When I got home they only gave me 30 pills. I called the pharmacy & they said sorry but it is my mistake and I should have counted them before I left the pharmacy. I never count my medicine before I leave, I always trusted that it was right. Has this happen to anyone else. I'm so upset. There is nothing I can do about it. I paid $30.00 dollars for my medicine and they didn't give me the full 60 my Doctor prescribed. They gave me 30. This is suppose to last me for a month.
I went to pick up my medicine at CVS and they were suppose to give me 60 klonopin for a month?
Question posted by smoovechic on 21 June 2012
Last updated on 27 January 2025
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
34 Answers Page 2
Deima6416
21 March 2017
I understand your frustrations, I am in the same boat, got my xanax yesterday, my script is for 30 pills a month, they gave me 20, I tried to yell and do everything in my power to get the 10 that they took or miscounted, could someone help please?
8880cindy
27 Dec 2016
I used CVS in Stoneham Ma. for about 15 yrs.about 5 yrs. ago I got a script. for vicodin /I kept running out before its time and just couldn't figure out what was going on. I finally decided to count them (missing 10)
I really had no idea how long this had been going on. I called them and spoke with the same person who filled my script (I think his name was Adam?) He said sorry and replaced them. Next mnth. same guy filled it and I was missing 5/ this time he said he would have to call my doc. before he could replace them but I had already told my doc. the prior mnth. so she OKed the missing 5. I spoke to the manager and told her I waited for this script and she also told me that they would check the footage (never got back) When I went to get my other scripts next mnth. the same guy was there he basically told me to go somewhere else because I wanted to have my script, counted. I also spoke with someone who said they would put this in my file. Next mnth.
nobody counted them? I was embarrassed to ask someone to count them/ short 5. I decided to go to another CVS near my moms house and all was good for awhile (the count was always correct) so I let my guard down and stopped counting but
last mnth. I ran out??? and this mnth. a new face and I am running out again. I am very careful with my pills and put them out every night so I am 100% aware of what I am taking. I do notice one thing that stands out/ when they are being honest the count is usually circled +initialed when its not I am always suspicious. When I asked why all controlled substance scripts are not required to be initialed by who
filled it especially when you have to provide so much proof just to get the prescription/ I was told some do and some don't but not required.(makes no sense to me) I guess the only way to protect yourself is to insist on them counting in front of you (embarrassing I know/ but I feel like you have to protect yourself because the consumer is a good target it this case and the drug stores know it! Good luck and thank you for sharing.
Socorro805
16 Nov 2016
I'm not sure if this was ever resolved, but this happened to me as well. Only in my situation, it was someone at home who went through my purse and took out 20 Norcos. I wasnt even home 5 minutes and some ex girlfriend of my mothers went through my bags. The only thing I could think of was the pharmacy made a mistake. They also told me I should of counted pills before I left. I was getting very upset till the head pharmacist stepped in and explained to me the counting protocol they practice daily. One counts then two more count again and last head pharmacist signs the ok to dispense. The counts are counted in a certain area where a camera can see exactly how many have been counted. Now that camera is there to protect their butts. So next time you ask to see that video of them counting or you will be forced to call corporate office and report theft. I had to input this, I know how frustrating it must of been for you.
Carol brooks
15 Sep 2016
I used Target for years and suspected the wrong count on my prescription but I didn't confront them. It was always xanax.
CVS took over and immediately I had one problem after the other. The last was knock off generic of a generic and it was oxycodone. The company has countless complaints of the med having no effect on serious pain.
CVS told me to give it a few days to give it a chance, go lay down, relax etc. The pharmacist was beyond rude.
I followed their instructions to advise my doctor and of course he didn't have time for it.
Now I'm without meds. I called CVS. We shall see. I would never use CVS again.
Dcrip54
28 May 2015
I also used CVS to have my Xanax filled and I do count mine sometimes when I get home and haven't had a problem. This month I had my script filled on 5/8/15 for 60 pills and I take 2 per day. Sometimes I don't take 2, only when I wake early and can't go back to sleep. I also don't take 2 if I have to get up early and go somewhere. I will be out of my med on the 29th and they say I cant get it filled until 6/6/15. Now someone either stole the 16 pills from my prescription or they counted wrong. 16 pills is a lot of pills. Actually it is more than 16. How can I tell if someone at the store is stealing? I use a CVS in Alabama. I will count my meds from now on. The only reason I use CVS is because my insurance makes me. I never had a problem with Walgreens. NEVER!.
thekeek
6 July 2017
I am a senior and I am not only careful but obsessively careful with my pain meds. I lock my prescription in a safe when I get it and each night I count out 4 pills for the next day. I have had problems with my son stealing my pills in the past, so this safe is extra strong, requiring a key and a combination, guaranteed to stay shut if you throw it out a second story window. I also believe that as you get older it is easy to forget if you have taken your pill or not--thus having the day's pills counted out is smart. So anyway, no mistakes at my end. My local R--- A--- shorted me exactly 20 pills in one prescription, which they replaced. The next time they shorted me exactly 40 pills, which they did not replace but they pointed out that the way my doctor wrote the prescription this time, I could get it refilled twice a month, so no biggie. Furthermore, the two pharmacists both hinted that I was trying to get more pills (or course).
I watched them count out this (as it turns out extra) prescription, and luckily I can go to any R--- A--- for my next refill. I wish there was some place I could report these people. Even if there was some way my son could get into my safe (which I know he can't), he's an oaf. He could never take exactly 20 pills or 40 pills. It has to be the drug store either intentionally or deliberately. I can't be the only one they are doing this to.
zephyrs
10 Jan 2015
I just had the exact same thing happen. I work nights so I picked my meds up on my way to work . When I got home I opened my bottle of clonazepam and I was like that doesn't look right so I counted them . Only 30 there's suppose to be 60 i called and told them the pharmacist said no we double count them and laughed at me.I told him you know it's a felony to take someone else's prescribed medicine. He laughed again and told me no one's taking your medicine. So much for that . I'm not even sure what to do next.I've been a customer at cvs
for years and never had this happen. I've also been a nurse for 15 years.the next step I guess is to call the manger and report it to the governing board for pharmacist s or maybe the DEA.my metoprolol was correct.
Mike25301
1 March 2015
I have an anxiety disorder and have been taking Clonazepam for around 10 years. I have been shorted several times at different pharmacies. It has always been the same response "you should have counted them before you left". From researching this problem I found pharmacy employees steal these to sell or take. I don't understand that because I don't get high from them, but they do help with anxiety attacks. I don't take as many as are prescribed, so being shorted isn't devastating, but it does make be upset when I call the pharmacy and they pretty much call me a liar. Before my Dad passed away he was prescribed Percoset and was shorted several times also. One time I had to take him back to the doctor to get a new prescription from being shorted.
legend1326
27 Oct 2014
I have been shorted by Express Scripts, constantly. I take Felbatol and Topamax. It seems that they use a machine to count them out. It seems that their machines would send out half-pills, they counted wrong, etc. Then, by the end of the month, I wouldn't have enough, and I KNOW they weren't going to send meds out early, so where am I at that point? So I would call them and they would send out one, two, or three pills. After a few months, they began to think I was counting wrong, too, but I wasn't. I told them they weren't counting right. After a couple of years of being shorted, I finally convinced them to count them by hand. Then I wasn't shorted. When my insurance changed, I left Express Scripts and went to Prime Mail, which I liked until they never got it right and kept sending me generics when I need the brand name.
So I ended up quitting them and am now going to go to a local pharmacy, so I can see what they are giving me before I get it and not have to pay for something I can't use and have to pay for anyway. I am currently arguing with them about the last one they sent and whether or not to pay for the generics, or whether or not they will end up sending me to a collection agency over $64. How ridiculous.
justin4220
25 Oct 2014
Its there fault and they should compensate you the 30 pills! Call them and demand they do a inventory! So I just went to CVS to get my kpins 60 2mgs.after looking in the bag there were two bottles my script.and a big bottle marked klonopin 2mg.500 pills! I did the correct thing and brought them back.but I'm not going to have any more problems filling my script 2 days early.I have that phone call recorded.its a good app to have if someone denies what they said on a phone call.! Good luck.sorry I had to tell my story!
Toe_Knee
8 Nov 2012
I work in a pharmacy and these things definitely do happen. But in all honesty most of the complaints about being shorted medication are obvious lies. So if you were truly shorted expect to face some initial doubt. If the pharmacist is good they will do a quick inventory check and see if your story has some evidence behind it.
A non controlled medication will probably just be given out depending on the price. But controlled substances will face a little more scrutiny, because of the stigma, but more importantly they are always counted twice. If it's a CII (adderall, ritalin, oxycodone, morphine, etc) they are counted at least 3 times by 2 different people so you will face a lot of resistance if you claim you were shorted. But it has happened and it will depend on the pharmacy manager how the situation is handled.
Overall the vast majority of accusations of shorted medications are from addicts who are just trying to get more pills, so the pharmacist and staff are just playing the odds by being initially resistant. If you really were shorted, keep a civil demeanor, but be persistent the pharmacy should fix their mistake.
ThoroboT
7 June 2014
I'm late to the party here but have been having my own pharmacy issues and saw this & needed to comment. At a CVS in Silverlake area if Los Angeles, my mother got a prescription for Vicodin and half of the bottle was full of some other, similar medication. Demoral or something like that. They made no mention of it when she picked it up and denied it up and down when she called to ask about it. This struck me as being not only irresponsible but dangerous. What if she had an allergy to the other kind of meds? There was very little she could do after she took them out of the store because they began their response by denying any wrongdoing and accusing her of lying, telling her there's no way that could happen.
I'm sorry you've had to deal with that and the truth is CVS clearly does not care about the people they're serving. Sad.
Patiently Waiting
25 June 2012
I had a problem with miscount and broken pill pieces counted as whole.. I now have a triple count garantee. I did turn it in, I showed the pills at my doctors appt, and called into CVS headquarters. I agree I would file a report and contact your doctor asap. Do it regardless. They replaced my meds and I don't have the worry anymore. Well worth the time I spent. One of the girls working there even verified they are counted by machine unless you demand otherwise. Double check how the script is written.. sometimes its the doctor writing wrong times a day on it. Wish you luck and do what you have to do cause you don't deserve it.
Patiently Waiting
25 June 2012
You dont deserve to be treated like this and you should not have to deal with their mistakes... I meant.
smoovechic
28 June 2012
I will always count my meds before I leave the pharmacy. I might look like an idiot but oh we'll. My dr writes 60 pills every month. I always check the drs writting to make sure its correct. I hope this never happens to anyone else cause it was a pain. Thanks for the advice.
Dumpster Diver
24 June 2012
Well, smoothie, I have been reading all the info they gave you. Awesome advice!
And you handled your dilemma very well and got results. Being shorted on
my meds. has never happened to me, unless marked on the bottle and also
the tech. saying we are out come back in1 or two days. But if I got only half my
Benzo's I would flip out.
NewYorkGuy44
23 June 2012
IT Happens. i's f8cked up, and I have had it happen to me at least 3 times, 1 time it was for 30 Oxycontin 80 mg o=pills, and you know how the DEA and FDA is about these thiings, I called very nicely and stated, hey you accidenrtly made a mistake , and gave me 90 instead of 120 pills. They put me on hold, for less than 20 seconds, daid they did a recount, and that it was my mistake. They must have thought I was a fool, because they even said, go and ask your Dr, they will have no problem writing you another 30. Like really, are you serious. The Dr's don't want to give you 1 extra pill, let alone they would just write another prescription, and gladly give it to me. I told my DR, they put it in my monthly write up, for my insurance, but still i never got the meds. And I had insurance luckily, if I was paying, I would not have takn no for an answer.
Next month I went to the same place, and Dr wrote me 60 Percocet 10 mg, so before I leave I counted them, and I seen I was given an extra thirty. 1 month i am short 30, and next month they give me thirty extra. I could have kept it, but I was happier to see the bitch's face when I said I think you made a mistake again, so she starts getting angry saying, NO YOU said this last Month. WTF I'll check the supply, She came back out and said no everything is adding up right, We didn short you 30 this time, nor last time. So I said. Wait '' I never said you shorted me , I said you made a mistake? You gave me 90 instead of 60, but as yiou just clearly stated everything added up.! Wow the look on her face was priceless, I began to leave, and then she said Oh wait a minute, maybe I made a Mistake. Thanks for teling me. I gave back the 30 Percocets, but said ''what about last month when you said you didnt make a mistake then either, were you wrong, like Today? Frowning she said, you know we get so busy, some ppl try to pull that kinda thing, but I should have known better than to think you were like that. So You did make the mistake last month, she said yeah Maybe. After lying to me saying she did a count and i am the only person who gets that med in her pharm, which is a lie, cuz a friend went there monthly w/ the same script as mine.
ll I can say is tell your DR, tell your Insurance company, and fill out a report, if someone else has complained in the past, they will know your tllingthe truth, and will fire them, and give you your recomended meds.
Hey Oxypana I never deleted my Question, something happened , I spent like 45 minuts typing both of them, idk wtf is wrong, so email me okay. Thanks hunn. Later.
smoovechic
23 June 2012
Its crazy. Its happen to me before 1 or 2 pills and I always let it slide. But when the Dr prescribes 60 pills and u only get 30 from the pharmacy is nuts. I finally talked to store manager and he told me it was an accident and he doesnt know what happened. He gave me the other 30 pills which was cool. He said mistakes like this happen all the time. Whatever. I think someone took them. But I have no proof. Anyways I guess I will have to count my medicine everytime. Whats weird the guy who gave me my medicine seem really nervous. I just think it's sad when people need there meds and they get screwed by the pharmacy. Thanks for all the comment!!!
oxypana
22 June 2012
They no they messed up so why didn't they tell you to come back and get the rest of your script? Is the bottle marked 30 or 60? Did they run out and owe you ? I have had that happen and it not be marked on the bottle but they've told me and I've gone back for the rest and gotten them or they deliver them to my house but never I'm sorry it was a mistake and do nothing about it . I wouldve gone right back gave them the bottle and said give me my prescription. I wouldn't even have said I went home. Demand a manager get ur prescription!! Call your Dr tell him what they did. Do you go there all the time? If they no you they should no your not lying. I had a pharmacy once tell me they filled my oxycotins the day before but my insurance wouldn't cover them until the next day. Lucky I make them give me the print out that says they didn't fill them and when he said I picked them up the day before I said they weren't filled and threw the paper at him.
He didn't no what to say. He took it went talked to someone came back with apologized filled my script asap. I came to find out it was stolen by. A Worker. If I wouldn't have had that paper I would've been screwed. You can never be too careful . Always count your scripts ppl and if they keep them get that paper. I go where they no me. Same place consistsly no problems now. I hate CVS, G.E. is the worst. LocK small pharmacies are the best or. Hospital pharmacy. I am so sorry you have to go thru this but get your meds your Dr knows what he wrote, a lot of times they keep copies its definitely on file. Someone at that pharmacy took those. You fight until they go r you whats yours . Tell them you'll turn them in. I'm willing to bet this is not the 1 st time this has happened.
HeadStarter
22 June 2012
I agree with you on this one and "thumbing you up" for it!
Mary
smoovechic
22 June 2012
I was suppose to get 60 pills for the month but instead I got 30. I have no insurance so I paid $30.00 for my klonopin and left. When I got home I called the pharmacy and they told me they never mess up on the counting of pills. I never yelled at the guy or was I being rude. I just wanted my medicine to be corrected. He was mad at me for accusing him of counting it wrong. It was crazy. I went up there talked to the manager & he said he would talk to the 2 guys that were working that day and get back to me. I was cool with it. So I got half my money back. It's just so messed up. I need that medicine for a reason. Maybe someone there took it I don't know. Crazy
smoovechic
22 June 2012
Thank you for the advice. I just think its crazy. I paid for my medicine the doctor prescribed me and I wanted my 60 pills not 30. I told the manager that either someone there is taking my meds or they counted wrong. Well the manager was a little help he gave half my money back and he was gonna call me back after he talked to some people there. I told him just forget it. I Told him I will never go there again. I called my Dr. Waiting for a call back. I just can't believe this. I get my medicine there every month. Oh well
kaismama
22 June 2012
At least you got your money and you've started a doubt in his head about the guys. He'll watch them, and if it happens again, he'll be more ready to catch them stealing narcs.
oxypana
22 June 2012
i agree at least you alrted them to ther fact somethign ids wrong. their either is a big miscount which is kinda impossible with that many or they were stollen. i'm going with stolen and htey hoped you wouldn't notice or they knew their was nothing you could do but get your money back.
which i htink is wrong too. they have your script htey knwo what you were supose ot get, they should by law give it to you. i wold have ask for a copy of the script back also.
hopefully your dr will help you. this is a outrage and it goes on in alot of pharmacies. you have to be careful. the fact you go there every moth they should know you and know their is a problem becasue htey never had one with you beofre htis indcident.
good luck i hope it all works out. i'm sure it will.
Lori
bikegirl62
23 Oct 2014
DO NOT JUST BLOW THIS OFF! They think you're not going to do a thing&will continue this very illegal behavior. Also are trying to make it sound like you did something wrong.You need to request a supervisor&talk to your insurance company. If needed you keep going to people higher up,even if it means law enforcement.When you ignore it you're actually party to a crime. A crime was committed! Show them you mean business!! This is your healthcare&you paid for a product you did not receive. Please follow through,for everyone's benefit!
HeadStarter
21 June 2012
I just wanted to mention that I, too, have been shorted and so has my husband. However, in those cases it was because the pharmacy was actually "short" on the meds and they noted the shortage on the bottle. Let's say for instance, you were supposed to get 60 but only got 30 that you could tell the pharmacy that you were wondering if they were short and when will they be getting the quantity in because you only got 30. Can you try that approach??? In that way, you aren't accusing them of intentionally shorting you but more that well hey you gave me what you had but to call you when the rest comes in.
You may need to call at a different time than when you talked to the last guy. But it is worth a try. It has happened to me so many times that I am used to having that conversation with them and also with Walgreen.
I hope this helps you get resolution to your problem.
HeadStarter
21 June 2012
The medication, by the way, that we have most trouble with is the thyroid medication in the mg the script says. Armour Thyroid has been a tough one to keep in stock at the dose my husband needs. The pharmacy cannot substitute another mg to get to the right dosage without contacting the prescribing doctor to "okay" the change.
Weird, but it happened so much last year... that at one point the pharmacy "owed" my hubby 120 pills that they just couldn't get in stock that we ended up having to have it compounded. It was a rough road there for a while. It isn't like you can just go without your medication like that. Know what I mean??? We were lucky though because all the doctors knew there was an issue with the Armour Thyroid shortage.
Mary
endlessPred
21 June 2012
Be sure to read my comment above this posting. Karen
HeadStarter
21 June 2012
I did, Karen, and thanks... I commented above, too. Very helpful also. I thumbed you up!
Mary
endlessPred
21 June 2012
Thanks for your support. I think that is why this forum can work well. Different views help make different solutions.
As for pharmacies, chain or not stuff happens. As for cost, around here Target has great prices for generics. Costco has really good prices in general and beat out everyone else in our area. However they are not setup for medicare diabetes supplies or other Part B claims. I find shopping around for prices, a few phone calls, can make a huge difference. Goodness knows, I am through the donut hole end of march or early April. That's a lot of cash in a short time going out. Any reduction in co-pays makes a huge difference for me. Karen
HeadStarter
21 June 2012
You are right there, Karen. I never seem to get to that catastrophic stage though. That really stinks! A lot of out-of-pocket money by the end of December just to start all over again in January.
Mary
endlessPred
21 June 2012
I was shorted for my tacrolimus three times in a row. Each time I called right away and told them. These pills cost over five bucks a piece. They always replaced them without a question. Just a few short each time.
I think theft is the cause as well. I would definitely go back and make a fuss with the manager. The person who counted them out is the target or the fron desk. You know they have security tapes? I would threaten the police report. Chances are they will solve it right there. If not you know what to do.
smoovechic
21 June 2012
I will have to go a month with my 30 pills. They could at least give me some of my money back. They were so rude to me on the phone. Oh well
Inactive
21 June 2012
Smoov, the phone is NOT the way to go here, go back and talk to the store manager and like I said, if you want action, make a police report and report this to your insurance.
smoovechic
21 June 2012
Thank you. Right now I have know insurance. So that's why I was upset. But he made me feel so bad like I was an idiot for even saying he forgot 30 of my pills. He yelled at me and said I never make mistakes. Anyways I was sick of it and left the store. I will just have my 30 pills for the month and go some where else next time. Maybe I can at least get my money back. Thanks for listening
Inactive
21 June 2012
Ok, sorry I misread and thought co pay was $30. Did this happen today, if it did, time is critical, so you need to speak to the store manager right away and NOT by phone and make a police report failing any action on CVS part.
endlessPred
21 June 2012
Smoovechic the guy was probably telling the truth. Someone else, front desk probably is stealing. Rather than yell at the guy, which gains nothing tell him you believe there was a theft and you have no recourse but to file a report with the police. Tell him you were hoping he would take care of it on his end. Apologize for yelling at him. This will gain respect and get more cooperation. It really doesn't matter if he is the guy or not. What matters is that you get the pills. Right? This should not be about pride but about a solution. Also let him know how scary it is to be short on pain meds and that is why you overreacted. People relate to the truth.
HeadStarter
21 June 2012
Excellent advice!!! I didn't understand the question or problem that way. Thanks for the clarification and the exceptional follow through with this. It makes a lot of sense and I, too, would do the same thing, if I felt someone had stolen the meds. I didn't know what that med was either. Didn't realize it was a pain med. I get the point. Thanks and agree totally with this resolution,,,
Mary
kaismama
21 June 2012
no way could anyone else take them, the person filling the script puts them in a bag and staples it shut, it is then put in a bin, in the pharmacy to await pick up. The person on the register picks up the bag in front of you and rings you up.
endlessPred
21 June 2012
Kaismama ok. I guess you are in greater need to be right than to get your pills. So sorry, as I did not understand that. I was hoping that you would take the bull by the horns and get those meds. That leaves filing a police report.
By the way, my daughter works in a pharmacy as a programmer for a med software company. I asked her how this would work. She says there are many interruptions while they call, have to leave their station to hand the prescription over, etc. it would be quite possible for someone to walk by and grab some pills. Everyone is locked in the room, but not all are pharmacists. Just asking you to think about this. If the guy is guilty the manager will check it out. If that is the manager you can file a report with police, the licensing board and your insurance company. I reported a doctor once and got a state law changed. I say "go for it!" i just hate being a victim. What do you think? wishIng you good results, Karen
smoovechic
22 June 2012
What's crazy is I was very very nice about them messing up on my medicine. I was very cool about it. But the technician kept raising his voice at me for the miscount of my meds. I talked to the manager he gave half my money back and he said he would get to the bottom of it. It's crazy and messed up. I wish I could call the police but I don't wanna take it that far. I will never go there again. All I wanted was my freakin meds. Maybe the technician is taking them. I get my meds there every month. Not anymore.
kaismama
22 June 2012
I am thinking only about how the cvs set up is. I don't have a need to be right, I have a need for things like this to stop, and they're not going to if we keep letting them happen.
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