Woman on the Sainsbury's pharmacy counter

[SoggyBottomBoys]

Shopping in big Sainsbury's this morning with baby. Tried to buy some Solpadeine at the counter. Have been suffering from various post-birth complications and SPD that's flared up pretty badly (I was basically hobbling). Conversation (in full earshot of 3 people queuing behind) goes like this:
Pharmacy assistant: Have you taken this before?
Me: yes
PA: Are you on any other medications?
Me: No.
PA what are you taking it for?
Me: I'd rather not discuss that.
PA: Then I can't sell this to you.

And she refused to sell it to me! Unless I told her what was wrong with me. Which (because I was really annoyed/emotional by this point) I refused to do. So I walked off almost in tears and now have to lug myself to a chemist to buy some when I can frankly barely walk.

Am I right in thinking she crossed a line here? The first two questions are completely fine. I have no problem with being warned of side effects, don't take for more than 3 days, etc. But the third one just seemed so intrusive, especially in public when it's a woman who clearly has a small baby they have recently given birth to. They can't demand you tell them what's wrong with you...can they?!

Tell me if IABU... as I am so cross I'm considering complaining.

I didn't want to discuss my symptoms with her, in private or otherwise

Then you'll have to accept that they won't sell you an addictive drug. They're hardly asking because they really want to. Think how many times a day they have to ask the same boring repetitive questions.

That is appalling and very unprofessional. Nope, it is a pharmacist doing her job, in accordance with the law.

Since when has it been decreed that the public must submit to intrusive public questioning by people with zero empathy or people skills? Ignoring the assumptions about the pharmacist's character - since supermarkets decide to have pharmacies and no private spaces. Many chemists lack private space too, so OP would have been asked the same question in the same manner had she gone to a local pharmacy!

It's no use getting het up about it, codeine is a restricted drug! A simple sentence, lacking any detail, was all that was needed!

Since when has it
been decreed that the public must submit to intrusive public questioning
by people with zero empathy or people skills?

She asked "what are you taking it for?" not "How much do you weigh because you look a bit fat."

Jesus.

OP you're feeling sensitive, by your own admission. There 100% would have been a private room for you to go to. This woman did nothing wrong.

It does annoy me too especially as these people have no medical or pharmacological training so would they actually even know what you were referring too and if that was the appropriator medication otherwise.

I'm surprised that you're surprised. Why did you think the counter is there? It's to stop people picking up and buying no questions asked.

I'm a pharmacist. It's fair enough for the pharmacy assistant to ask why you're using it as medicines are licensed to be used for certain medical conditions but not for others.
Codeine containing products are often abused and sometimes can make problem worse rather that better (for example they can worsen headaches if used too often). Sounds like she could have been a little more sensitive with her questioning style though and most pharmacies, even those in supermarkets, should have a private consultation area she could have offered.
She may have also wanted to check whether you're breast feeding as codeine containing products can't be sold over the counter to BF mothers.

It is the point Soggy , because you wouldn't discuss why you wanted the painkillers because you were embarrassed. If you had said it was for SPD they would have sold them to you and you'd have nothing to complain about.

What made the woman officious?

She was asking because she has to. Do you really think she actually gives a shit or is even slightly interested in the reason?

I'd have been upset too OP! Not sure if there is such a thing as a private consulting room in the middle of Sainsbury's but she should have at least been a lot more diplomatic. I can imagine how busy it was on a Saturday afternoon you poor soul.

I've had some bizarre conversations with pharmacists recently.
I went in to get DSs ABs for a UTI. He'd got a temp and tummy ache and the pharmacist refused to sell me Calpol unless he was 'in pain or had a temperature'.

I'm confused.

Pharmacy workers are obligated to ask questions before the sale of certain items - opiates being amongst them. What is there to be upset about here? In the nicest possible way, I think you need to get a grip.

It does annoy me too especially as these people have no medical or pharmacological training so would they actually even know what you were referring too and if that was the appropriator medication otherwise. Erm!!!

Oh, never mind. The answer is too obvious and life is too short!

Also Snuggly "these people", certainly in Boots and almost definitely on pharmacy counters in supermarkets, ARE specially trained. I can only speak personally for Boots but it was a long course with many modules and exams before I was qualified to give healthcare advice.

Codeine in the dosages sold over the counter is not restrictive.

I just lie. 'Back pain' or headache. I used to have to buy sleep aids here (now I get them in teh US) and would get the third degree. The real reason I need them is because of some very heinous PTSD from child bereavement.

I buy solpadeine and have never been asked this

I would have phoned them up and asked why you were asked this question, if the assistant was told to ask this they sainsburys should explain why

my guess is she wasnt told to do this and needs told to stop it

I'd have slunk away too op, too embarrassing to stand up for yourself in the middle of sainsburys with the queue watching

The sales assistant was quite right to ask, as other have said it contains an opiate based painkiller. Additionally, you would also have been warned to not take it with any other products containing paracetamol, and received some helpful advice that it's can cause constipation, something which I'm guessing you'd be keen to avoid right now! Plus, if you're breastfeeding, the pharmacist would need to check you understood the risks. We can't sell it without following our procedures, or we ourselves are risking our jobs.

I buy Solpadeine regularly at a variety of chemists (I'm not an addict).

They ask if I've used it before and whether I'm taking other meds. Never been asked what it's for. She overstepped.

The ones in my local pharmacy certainly are not trained. They couldn't answer a previous customers question of whether paracetamol and ibuprofen interact or are safe to take together

Just to add that if you had told the assistant/pharmacist why you were using it they would have to refuse the sale and refer you to the GP as it's not licensed for over the counter sale for SPD.
I don't know why anyone would assume a pharmacist has no pharmacological knowledge or medical training. They've studied for a four year Masters of pharmacy degree and completed a years pre-registration training and then passed an exam to allow them to register.

She wasn't doing her job, she was being unprofessional. If its a P med and not GSL then a pharmacist can ask relevant questions and determine sale, but they should do it in a way that is discreet and appropriate.
It is not for counter staff to quiz customers on why they need OTC meds in full earshot of the entire shop.

yanbu.

YABU she was doing her job!

I don't know why anyone would assume a pharmacist has no pharmacological knowledge or medical training. They've studied for a four year Masters of pharmacy degree and completed a years pre-registration training and then passed an exam to allow them to register

I don't know why anyone would either, but since nobody has, what is your point?

It seems a bit nonsensical as if I was a rampant codeine abuser, I'd probably have been well prepared for the question and had a made up answer down pat.

I'm obviously being over sensitive and clearly she was just doing her job, although her manner left a lot to be desired. And I'm still not convinced you HAVE to tell the assistant what's wrong with you on pain of being refused sale. I've certainly bought these before in my life and never had anyone demand I tell them my symptoms!