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Original poster

The pharmacy wouldn't sell me codeine and now I'm upset.

153 replies

Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 15:18

I'm not sure if I was wrong for wanting it.

A couple of weeks ago I slipped in the bath and damaged a tendon in the back of my knee. I can't bend my leg or lock my leg straight.

The pain varies day to day but it's slowly getting better. Last night I had a bad night. No matter what position I was in the pain was radiating up my thigh and down my calf and my ankle. I could only get comfy in one position which has now created a stiff neck.

I'm in work today and struggling. I took pain killers last night and this morning but they haven't had any effect.

I went to the pharmacy across the road and asked the woman behind the counter for some painkillers slightly stronger. She said she would need to check with the pharmacist. She went I've and whispered something to him and he came over and quite bluntly said 'I'm not selling you codeine'. He gave me deep heat and told me to rub it on the pain. Except the pain is all over my leg and in my neck where I can't reach.

I've not actually asked for codeine, just something stronger that paracetamol....I've not washed my hair either and I'm wearing dirty work clothes.

He thought I was an addict didn't he?

OP posts:
Mads123 · 30/04/2022 16:12

I work in a pharmacy and I think it is wrong how they've handled this, but I do think you need to be seen as the pain is getting worse not better. That would be the only reason I may not have sold the co-codamol, not because of suspected abuse.

tomatoandherbs · 30/04/2022 16:14

Wereeaglesdare · 30/04/2022 16:12

@tomatoandherbs your post really is not helpful why u on this thread? Do you want to feel like a superior being because you haven't had the misfortune of being in incredible pain that only opiods will fix. Medication is there for a reason.

I told the OP she should not feel mortified

he is a medical professional doing his job. He had nothing to gain but lost a sale.

no one right or wrong on this scenario.

Moser85 · 30/04/2022 16:17

Mads123 · 30/04/2022 16:12

I work in a pharmacy and I think it is wrong how they've handled this, but I do think you need to be seen as the pain is getting worse not better. That would be the only reason I may not have sold the co-codamol, not because of suspected abuse.

What?
Do you mean you would not have suspected abuse in this case?
Or that you wouldn't refuse it even if you suspected abuse?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
jeffgoldblum · 30/04/2022 16:17

I have severe scoliosis which even the highest strength painkillers from my doctor couldn't help! I also recommend voltorol it really works ( I get the strongest , you need to ask at the counter) it works on neck and leg and joint pain .
Please try it 👍

5128gap · 30/04/2022 16:17

Yes OP, he thought you were a codeine addict. Codeine occupies a strange position in the UK, legal yet very widely abused. Pharmacists use their discretion when it's requested as to whether it may be being abused. They judged you on your hair and clothes. If you need codeine you need to go smartly dressed and look 'respectable'. (But do take care, its much easier to fall in love with it than it is to LTB.)

Original poster
Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 16:17

Thanks for all the advice. I will go back to the GP and try a different pharmacy in the meantime.

Originally the GP said tendon damage, could take weeks to heal and sent me on my way with instructions to go back if it didn't get better, which it isn't.

I'll have to go back.

I hate all this, GPS, Pharmacies etc. Due to the autism it took me a lot of courage to go in in the first place. Agony was the driving force. Then to be spoken to like that, plus the whispers. It broke me. 😕

OP posts:
Mummyoflittledragon · 30/04/2022 16:19

Can you take a quick shower, then go to another pharmacy wearing a face mask? Hopefully that way you won’t be judged. You should be taking the painkillers constantly as they build up in your system and will take the pain off better. So if you can get hold of cocodamol, do this along with ibuprofen. Then switch to paracetamol and ibuprofen in a few days to see if you can manage without the codeine. And as others have said, you need to get yourself checked out face to face.

gianaInfertilitySucks · 30/04/2022 16:21

That's annoying, you were in pain and they just let you be this way?

jeffgoldblum · 30/04/2022 16:21

@Pumpkinstace
Please don't let this upset you , it doesn't matter what anyone thinks , sometimes I walk around looking like a total bag lady !
I'm sure you didn't look that bad anyway! Flowers( please try the volterol it's like magic , I smear it all over sometimes! Grin)

Original poster
Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 16:23

It's 'Ibuleve 10%' that's he's given me, not deep heat.

It's taken the edge off quite a bit if I'm honest. Still got a sore neck though because I can't lift my hand high enough to reach.

I should go home but I can't afford not to work.

OP posts:
jeffgoldblum · 30/04/2022 16:26

@Pumpkinstace
Ok I believe isn't as good but I've used it , you can't reach neck?
Is no one around at all to help?
Can you manipulate one or other arm to reach ?
( I've had to contort too in the past !)

jeffgoldblum · 30/04/2022 16:27

Sorry spelling!

AppaTheSixLeggedFlyingBison · 30/04/2022 16:28

Try another pharmacy but note that you can't take it more than 3 days in a row because it's addictive so best to also ring up the GPs straight away on Tuesday and demand an emergency appointment. Hope you feel better soon

NoddyMcdoddy · 30/04/2022 16:28

If it makes you feel better I’ve been refused codeine before when I’ve been very well dressed, make up on, washed hair. At the time I did have a codeine dependency so I just went to another pharmacy to get it. In hindsight I recognise that my dependency and misuse of codeine has lead to others who require it being denied it.

dianthus101 · 30/04/2022 16:29

There isn't much codeine in the preparations that you can buy so you need to see your GP. Take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time (obviously do not take more than recommended dose of either) and make an appointment with your GP.

dianthus101 · 30/04/2022 16:31

Love all the top tips for getting codeine if you're an addict by the way.

Mads123 · 30/04/2022 16:35

Moser85 · 30/04/2022 16:17

What?
Do you mean you would not have suspected abuse in this case?
Or that you wouldn't refuse it even if you suspected abuse?

Show quote history

It would depend on the circumstances but it is very rare to refuse sale, it is only after we have seen a patient buy it many times. We would ask them to go to the Dr's as they will be able investigate and manage their pain better.

dianthus101 · 30/04/2022 16:35

5128gap · 30/04/2022 16:17

Yes OP, he thought you were a codeine addict. Codeine occupies a strange position in the UK, legal yet very widely abused. Pharmacists use their discretion when it's requested as to whether it may be being abused. They judged you on your hair and clothes. If you need codeine you need to go smartly dressed and look 'respectable'. (But do take care, its much easier to fall in love with it than it is to LTB.)

Having worked in many pharmacies in the past, addicts nearly always dress nicely so doubt that is the reason OP was refused. More likely the counter assistant recognised her as she has bought co-codamol frequently before.

Idontgiveashitanymore · 30/04/2022 16:36

You can have cocodamol at any pharmacist I get mine from Asda .

Theunamedcat · 30/04/2022 16:38

Ibuleve? That's gel based ibuprofen isn't it?

Don't take any more ibuprofen tablets if it is you might OD

Ring 111 and they can give you a prescription sent to your chemist of stronger painkillers

5128gap · 30/04/2022 16:48

dianthus101 · 30/04/2022 16:35

Having worked in many pharmacies in the past, addicts nearly always dress nicely so doubt that is the reason OP was refused. More likely the counter assistant recognised her as she has bought co-codamol frequently before.

Show quote history

Codeine addicts come from all walks of life. There isn't a dress code. Codeine is very popular amongst the street sleeping community mixed with alcohol. People addicted to illegal drugs also frequently use codeine to take the edge off if they're unable to access their drug of choice.

Gwenhwyfar · 30/04/2022 16:48

"I work alone. I didn't need to shower for other people's comfort so I skipped it this morning. My hair is greasy.

I wasn't wearing m make up and was a bit dusty. "

I doubt the pharmacist even noticed this.

5128gap · 30/04/2022 16:49

dianthus101 · 30/04/2022 16:31

Love all the top tips for getting codeine if you're an addict by the way.

I wouldn't worry, codeine addicts already know them.

HollysBush · 30/04/2022 16:52

OP didn’t ask for codeine, just if there was anything stronger that would help her pain. Sorry you were treated like that OP, glad the ibuprofen gel is helping.

Original poster
Pumpkinstace · 30/04/2022 17:01

dianthus101 · 30/04/2022 16:35

Having worked in many pharmacies in the past, addicts nearly always dress nicely so doubt that is the reason OP was refused. More likely the counter assistant recognised her as she has bought co-codamol frequently before.

Show quote history

Great assumption there.

I've never been to that pharmacy before and I've not bought (or taken) and codiene for about 3 years. I didn't even ask for codeine.

A colleague has arrived at work and I was explaining to him what happened and he said the same thing happened to him at the same pharmacy a few months ago. He thinks they have a problem there.

OP posts: