenses, and that the patient has either been counseled or has denied, in writing, the need for counsel.  He is also legally responsible to assure himself that the amount of any pharmaceutical dispensed is more or less than the normal amount dispensed for the time period of the prescription.  For an established patient, or in a busy chain pharmacy, much of this is pro forma, but at my pharmacy I do have to sign each month an electronic form stating that I have rejected counseling.  Even from mail-order pharmacies, when I have a script for a new med of any sort, not just HRT, I have received calls from their pharmacist asking if I know what I doing taking this med.

I can't understand this. Isn't that what the doctor who writes the prescription is for? I can understand checking for forged prescriptions, but the rest seems redundant.

It would seem more likely that its the amount of litigation in the USA, except they are doing it in Australia as well.

I'd believe it if it was the pharmacists trying to raise artificial barriers to competition to keep profits high. Money seems to be a universal motive.

[XKimX]

The state where I have had this experience is California.  I believe that this is also the state where most designer drugs, except for meth, are produced.

[diane 2606]

Thanks, Kim. The US's FDA doesn't require that as far as I can tell, but California has the right to make dispensing pharmaceuticals more restrictive.

[greencoloredpencil]

I didn't even know you could get a preferred name on a script. All mine have my male name on them still, so unless I go to a trans clinic to fill them, I get weird looks from whoever I go to.

I wish at this point that my male name had just been on it. That would have been easier I think. The reason it was printed "first began name (preferred name) last legal name" was because I went to a clinic that serves trans patients where it was standard to be addressed by your chosen name, even if not yet legally changed. I didn't request this specifically. It sure turned out being more trouble than it was worth.

[jessilynn]

I agree with Dena here -__- thats for one just FULLY unprofessional... two it's FULLY illegal. I mean it goes against H.I.P.A.A Regulations. And yes H.I.P.A.A also goes for pharmacists too.

If I were you, I would talk to the manager of the store about it stating that you felt uncomfortable and that it was a violation.

And in turn switch your pharmacy. Target is normally pretty good by the way.
Just stay away from Walmart, they hate trans people... at least at the 4 by me. I have had the manager at one tell me to exit the store just for being in the make up aisle.

[Deborah]

I get mine from Walmart and haven't had any issues other than talking to the pharmacist the first time.  Even that wasn't unpleasant after I told him what the pills were for.  And, believe it or not that's in Georgia.


Sapere Aude

[greencoloredpencil]

Thanks for the helpful replies everyone. I think my best option is to have it filled at the pharmacy at my university's medical center. I think they're more likely to be respectful, and if they're not there is greater accountability there. The only reason I didn't initially do this is that I got caught up in the excitement of getting my prescription and wanted to start immediately. I wouldn't have been able to start until today had I waited to fill it there.

[jessilynn]

I get mine from Walmart and haven't had any issues other than talking to the pharmacist the first time.  Even that wasn't unpleasant after I told him what the pills were for.  And, believe it or not that's in Georgia.


Sapere Aude

I'm glad your experience was good. I've just not had good experiences at walmart -__-
Talking with the head pharmacist in private is NOT against the law. You just don't want customers hearing it. The pharmacist associate was probably just trying to clarify some things.

[Ashey]

Grats on getting things started. I remember the first few times I got my 'mones, it was pretty awkward. Voice didn't pass yet, but I was starting to dress like a lady... was getting ma'am'd about half the time after a lil while but I clearly remember them practically shouting 'Sir! Your prescription is ready!' and people were looking around and then looking at me when I got up.... Guhhh.... However, a few months ago at the same pharmacy, I was dropping off my prescription and this lady got confused when she saw 'male' in my info, and immediately changed it without question. Clearly it was an error. Things'll get better!