I just do not understand my role here

Posted by The *Angriest* Pharmacist as Laws, True Story

I need help here folks. What am I supposed to do in the following situation? I can accept it if I did the wrong thing, but if I was wrong, tell me what I should do in cases like this. If you know, please post a comment and/or a link (if you can find one) outlining some specifics. Wikipedia doesn’t really get into enough depth, and I’d prefer not to read HIPAA in its entirety. Any experts out there?

I got a call today. It was a man that was obviously very angry. Here’s a basic overview of the conversation. My comments are in bold with my thoughts and additions in [brackets].

-=+=-

“I wanted to get some information on Tramadol.”

“Okay…well…” [He cut me off here before I started explaining]

“I found this bottle on my son, and I want to know what the heck he’s taking…”

“How old is your son?” [At this point, my “Whoa-there” mode is on]

“He’s 17.”

Is the prescription in his name, because he has a right to his medical privacy as well.”

“No, it’s not even his bottle.” [Great…]

“Who’s name *is* on the bottle?” [Did *I* fill this??]

“Well, I don’t really want divulge that information over the phone right now…” [Why the hell not? It’s obviously going to be fraudulent. “Over the phone” — Do you think I’m tapped?]

Well, regardless…that person and your son have a right to their medical privacy — regardless of the situation

“Hmm…what can you tell me about the medicine.” [Ugh - I’m thinking I’m in a tight spot here]

“I’ll just tell you this: both Wikipedia and Google can be very good resources when it comes to finding accurate drug information.”

“I don’t have access to a computer or the internet right now, and I need to know this information immediately.” [His voice was agitated, but concerned at this point. I was wondering if maybe the kid had popped a handful and the father was wondering what was going on. I then questioned my liability if THAT were the case. I buckled…]

“What questions do you have?

“This is a painkiller right?” [You don’t hear the word ‘painkiller’ used much anymore - Bad stigma]

Well, first let me say I’m just telling you this information because I have no doubt in my find you would easily find it on the internet. I’m merely saving you the time and trouble. [He gave me a confirmatory “Uh huh” here. I’m not saying that this little schpeal would defer any liability from me if I did break any rules/laws, but it made me feel good inside.] “Anyway, I would not classify this drug as a ‘pain killer’ as much as I would call it an analgesic. But, it is used in the treatment of moderate pain.”

“Is it abusable? How do you abuse it?” [Basically, how much do you take for a buzz?]

“Well, it’s not good medical practice for a healthcare professional to tell anyone how to abuse a medicine, but I’d say overuse and high doses are the culprit.” [Duh, right?]

“Is it like Dilaudid?” [How would someone that knows nothing of Tramadol pull DILAUDID out of the air? It’s like comparing a tricycle to an 18-wheeler.]

Ohh my gosh, no. Not even close. They are both opioids, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Dilaudid is probably a thousand times stronger.”

“Mmhmm. What would happen if someone took a whole bunch of these?”

“Well, I’d definitely not recommend that at all. This drug increases serotonin. That’s where the euphoria it causes comes from, but that effect also makes it more likely that the person could have a seizure. The high doses also cause nausea. That’s primarily what prevents the abuse of Tramadol.” [I recently read some stuff about Tramadol abuse, so I was pretty familiar with what it does]

“Well alright, you’ve been very helpful.”

No problem. May I make a suggestion? [He said “Sure”] You need to either contact the pharmacy that filled that prescription since it’s not in your son’s name or get rid of that bottle and the medicine all together. Having that in your possession could cause some legal ramifications even though the medicine is not controlled in the USA.”

“Okay thanks alot.”

-=+=-

Interesting, eh?

Perplexing….

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