Syringes @ WalMart

[drummingfool]

I went to Wal Mart today to grab some syringes. Here's basically how it went.

Me: Hi, I need to buy some syringes.
Cashier: Can I see your diabetic card?
Me: What in the world is that?
Cashier: Its a little card that proves you have diabetes.
Me: ...I dont have one.
Cashier: How about a medicalert?
Me: I have one, but the band is broken and its at home.
Cahier: I'm sorry, we cant give you syringes then.

At this point, I got pretty mad. I was completely out of syringes and needed to take my Lantus. Aside from that, I ran out of pens today and now need to take novolog from vials until the first of the year when my insurance kicks in. I NEEDED those syringes. It goes on.

Me: I have NEVER had to provide anyone with any of those things to get my needles.
Cashier. Im sorry sir. Without them I cant sell you needles.
Me: You mean that the only proof you require is something that I can get 2 aisles from here and anyone can buy without question?!
Cashier: I guess, if thats how you want to look at it.

At this point, I whipped out my case of diabetes stuff I keep with me. I opened it up to reveal my monitor, strips, Lantus, Novolog, Lancet device, control solution and spare lancets.

Me: Isnt this enough proof? I have all my prescription meds right here.
Cashier: I'm sorry. If you want, you can go buy a medicalert and come back.
Me: Let me talk to your pharmacist. NOW.

She goes and gets the pharmacist after speaking with him for a second, and the pharmacist calls me to the consultation window.

Pharmacist: Look, were going to do it, THIS time. Next time bring some kind of proof.
Me: Your only proof is something that costs 50 dollars a couple aisles down and is available to ANYONE! This is outrageous!
Pharmacist: Its our way of making sure that drug users dont -
Me: (interrupting) I can appreciate that as much as anyone else, but has it occurred to you that a druggie can buy a medicalert just as easily as I can?
Pharmacist: (quiet)
Me: If you guys are going to enforce this rule, you need at LEAST some kind of sign stating your policy.
Pharmacist: We have a sign right here.

The sign reads something to the effect of: "We require proper ID for the sale of any controlled substance".

Me: A needle is not a CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE! Dear lord, its a device made to transfer medication subcutaneously from a vial to the body!! What is the DEAL here?
Pharmacist: Next time bring ID, we wont have this problem.
Me: Heres your proof. I need THIS (pointing at the lantus and novolog vials) to get in HERE (pointing at my stomach) or else I go to the EMERGENCY ROOM. As I said, I appreciate you trying to keep drug users from getting their fixes, but all youre doing is keeping me from getting what I need.
Pharmacist: Well, go ahead to the register. She'll get you what you need.

Heres where it TRULY gets interesting. A lady in front of me walks up to the register, asks for needles and gets them, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. When I aprroached the register, the cashier had my needles waiting for me. I purchased them and proceeded to ask the cashier -

Me: So... what was up with that lady? You didnt ask her for ID! She could be a druggie!
Cashier: Honestly sir, shes an older lady. Diabetics are older people.
(I exploded here :) )
Me: Are you SERIOUS??!! Im a type 1! Type 1 means JUVENILE ONSET! I've had it for almost a decade! If youre going to work in a pharmacy, learn what youre doing!

So basically I had to spend 20 minutes at the pharmacy for something that shouldve taken a minute or two because Im young. I was in a hurry today, which didnt make anything better. I feel like I was discriminated against just because of my age or appearance.

I think I'll be getting my meds elsewhere from now on. :)

[mell1682]

I went to Wal Mart today to grab some syringes. Here's basically how it went.

Me: Hi, I need to buy some syringes.
Cashier: Can I see your diabetic card?
Me: What in the world is that?
Cashier: Its a little card that proves you have diabetes.
Me: ...I dont have one.
Cashier: How about a medicalert?
Me: I have one, but the band is broken and its at home.
Cahier: I'm sorry, we cant give you syringes then.

At this point, I got pretty mad. I was completely out of syringes and needed to take my Lantus. Aside from that, I ran out of pens today and now need to take novolog from vials until the first of the year when my insurance kicks in. I NEEDED those syringes. It goes on.

Me: I have NEVER had to provide anyone with any of those things to get my needles.
Cashier. Im sorry sir. Without them I cant sell you needles.
Me: You mean that the only proof you require is something that I can get 2 aisles from here and anyone can buy without question?!
Cashier: I guess, if thats how you want to look at it.

At this point, I whipped out my case of diabetes stuff I keep with me. I opened it up to reveal my monitor, strips, Lantus, Novolog, Lancet device, control solution and spare lancets.

Me: Isnt this enough proof? I have all my prescription meds right here.
Cashier: I'm sorry. If you want, you can go buy a medicalert and come back.
Me: Let me talk to your pharmacist. NOW.

She goes and gets the pharmacist after speaking with him for a second, and the pharmacist calls me to the consultation window.

Pharmacist: Look, were going to do it, THIS time. Next time bring some kind of proof.
Me: Your only proof is something that costs 50 dollars a couple aisles down and is available to ANYONE! This is outrageous!
Pharmacist: Its our way of making sure that drug users dont -
Me: (interrupting) I can appreciate that as much as anyone else, but has it occurred to you that a druggie can buy a medicalert just as easily as I can?
Pharmacist: (quiet)
Me: If you guys are going to enforce this rule, you need at LEAST some kind of sign stating your policy.
Pharmacist: We have a sign right here.

The sign reads something to the effect of: "We require proper ID for the sale of any controlled substance".

Me: A needle is not a CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE! Dear lord, its a device made to transfer medication subcutaneously from a vial to the body!! What is the DEAL here?
Pharmacist: Next time bring ID, we wont have this problem.
Me: Heres your proof. I need THIS (pointing at the lantus and novolog vials) to get in HERE (pointing at my stomach) or else I go to the EMERGENCY ROOM. As I said, I appreciate you trying to keep drug users from getting their fixes, but all youre doing is keeping me from getting what I need.
Pharmacist: Well, go ahead to the register. She'll get you what you need.

Heres where it TRULY gets interesting. A lady in front of me walks up to the register, asks for needles and gets them, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. When I aprroached the register, the cashier had my needles waiting for me. I purchased them and proceeded to ask the cashier -

Me: So... what was up with that lady? You didnt ask her for ID! She could be a druggie!
Cashier: Honestly sir, shes an older lady. Diabetics are older people.
(I exploded here :) )
Me: Are you SERIOUS??!! Im a type 1! Type 1 means JUVENILE ONSET! I've had it for almost a decade! If youre going to work in a pharmacy, learn what youre doing!

So basically I had to spend 20 minutes at the pharmacy for something that shouldve taken a minute or two because Im young. I was in a hurry today, which didnt make anything better. I feel like I was discriminated against just because of my age or appearance.

I think I'll be getting my meds elsewhere from now on. :)

My blood is boiling reading this!!! I have NEVER heard of any diabetic having to prove themselves as one. Wow...I'd go above their heads and make a big complaint cuz that is some BS!

[Funnygrl]

I hate WalMart (though ReliOn syringes are my favorite).

For a pharmacist to dispense ANYTHING it's completely at their discretion. They don't need to sell you aspirin if they don't want to.

Syringes are prescription items in many states. In NY you can only buy 10 at a time without a prescription.

The easy solution is to just tell them to call your doctor or get a script to keep on hand next time you see your doctor. Is Walmart where you get your insulin? They should have been able to look up that script.

I agree their rules need to be applied across the board and consistently, though.

[Barberian]

That level of ignorance is unexcusable! :mad: You would think people in the health care industry would know better, even a lowly pharmacy assistant should know better! I suggest contacting BOTH the head pharmacist, AND the head manager for that walmart store. Inform them that you intend to contact the regional manager when you are done talking to them. That usually fixes any problems any time I've had when I've had trouble at a WalMart that wasn't a quick easy fix. I was in anywhere from 5 to 12 stores a week pulling trailers for WalMart for 2 years.

[HuskerMychal]

Things are a bit diff here in Oregon. When I was using meth a friend of mine was a "slammer" (needle user with drugs). and he was always able to walk up and buy a pack or 2 of ten. My insurance pays for most miine and i have a script at both costco and walfart.

BTW, I hate walmart but there script prices sure help the pocket book. Thiugh it is 80 for a month of test strips for me :(

[Eddy]

[ WARNING: Hyperglycemia crankiness in effect ]

Typical Wal-Mart stupidity in action. The same glorious chain will tell one to look for animal repellent in the pets section when you ask in lawn and garden. (That's a first-hand experience.)

And once when I had the test strips filled, they didn't bother to tell me about a stock-out until I arrived at the store. Fortunately, I was able to make it elsewhere five minutes before closing.

I now try to keep plenty of * on hand. Don't depend on apathetic dumb you-know-whats to keep you alive and healthy, or you'll be sadly disappointed.

[Eddy]

Pharmacist: Next time bring ID, we wont have this problem.


I love the way that he tried to pin this on you. I'd have been quite tempted to say, "Next time, think intelligently and we won't have this problem."

I've had problems buying needles in Los Angeles. I've also heard stories that one can take used needles to <some location> and receive new, clean ones free of charge... so that drug users won't spread diseases. Hunh?!

Fortunately: 1) The state where I live usually is more level-headed; 2) I have had syringes/needles prescribed just to be safe; and 3) I re-use needles now, making even a bag of ten go a long ways.

[Eddy]

And 4) I only purchase select few items -- test strips and Novolin R and N -- at Wal-Mart. When the price difference is less substantial than for those items... I happily avoid the place.

Here's a brainstorm that I just had: I know that Novo Nordisk offers a PAP ("Patient Assistance Program"). I wonder... might they be willing to sell Novolin R and N for "retail" at Relion prices via something similar? And Eli Lilly and/or Sanofi Aventis?

[Eddy]

I now try to keep plenty of * on hand. Don't depend on apathetic dumb you-know-whats to keep you alive and healthy, or you'll be sadly disappointed.

P.S.: Here, "*" is meant as a wildcard, like used in computing. It was not intended as a euphamism for profanity.

[Psycho Penguin]

I can see where the store was trying to protect itself. They probably had a fairly recent case and was being a little overprotective. But still.. there's only so much they can do and they're not the police. I'm now worried about purchasing syringes in the future as I am running low myself.

[spinnb7]

the easy answer is not to support the evil corporation with horrible hiring practices that not only destroys family run business, but also treats their employees very poorly.

don't shop at walmart. its a hellhole, a disgusting store.
i have never had this problem at my local pharmacy, be it a chain store, or a privately owned pharmacy.

[IrishJoe]

there is only one solution to walmarts stupidity...

http://rofl.wheresthebeef.co.uk/Kill%20it%20With%20Fire%20Aliens.jpg

[owlyn]

That is truly outrageous. In pennsylvania, we don't have this problem, as you need an Rx to buy syringes. I have two suggestions:

1. Get an Rx for syringes even if it's not needed in your state.
2. If possible, don't support the anti-union, anti-public school, small business destroying, employee-hating Walmart if you can help it.

[sprzepiora]

Walmart is a great store, I go there all the time. The problem you had is with the pharmacist at a particular Walmart, probably not Walmarts policy.

As a previous poster said in NY you "can" get 10 syringes from participating locations, both Walmarts around me participate. I have never had to take them up on that because I have, so far, (knock on wood) been able to keep my supply stocked. I have about 12 months of insulin pens and pentips with probably two months of strips, these are harder to come by.

I suggest you wait until you calm down and go back and talk to someone higher up. I am positive it wasn't a personal attack against you and level heads will prevail. I also suggest finding out your state laws on the matter.

They may be trying to keep themselves from being sued by the mother of an IV drug user or something, you just never know in this day and age what is going on.

Good luck!

[yannah]

ok, but the point here is that someone else got them with ease.

I think it is pure discrimination against you personally.

[duck]

I'm going to have to stop reading threads like this...I think the stupidity of certain "rules" makes my blood sugars rise!

I had a similar problem once buying pen needles...Long story short, I only had my pen on me, and needed to bolus. The pharmacy tech told me they were a controlled substance, and I needed a script. After about ten minutes of arguing, I finally asked if he had a list of controlled substances, and if so, show me those were on there. He did have the list, and they were not on there. He called his HQ, who apparently told him they were not controlled (that's what I think since he wouldn't confirm that with me).

I don't know...Maybe druggies use the excuse "I'm a diabetic" all the time, but being what I am, it sure as **** makes me mad to ever have to justify my needs to anyone.

[Eddy]

I suggest you wait until you calm down and go back and talk to someone higher up. I am positive it wasn't a personal attack against you and level heads will prevail. I also suggest finding out your state laws on the matter.

They may be trying to keep themselves from being sued by the mother of an IV drug user or something, you just never know in this day and age what is going on.


Perhaps someone should alert Wal-Mart higher-ups to this thread. And to the other, where they told me my strip refill Rx was ready... only for me to go and find that they were out of stock.

[HuskerMychal]

This thread made me count needles, 12 left and I use 3 a day. Called in a refill, just hope i can get down to get them. We are snow and iced in here
:(

[Subby]

Not fun at all. Whether you decide to complain or not, I hope your stress comes down, that's the most damaging personal aspect about this kind of thing. Do something to relax and unwind of you can! Idiots abound, bad service happens, ridiculous attitudes are out there, it's not fun, and I too get my blood boiling, but part of the answer is to put outrage and anger behind you to a certain degree.

As a ironic contrast, way back in the day I once had problems getting syringes because I couldn't prove I WAS a druggie. It was a needle exchange program that provided syringes for users. I was nearby and in need of a syringe so I went there. I let slip I was a diabetic and they refused me any syringes. I remember trying to backpedal with something like "what if I was a diabetic AND a user?" but they were having none of it (I suppose I obviously wasn't).

I remember feeling more bemused than upset about that, it was a bizarre experience.

These days in Australia diabetics are very fortunate to get them provided for free through particular outlets or by mail.

[Mich]

Well, you all may want to Google the new law just signed by President Bush that becomes effective Jan 20, 2009. It allows any person associated with health care (including the two encountered by DrummingFool to decide such things according to their own judgement.

It's called the Conscience Rule, and is aimed at restricting women's health issues such as birth control methods and abortion. It is written in extremely broad terms and could easily apply to someone who feels they are "preventing" drug abuse.

I immediately wondered if anyone in my pharmacy might be conscienciously opposed to my genetically engineered Novolog. A stretch? Like DrummingFool, I've been surprised before by ridiculous siturations involving my meds.

This is not intended as a discussion of abortion (oh, please!), but as a heads up for the possibility of future problems such as the one described in this thread.

Mich

[NoelD]

That's a typical "genius" Wal-Mart employee for you....

[Funnygrl]

Well, you all may want to Google the new law just signed by President Bush that becomes effective Jan 20, 2009. It allows any person associated with health care (including the two encountered by DrummingFool to decide such things according to their own judgement.


I'm not familiar with the new law, but this has always been the case. Health care professionals have always been able to use their own judgement and own conscience to decide what they will and will not do. A pharmacist has never been forced to dispense anything, with or without prescription, they don't feel comfortable with. A nurse or doctor has never been forced to do a procedure or give a drug they are not comfortable with.

I doubt this covers pharm techs as they are NOT health care professionals.

If you're not having an issue accessing care now, you won't in the future because of this law as it really changes nothing. From the sounds of it, it's mainly aimed at preventing employers from retaliating against employees that are just using their rights.

Again, a simple prescription would have solved this whole issue.

[Psycho Penguin]

I like how some people decided to turn this topic into another I HATE WAL MART OMG THEYRE EVIL rant. Yes, we all get it already, thanks.

[diabeticballa!]

that sucks i have never heard of anyone asking for a diabeties card......WOW.......they probably though u were gonna like shoot up some drugs or somethin...

[Worldcrzr]

The pharmacy in our local Walmart is never open when I go there so I go to Costco. Syringes are cheap there but they do require a prescription either on file with them or with another pharmacy. Rite Aid wouldn't give me the length I wanted because my doctor hadn't written the prescription that way so I went to CostCo. They called Rite Aid, verified that I had a prescription on file and sold me what I wanted. I'm on a pump but need to keep a supply of syringes as backup.

I believe prescriptions are required when your insurance pays but I'm not sure in California if a prescription is required for syringes if you pay out of pocket. I know a type 1 who buys her insulin and syringes over the counter without a prescription. She has a hassel if she changes pharmacies because they feel she is self-medicating. She doesn't use Novolog, Humalog or Lantus so her insulin doesn't require a prescription.

Other countries are not as paranoid as the U.S. I recently flew from Kenya to California with a woman who had lived in Kenya for 15 years as a missionary. They have to self-medicate and so need to know what medications are available and what they are for. They simply walk into a pharmacy and tell the pharmacist what they need. The pharmacist gives them what they ask for.

I'm not saying we should be that lax with our laws, but saying a bracelet bought a few aisles over would prove diabetes is beyond reason.

[David_S]

Oh my God.. proof .. like your prescription... age as a marker to not ask.. ypu should be contacting Walmart.. HQ's ..maybe the local news. This is beyond reason and I am just pissed

[Mich]

I doubt this covers pharm techs as they are NOT health care professionals.

I hope you will prove to be correct in this issue. I too, am familiar with the current state of the concience rule. The new HHS bill specifically expands, rather loosely the scope of who is covered by the bill.

The full Text of the bill is here along with legal definitions: (Begin with the usual three w url.)

.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-30134_PI.pdf

[lorilei]

glad you got what you needed in the end...good for you for hanging in there and taking the opportunity to educate...

[HuskerMychal]

I doubt this covers pharm techs as they are NOT health care professionals.



They are not but he did state he talked with the Pharmicist and a PharmD IS a health care pro.

[enigmalady777]

How much are the Walmart syringes anyway??

Reason I ask is because I order mine through Amazon.com - the Easy Touch syringes. They're something like 11.75 for a box of 100. No shipping costs either. For me, it's much more convenient to have them sent straight to my house rather than deal with the crowds and sometimes stupid pharmacy clerks at Walmart (I do have a couple of my oral med scripts filled there because its cheaper than my HMO's pharmacy for those particular meds).

The incident Drummingfool encountered was discrimination, pure and simple. It should be reported to Walmart's HQ.

[Erin]

Incredible. I understand them wanting proof. But having vials of insulin and a glucometer seems like better proof than a medic alert bracelet. Also, if they need proof from you they should need proof from everybody. I have a problem with the attitude, not the procedure. And what about "the customer is always right" a simple "sir, is there a doctor's office we could call to verify that you are prescribed insulin?" or even a "I'm sorry sir, this is our procedure" would go a long way. And for heaven's sake ask EVERY person wanting to buy needles without a prescription the same questions (at least when you can be overheard... don't be BLATANT that you're profiling)

[Cassini]

I myself don't use needles but that is really not the point at all. It is surely a discrimination issue. It can be left up to them to decide whether you look like a drug user or not? Who friggin cares. "Nice older looking woman would never be an IV drug user?" I think not. Drug addiction has no boundaries, it has no favourites, it crosses every single age, race, financial level. It just IS.

The idea of making needles unobtainable even for IV drug users is in my opinion simply a failure of a system. It perpetrates the sharing of needles, the overuse of one syringe and the inevitability of passing of any and all sorts of blood transferred diseases. This becomes an unbearable load on the medical system as it just snowballs the issue.

Drummingfool, I would not bother with the Pharmtech and the Pharmacist at all, I would go directly to Walmart Co and email them with the exact situation, exactly as you wrote it here. I would make sure I had the names of the parties involved and I would also make sure they were aware I was doing it. I would make sure you CC a copy of the letter to yourself, print it out and save it for future use. If you do not hear back from them in a decent amount of time, start phoning.

Like you said, the idea of grabbing a medicalert ID two isles over to "prove" that you are indeed not using them for "nefarious" uses is completely out of control. As you also said, anyone can grab one of those... ridiculous. The fact that you had all your supplies with you just makes them look more and more foolish and to me is just the icing on this cake.

I wish you luck with this and hope that you do not encounter this kind of treatment anywhere you go for your supplies. These are life supplies, anybody should/would know this, especially someone in the Pharmaceutical industry at all.

I apologize in advance if this offends anyone, it is after all my opinion on this matter and I am sure there is a chance of some controversy with it. This is a great forum where we come to talk about all sorts of issues, an open forum where discussion is not only informative and interesting but needed to keep the whole idea going.

With that said, I bid you good day, and run off to grab a chill pill:o to stop my heart from racing out of my throat. (hmm, drug addict??!??... perhaps:o ) No need to be the judge... that will come when the time is right.

Cass:T:mad:

[Psycho Penguin]

What makes you think they targeted him and they just don't ask EVERYONE for prescriptions or diabetic cards?

[lorilei]

Psycho...it was the older lady right behind him that was the icing on the cake so to speak...

[Cassini]

Heres where it TRULY gets interesting. A lady in front of me walks up to the register, asks for needles and gets them, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. When I aprroached the register, the cashier had my needles waiting for me. I purchased them and proceeded to ask the cashier -

Me: So... what was up with that lady? You didnt ask her for ID! She could be a druggie!
Cashier: Honestly sir, shes an older lady. Diabetics are older people.
(I exploded here )
Me: Are you SERIOUS??!! Im a type 1! Type 1 means JUVENILE ONSET! I've had it for almost a decade! If youre going to work in a pharmacy, learn what youre doing!


This is what did it for me.

[Eddy]

Walmart is a great store, I go there all the time. The problem you had is with the pharmacist at a particular Walmart, probably not Walmarts policy.


In which case I expect Wal-Mart would take great interest in the incident. Drummingfool, you may wish to alert Wal-Mart to it. Perhaps your dealings with "management" will prove better than mine over the years.


Again, a simple prescription would have solved this whole issue.


Yes, and I agree that the Rx is advisable to remove ambiguity.

However, are needles OTC or Rx-only in Texas? If Rx-only, Drummingfool should have been alerted to this sooner by a doctor or pharmacist. I'll therefore assuming that needles are OTC.

Drummingfool displayed demonstration of Rx-only medications that require syringes to administer. If he had the packages displaying name and Rx number, it's res ipsa loquitur. Wal-Mart consciously made the decision to deny Drummingfool the ability to administer life-sustaining medication. Moreover, they claimed that possession of a shiny piece of metal stamped "diabetic" somehow is better proof than possession of prescription-only medications -- and then applied a different standard to a different patron, citing age as reason.

[Eddy]

I'm no attorney, but

PENAL CODE** CHAPTER 6. CULPABILITY GENERALLY (http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/PE/htm/PE.6.61973.53317.htm)

is interesting.


TITLE 2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

CHAPTER 6. CULPABILITY GENERALLY

Sec. 6.01. REQUIREMENT OF VOLUNTARY ACT OR OMISSION.

(a) A person commits an offense only if he voluntarily engages in conduct, including an act, an omission, or possession.

(c) A person who omits to perform an act does not commit an offense unless a law as defined by Section 1.07 provides that the omission is an offense or otherwise provides that he has a duty to perform the act.

Sec. 6.03. DEFINITIONS OF CULPABLE MENTAL STATES.

(c) A person acts recklessly, or is reckless, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that its disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor's standpoint.

(d) A person acts with criminal negligence, or is criminally negligent, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he ought to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that the failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor's standpoint.

Sec. 6.04. CAUSATION: CONDUCT AND RESULTS.

(a) A person is criminally responsible if the result would not have occurred but for his conduct, operating either alone or concurrently with another cause, unless the concurrent cause was clearly sufficient to produce the result and the conduct of the actor clearly insufficient.


One can find section 1.07 of the Penal Code at

PENAL CODE** CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS (http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/PE/htm/PE.1.61952.53300.htm#61959.53306)

[HuskerMychal]

Took from the web:
In California and Nevada, you assert syringes will be used for diabetic purposes or legitimate purpose. . . CT, IL, ME, NH, NY . These states require a prescription for quantities over 10 syringes. FL, VA . In Florida and Virginia, you assert that you are not a minor. DE, MA, NJ, PA, US Virgin Islands, These states require a prescription.

[drummingfool]

This threads really picked up some steam!

I agree, you guys. I feel like I was discriminated against because of my age. The lady in front of me was probably in her 50s, and required no ID. Thats what really peeved me.

I think Ill be contacting walmart HQ in the next couple days. Some people have suggested I get my needles somewhere else, but Im not about to pay 35 bucks for a box of 100 needles when I can get the same walmart brand for 13. Not gonna happen. :)

[Cassini]

You GO! and please keep us posted as to the results of your efforts.
I agree it picked up steam, I was steamin' when I read it and it really made me feel good in the end! lol

Take care and Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year to you and yours,

Cass:T

[HuskerMychal]

I am going to order mine from Amazon from now on. 12.50 a box and free shipping :). Prolly gonna order 2 or 3 at once.

[barko]

-lol

next time just tell them you need a shot of insulin right away because your BS is like 25.... and then start taking off your clothes while you pretend to call your lawyer on your cell phone.

[Cassini]

LOL barko, good one.

There is always a way to get out or in to shenanigans... they are my favourite!:D

Cass:T

[jillrapp]

In Arizona I can purchase syringes and pen needles without a prescriptions, without any issue at all. I can purchase 800 at a time if I wish (I've done it) and no questions are asked, however, I found a TERRIFIC website where I get my supplies for a smidgen of what I was paying at the pharmacys. Hocks.Com - Diabetic Supplies and More (http://hocks.com/)

I got a box of 100 pen needles for $14.30 and that included shipping. I believe shipping is fixed so would be much cheaper/box if you buy multiple boxes. I just purchased 1 box to see if I liked them, and they are perfect!

I do believe Dustin was discriminated against due to his age, and I agree that a letter to corporate is needed, and if you don't get a reply along with a HUGE apology I would write to your local paper to be put in the editorial section!

I'm sorry you had to go through that.

[HuskerMychal]

I am checking that site out. Close to amazons price but it stomps there price on sharps containers. With both me and other half on the needle a BIG sharps container is needed

[enigmalady777]

Walmart seems to be the lowest priced for the sharps container. I haven't seen it cheaper anywhere else.

The Hocks site is close in price to Amazon as far as the needles go. Amazon is still a little lower and that's including shipping. And they ship really FAST. I usually get my orders in something like two days, max.

[Jules49]

I live in Texas and buy at Wal Mart. I am 59 so guess I look too old to use drugs. Would love to be that young again. It was sometime this year when they made me start paying for syringes at the pharmacy. Guess someone had picked up a box and left them some where in the store. Had to get rid of them. I live almost a hundred miles away from a Wal Mart and do buy many things there and at Sams when I go to see my doctors. I live in a very small town. We do have a pharmacy, a small grocery store, and a Dollar General. I would have thrown a fit if they had asked for a Diabetic ID.

[owlyn]

You don't need a sharps container. You can use an empty Tide bottle, or something similar.

[HuskerMychal]

???????. I always use a sharps container. This way I am assured of proper disposal. I know in my heart no one like a landfill or a transfer station worker is going to be stuck by a needle of mine. These were used by my family even before I had been Dx'ed. My son had been been Dx'ed with Hep C and was on inerferon. It is also a cleaner practice for the enviroment

[kgm0612]

This threads really picked up some steam!

I agree, you guys. I feel like I was discriminated against because of my age. The lady in front of me was probably in her 50s, and required no ID. Thats what really peeved me.
:)

Just a thought.....Could be very possible that she's a regular customer, known to both the pharmacist & the clerk and instead of the clerk giving you that as an answer, she came up with the other lame excuse?


In RI, vials of insulin (pens excluded) do not require a prescription, but syringes & pen needles do.

Karen

[enigmalady777]

You don't need a sharps container. You can use an empty Tide bottle, or something similar.

In the state of California, as of Sept 1, 2008, anyone using injectable medications must use a sharps container to dispose of sharps - syringes, lancets, etc.,or be subject to a fine. I'm not sure how they will be enforcing the new law, but my CDE was required to tell me this since all the printed materials she gave me said a large detergent bottle could be used and she had to put a big "X" through it.

[drummingfool]

Just a thought.....Could be very possible that she's a regular customer, known to both the pharmacist & the clerk and instead of the clerk giving you that as an answer, she came up with the other lame excuse?


In RI, vials of insulin (pens excluded) do not require a prescription, but syringes & pen needles do.

Karen

Wow. Exactly the opposite here. Ive got to have a scrip to get my insulin but not for syringes or needles. I guess they traded out needing a scrip for needles to just giving you a hassle about it. :)

[uhoh]

It's just another examplel of people who don't have enough hudspah to think on their own. Operating out of fear. Just follow.

[HuskerMychal]

I am snowed in and out of needles, Dont have a script at local walfart. I called and yes they have 5/16" 31 gauge 1cc ones, 12.56 a box of a 100 and no script or diabetic proof needed. needed. With the bad meth and herion issues here the local authorities like the idea of clean and no sharing of needles so they have dont ask, dont tell here. (I asked the Pharm Tech why)

[EeyoreButterfly]

Wow... that is just wow. Please let us know what happens after you contact them. That is age discrimination pure and simple, and as such is illegal. Age is considered a protected status. She flat out told you that your age was why she was requiring this nonexistent proof from you and not from the other lady. I would use the word "illegal" and "potential lawsuit" once or twice in your conversation. Sadly, that is typically the only way to get somebody to listen to you.

Diabetes card? What on earth is that even supposed to be? Do they think when we're diagnosed we're given a card to join the secret club? We use it to get in to some swanky night club where all the drinks are made with Splenda? What a dumb concept.

[pandeia]

wow. I can't believe someone who works in a pharmacy wouldn't know that diabetics are ALL ages. But I guess it all depends on the store and where it is and the people who work there. In Hawaii, I had the worst pharmacy on the planet because the people who worked there didn't know what they were doing. But the same store 20 minutes down the road was so precise and knowledgeable, it was amazing. Some people, huh? :confused:

[sprzepiora]

For those talking about sharps container, no need to buy a separate one, check this out:
Ulticare Pen needles (http://www.ulti-care.com/ultiguard_insulinsyringes.html)

They are pen needles with a built in sharps container. Since the needles are covered by insurance, the sharps container is also :)

[barko]

Needle / sharps disposal laws, State-by-State:

Safe Needle Disposal (http://www.safeneedledisposal.org/resslaws.html)

[Type I Tester]

I went to Wal Mart today to grab some syringes. Here's basically how it went.

Me: Hi, I need to buy some syringes.
Cashier: Can I see your diabetic card?
Me: What in the world is that?
Cashier: Its a little card that proves you have diabetes.
Me: ...I dont have one.
Cashier: How about a medicalert?
Me: I have one, but the band is broken and its at home.
Cahier: I'm sorry, we cant give you syringes then.

At this point, I got pretty mad. I was completely out of syringes and needed to take my Lantus. Aside from that, I ran out of pens today and now need to take novolog from vials until the first of the year when my insurance kicks in. I NEEDED those syringes. It goes on.

Me: I have NEVER had to provide anyone with any of those things to get my needles.
Cashier. Im sorry sir. Without them I cant sell you needles.
Me: You mean that the only proof you require is something that I can get 2 aisles from here and anyone can buy without question?!
Cashier: I guess, if thats how you want to look at it.

At this point, I whipped out my case of diabetes stuff I keep with me. I opened it up to reveal my monitor, strips, Lantus, Novolog, Lancet device, control solution and spare lancets.

Me: Isnt this enough proof? I have all my prescription meds right here.
Cashier: I'm sorry. If you want, you can go buy a medicalert and come back.
Me: Let me talk to your pharmacist. NOW.

She goes and gets the pharmacist after speaking with him for a second, and the pharmacist calls me to the consultation window.

Pharmacist: Look, were going to do it, THIS time. Next time bring some kind of proof.
Me: Your only proof is something that costs 50 dollars a couple aisles down and is available to ANYONE! This is outrageous!
Pharmacist: Its our way of making sure that drug users dont -
Me: (interrupting) I can appreciate that as much as anyone else, but has it occurred to you that a druggie can buy a medicalert just as easily as I can?
Pharmacist: (quiet)
Me: If you guys are going to enforce this rule, you need at LEAST some kind of sign stating your policy.
Pharmacist: We have a sign right here.

The sign reads something to the effect of: "We require proper ID for the sale of any controlled substance".

Me: A needle is not a CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE! Dear lord, its a device made to transfer medication subcutaneously from a vial to the body!! What is the DEAL here?
Pharmacist: Next time bring ID, we wont have this problem.
Me: Heres your proof. I need THIS (pointing at the lantus and novolog vials) to get in HERE (pointing at my stomach) or else I go to the EMERGENCY ROOM. As I said, I appreciate you trying to keep drug users from getting their fixes, but all youre doing is keeping me from getting what I need.
Pharmacist: Well, go ahead to the register. She'll get you what you need.

Heres where it TRULY gets interesting. A lady in front of me walks up to the register, asks for needles and gets them, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. When I aprroached the register, the cashier had my needles waiting for me. I purchased them and proceeded to ask the cashier -

Me: So... what was up with that lady? You didnt ask her for ID! She could be a druggie!
Cashier: Honestly sir, shes an older lady. Diabetics are older people.
(I exploded here :) )
Me: Are you SERIOUS??!! Im a type 1! Type 1 means JUVENILE ONSET! I've had it for almost a decade! If youre going to work in a pharmacy, learn what youre doing!

So basically I had to spend 20 minutes at the pharmacy for something that shouldve taken a minute or two because Im young. I was in a hurry today, which didnt make anything better. I feel like I was discriminated against just because of my age or appearance.

I think I'll be getting my meds elsewhere from now on. :)

:eek:

well well well.

You should have known better. walmart employees are brainwashed to be a pain in the preverbial ***.

But I wouldn't have just blown up, I would have taken my syringe and stuck it in her eyeball and pulled out a retina or something that way she wouldn't discriminate by sight.

Then I would have pulled out my crack pipe and lit up in the store LOL.:T

[Type I Tester]

This threads really picked up some steam!

I agree, you guys. I feel like I was discriminated against because of my age. The lady in front of me was probably in her 50s, and required no ID. Thats what really peeved me.

I think Ill be contacting walmart HQ in the next couple days. Some people have suggested I get my needles somewhere else, but Im not about to pay 35 bucks for a box of 100 needles when I can get the same walmart brand for 13. Not gonna happen. :)

man....

I worked at walmart...trust me, the only thing you are goin to get is a gift card for about 20 dollars with a letter of apology.

Trust me. Its walmart policy to be an *******.

I left there cuz working there gave me a couple of bad run ins at the er and I won't be a martyr for the most horrible **** company the world ever created.

They just need to all go shoot themselves at corporate for all I care.

[lorilei]

LOL...walmart by me does not sell medical alert identification....as i found out today! Nor does rite aide...but that is a whole new thread!

[genie86333]

Some Rite-Aids do sell them - that's where I bought mine.

[soso]

???????. I always use a sharps container. This way I am assured of proper disposal. I know in my heart no one like a landfill or a transfer station worker is going to be stuck by a needle of mine. These were used by my family even before I had been Dx'ed. My son had been been Dx'ed with Hep C and was on inerferon. It is also a cleaner practice for the enviroment

I asked at the local pharmacy what the did with the sharps container when I returned it (which I got for free incidentally) and she looked very abashed and said she thought they sent them to the landfill..... (this is in Vancouver Island)
huh?

[soso]

Diabetes card? What on earth is that even supposed to be? Do they think when we're diagnosed we're given a card to join the secret club? .


Strangely enough, when I was dx I WAS given a card by the Diabetes Education Centre.. with an ID number and everything....

At first I laughed and said WTF? But it's not funny really.. I threw it away, who the **** are they to have me carry a card around? I have never had any trouble getting any supplies whatsover, only reason I know when my script has lapsed is when I pick stuff up at Costco and it has a strange Dr name on the label (I think they make them up)

Mind you I am "an older lady, sir" also...in my 50's—s*@#w them! Don't they know 50 is the new 40? I could still do drugs if I wanted to.... one of my rellies does and she is 55..

One time though, I was out shopping after bf and I started to feel really low all of a sudden.. I went to test and found I had strips and lancet but my meter must have fallen out of my bag.. I considered just treating, but didn't want to do so blind as it were. I noticed a drug store across the street so went in and asked if they had a demo one touch I could borrow.. She looked all upset and confused and said no, but I persisted and she brought out a very smart suitcase with all the one touches displayed in foam,...then she said they couldn't get any blood on them as they used them for demo's... er... the blood goes on the strip...my strip.. look here it is...
so I grabbed one and tested before she had a chance to whip it away from me..hahaaha... I was a little low, but not massively , but with more shopping to do I was glad to be able to treat properly and I always check for my kit now, before I set off...

You were SO discriminated against DrummingFool..I don't care what they think about who is and who isn't a user and I think someone else has pointed out all they are doing to users is forcing them to share... seems if a user is buying needles at least they are trying to be responsible..but that's another whole ball of wax...

[HuskerMychal]

I asked at the local pharmacy what the did with the sharps container when I returned it (which I got for free incidentally) and she looked very abashed and said she thought they sent them to the landfill..... (this is in Vancouver Island)
huh?

I don't know if you have a enviromental gov. agency up there but if you do I would ask them abot that practice. Or at least see if they are put through a sterilization process first. I shudder to think of the diaseses that a worker could get from a inadvertant poke.

[soso]

Victoria is still pumping raw sewage out into the sea here...one of the most beautiful places in Canada.. it's an embarrassment.

I will check into that though..but I bet they are just relying on the container to prevent pokes.

[Funnygrl]

It's just another examplel of people who don't have enough hudspah to think on their own. Operating out of fear. Just follow.
You obviously don't work in healthcare.

[mccord89]

Haaa, good ole' wal-mart for you. It's not a day until they've totally screwed someone over. I hate that place anymore, and don't really go there unless it's absolutely necessary. But all in all I'm glad you got your syringes:D

[dgrilli]

[ WARNING: Hyperglycemia crankiness in effect ]

Typical Wal-Mart stupidity in action. The same glorious chain will tell one to look for animal repellent in the pets section when you ask in lawn and garden. (That's a first-hand experience.)

And once when I had the test strips filled, they didn't bother to tell me about a stock-out until I arrived at the store. Fortunately, I was able to make it elsewhere five minutes before closing.

I now try to keep plenty of * on hand. Don't depend on apathetic dumb you-know-whats to keep you alive and healthy, or you'll be sadly disappointed.

This out of Stock thing happens to me regularly at my Walmart not so much for test strips but Humalog and BD Syringes. I like these the best as I will use Symlin at times.

They are never proactive and I have been keeping my BG's down there pretty good so "Hyperglycemia Crankiness in Effect" is an understament I worry if I might loose it in public and get arrested and thrown in jail.

The State of Pa makes you have a script to get Syringes even for Diabetics and they are pretty strict so I guess I will just have to die or get a free tour if I have no script.

I'm just not sure I could have been as patient as the original poster of this thread, Hats Off To You.

Also if my scripts are running out they will weight till I call or come in to drop the bomb.

[soso]

a blog called violent acres dot com has a pretty funny post called 'what would happen if you bought 25 bottles of nyquil' ... it made me think of this thread ..I did not post the link as not sure if it's allowed but should be easy enough to find...

[Joanie]

wow, my blood is boiling reading that encounter. I am in shock, wow.

[HuskerMychal]

a blog called violent acres dot com has a pretty funny post called 'what would happen if you bought 25 bottles of nyquil' ... it made me think of this thread ..I did not post the link as not sure if it's allowed but should be easy enough to find...

You try to but that much here they would at the least ask for your ID and take it down. Most likely they would either refuse you or have you tailed by police to find out where you are cooking your meth

[j4brown]

Drummingfool,
I work for Walmart with our customer service department and want to thank you for your recent comments. I read your post and I am disappointed that you had this experience. My goal is that every day, our associates in our stores serve our customers in respectful and prompt manner. I've addressed this issue with our District Teams in the Houston area and across the state of Texas. Should you have any more concerns please contact us at 1-800-Walmart so that we can further assist you.

[harmon15]

This is the first time I have replied to anything. Just joined the forum yesterday and am not quite sure if I'm doing this correctly. But, I think the pharmacists and cashiers should give needles to everyone and anyone --even if they are a "druggie" --at least they can USE a clean needle and perhaps avoid AIDS! Doesn't that sound smarter than having the druggies out on the streets using DIRTY needles. Just think what it costs everyone in the treatment and prevention of aids. GIVE THEM the clean needles.

Harmon 15

[drummingfool]

Drummingfool,
I work for Walmart with our customer service department and want to thank you for your recent comments. I read your post and I am disappointed that you had this experience. My goal is that every day, our associates in our stores serve our customers in respectful and prompt manner. I've addressed this issue with our District Teams in the Houston area and across the state of Texas. Should you have any more concerns please contact us at 1-800-Walmart so that we can further assist you.

I must say... wow.

Its a relief to see everyone being so proactive with this. It really was a stupid encounter, and I appreciate you taking some time out of your day to make it a little easier on all the diabetics. j4brown, wal-mart is lucky to have an emplyee like you.

[walleyedave]

This is the first time I have replied to anything. Just joined the forum yesterday and am not quite sure if I'm doing this correctly. But, I think the pharmacists and cashiers should give needles to everyone and anyone --even if they are a "druggie" --at least they can USE a clean needle and perhaps avoid AIDS! Doesn't that sound smarter than having the druggies out on the streets using DIRTY needles. Just think what it costs everyone in the treatment and prevention of aids. GIVE THEM the clean needles.

Harmon 15

I can't belive this one. I would have blown a gasket on the cashier. How ignorant in so many ways.
I agree with Harmon keeping users from clean needles will only worsen the spread of things like HIV and AIDS.
You handled it pretty cool though.
Hopefully they (walmart)gets this fixed right away. Thanks to
j4brown.

[lugnut48]

Bought some syringes today without a problem at Walmart (was actually nervous that they'd want something to prove I was diabetic.)

It very well could have been either your state (TX) or that particular Walmart. I sure hope problems like these aren't everywhere - but I'm sure they are.

[lgvincent]

I'd just go somewhere else. A pharmacist where I used to do business gave me a hard time with NPH insulin (saying I needed a prescription when I didn't AND I had been buying it there for YEARS) and syringes so I just went to another pharmacy and have never been back there.

[Delphinus]

That is unbelievable.

Even an employee, should know enough, someone working behind the counter of a pharamacy especially, be it a pharamacy tech, the pharamacist, or just a cashier.

You should have also stated a drug addict can also steal those bracelets.

****, why not let drug addicts by CLEAN needles?

Wouldn't that be a responsible thing to do?

[Delphinus]

Wow...

"D ang" is censored? It's not even a swear.:eek:

[HuskerMychal]

I went to a diff walmart and wanted to try something tonight. I was out of syringes to I go up to the pharmacy and ask for a box of 100, 5/16",1cc, 31 gauge. They didn't even hesitate, just grabed the box and told me $12.78, would i like to pay up front or here?. I said up front, handed me the box and away I went to finish shopping.

[lorilei]

lol mychal...me thinks you are in the mood to challenge!

[HuskerMychal]

lol mychal...me thinks you are in the mood to challenge!

Always Lori, always. Remember dont trust anyone over 40 and question authority