A concern of many pharmacists in Southern California is the abuse of prescription pain medications. This has led to additional scrutiny for patients trying to get these medications from the local pharmacy in San Pedro . For example, people who are addicted to pain medications may try to submit fake prescriptions for painkillers. In some instances, they steal blank prescription pads. Others are going to multiple doctors and trying to get as many pain medications as possible within a short period of time. Some who are addicted need a high number of pills in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Pharmacists cannot allow those who are addicted to get access to prescription pain medications.
Because of the problems related to prescription pain medications, there are additional processes for the pharmacy in San Pedro to dispense the medicine. As soon as the pharmacist sees the paper prescription for pain medications, he or she needs to be sure that the prescription is legitimate. In some instances, the pharmacist will recognize the handwriting of the physician or dentist that wrote the prescription. In many instances, the pharmacist does not recognize the handwriting. If there are no other issues with the prescription, the pharmacist will fill the order. If there is any reason to doubt the paper prescription, the pharmacist will need to call the prescribing doctor to verify the prescription. There are computer databases that pharmacists check as well to make sure that only legitimate patients get their scripts filled. All of this takes time.
Patients who are filling prescriptions for pain medications may need to wait longer for their medications versus other patients who arrived at around the same time. The extra scrutiny is legally required in order to fill prescriptions on controlled substances like prescription pain medications. Pharmacists would put their license at risk if they allow addicts to obtain painkillers. That is why it may take extra time when a prescription includes controlled substances. Nevertheless, the goal at the pharmacy in San Pedro is to dispense medications as quickly as possible.
After the script is filled, patients should get a consultation at the pharmacy in San Pedro if they have any doubts about how to take their medications. Painkillers can have serious side effects including death. Before leaving, patients should be sure of how to take their medications.