To report this?

[Thamigumathacharaid]

I'm unsure what to do. This afternoon, I received a text message from my local chemist informing me that my prescription was going to be delivered. I'm caring for a six week old so didn't pay much attention. Later on this afternoon, a bag arrived with the following: Zapain, Amitryptilene, Dihydracodeine and a massive bottle of Oramorph. I do have a pain condition so have been on these recently. However, only the Zapain and the Amitryptilene are on my repeat prescription list. The rest are not. I've not requested any new medication and I'm concerned that such a large amount of strong painkillers can be dispensed without speaking to a doctor. My partner thinks I should just keep it and do nothing else. I think I should report it as these combined are enough for someone to overdose. There was 500ml of the Oramorph, 100 Zapain, 30 Amitryptilene and 60 Codeine.

I just found it alarming that so much would be dispensed at the same time and without me requesting it.

YABU - don't report it
YANBU - report it.

Which items did you request from the pharmacy?

They may have mixed up the prescpriptions and someone may be awaiting their pain meds. You should let the pharmacy know there's been an error

Let the pharmacy know. They'll probably still dispose of it though as it's left there and they can't be sure it's not been tampered with.

I would have phoned the pharmacy straight away. Someone has messed up.

I requested the Zapain on Monday but I collected this. I checked the bag that was delivered and also each box/bottle of medication. They all had my name/DOB plus I received a text message informing me of the imminent arrival. I just found it a bit alarming. I didn't report it straight away as my partner answered the door and I didn't open the bag until after the pharmacy had shut.

Just one of those things that happens I guess.

Of course you should let them know.

Just let them know what happened?

Do you have web access to your doctor's to view your repeat prescription? Check that, or call the doctors if not. No point berating the pharmacy if they're just following what's been sent to them.

Your worry about overdosing seems alarmist. You can do yourself serious to fatal damage with a couple of packets of paracetamol; if I took even a weeksworth of my meds at once my heart would stop. That sort of thing is why prescription meds are prescription meds not buy a pack of 24 in Sainsbury's. Medicines can kill if used inappropriately; they're used because of their metabolic action.

That is worrying especially the oramorph. Get hold of them as soon as you can. They need to come and pick it up. They’ve probably had 2 similar prescriptions come up for same items and switched them by mistake. It can happen. It’s the oramorph that worries as in my pharmacy it takes 2 people to double check and sign it off and I always have to tell them my name and address etc. Hope you get it sorted.

That's some seriously strong pain relief. In the wrong hands that could certainly be very dangerous. Obviously it wasn't meant for you, so I would definitely contact the pharmacy and explain the mix up, as someone somewhere is going to be without there's. If you don't inform the pharmacy then the other person won't get their pain relief, as they'll just be told their prescription has been dispensed. And it has, to the wrong person.

theirs

Those would have some street value wouldn't they? I'd be concerned about fraud.

Did it all have your name on it? If so its a doctors error not a pharmacy one, they would have dispensed what came through on a prescription for you so you need to check with your gp not complain about the pharmacy doing their job. If it didnt have your name on it then yes let the pharmacy know so they can collect it and investigate it.

? howso fraud.

OP has already stated that each item was labelled with her name and d.o.b.

I've had the wrong prescription once. My parents did a couple of times too. It happens occasionally, but you do need to report it back to the pharmacy.

It sounds like you may have been accidentally given someone else's prescription, and they may still be waiting for it

@alexdgr8

OP has already stated that each item was labelled with her name and d.o.b.

I was given someone else's items with my name and date of birth on. My parents were given items with each other's names and dates of birth on.

Speak to the GP . if your names on it then your Dr's prescribed it They may ask you to return some to the pharmacy.

Given the street value and potential for fatal overdose you absolutely should report it. There are meant to be really strict protocols over the handling of opiates and these have been badly missed. What if you had been a recovering addict or struggling with your memory? Could have been incredibly nasty not to mention this is a massive waste of resources

You need to let the pharmacy and GP know. Something has gone wrong if opiates have been misprescribed.

Your prescription should be with the drugs, check the name on it against the medication, but surely you know if you have been prescribed it?

I find it bizarre that you even need to ask?

Just call them and say you got some stuff that wasn't for you.

Not tricky surely.

@CharlotteRose90

That is worrying especially the oramorph. Get hold of them as soon as you can. They need to come and pick it up. They’ve probably had 2 similar prescriptions come up for same items and switched them by mistake. It can happen. It’s the oramorph that worries as in my pharmacy it takes 2 people to double check and sign it off and I always have to tell them my name and address etc. Hope you get it sorted.

It should not be happening, Oramorph is a controlled drug which requires 2 qualified staff to check and administer.

I'll have the amitriptyline, my dog is on it

'Report' it to whom? I'd just call the pharmacy and let them know a mistake has been made.