AIBU to think pharmacists shouldn't be allowed to push "alternative" concoctions?

[radioactive]

Our local pharmacy, in a well-to-do outer-London suburb, is very popular - a bit of a local institution. It's always busy and everyone raves about how wonderful it is. The owner (who is one of about 4 pharmacists who work there) stocks a lot of alternative medicines and makes and sells his own line of alternative remedies and food supplements too, and he doesn't waste any opportunity in peddling them. He's particularly interested in skincare products and when my kids were young I admit to spending a small fortune on a variety of eczema treatments, but then I became a bit wiser, especially when he tried to sell me a treatment for my DS2's molluscum, contrary to published NHS advice.

Today I went in to get a prescription for a mirena coil and rather than just giving it to me he took me aside for a conversation about how it might affect my skin - he said he sees lots of women with skin problems when they start using it, and it's an area of interest to him. I didn't give him the chance to sell me anything - I was a bit embarrassed frankly as the shop was busy with mums from my DCs' school and he has a very loud voice - so I cut the conversation short and got out as quickly as I could.

Aren't pharmacists bound by some sort of code of conduct over this sort of thing? If people come in and ask for something alternative then that's one thing - but this guy is using his trusted position as a registered pharmacist to "advise" on a range of alternative remedies.

[acasualobserver]

I suppose people vote with their feet, don't they? If a pharmacist tried to flog me snake oil I'd just use a different one next time. Obviously his customers are partial to a bit of nonsense.

[Bubble2bubble]

He is entitled to discuss possible side effects with you.
Equally, he could point you in the direction of an enclosed side effect leaflet and suggest you read it, which, given the type of prescription and a shop full of people is what I believe most would tend to do.
If you came to him saying you were worried about your skin because of the prescription you had been given then that is an entirely different matter.
Sounds ethically quite dodgy to me I'm afraid.

[Barmaid101]

Report report report, this sounds dodgy, and that is coming from a wife of a pharmacist.

[BumWad]

I think he is crossing the pharmacist barrier just a tad. There's telling you about side effects then there's trying to sell you products. Hmm doesn't bode well with me either

[ComeonSummer1]

As a side issue who is putting in your mirena coil if you are picking up the prescription?

I wouldn't discuss anything personal with a pharmacist in public. He sounds daft.

[hollinhurst84]

It's quite common to have to collect it. I had to get my copper coil

[radioactive]

Yes, you have to collect it, then take it to the GP for fitting. They don't keep them in stock because it involves more paperwork.

Report where Barmaid101?

[mrssmith79]

Very inappropriate. Have a look here - might clarify procedures for reporting if needed:
www.pharmacyregulation.org/

[ForeverLivingMyArse]

Is it aloe Vera stuff he's flogging?

[ComeonSummer1]

Fair does. Mine fitted in hospital. No
Prescription.

Op he sounds weird.

[FattieDoc]

Report what exactly barmaid?🤔
Report him for telling her the SIde effects? Really?

[Galanta]

YANBU. This is one of my bugbears. When pharmacists sell homeopathic remedies and anything else a bit woo, it lends those products much undeserved credibility. This guy is a step beyond, though. Definitely consider reporting him!