My daughter works for a compounding pharmacy and I asked her about this. She said its common practice for many pharmacists to transfer medication to their own bottle and label. Either way is acceptable practice. Some actually want to confirm a quantity, especially when the medication is as valuable as Harvoni. They do it to protect you and themselves from any potential discrepancy. It's all good, don't worry!
Good luck on month #2!!
Thanks for asking your daughter. I know they transfer drugs from large quantity bottles but when the same pharmacy hands me a hand written note telling me not to transfer the pills and leave them in the original container as they did with the 1st bottle (as per Gilead's instructions)...it made me wonder is there something special about how this drug needs to be stored compared with others? Gilead has contacted them and told them not to do this in the future so I can't help but wonder.
Bill...it doesn't matter how much time there is nor can you dictate to the pharmacy when they can order it. The clearly told me that they would not take back a $24,000. bottle of pills.
Bills said
Jun 12, 2015
Hi Jaded
I would be concerned too. but it wouldn't stop me from taking it. I also would as Greg said tell them not to do it again. Maybe try to get your refill a little earlier so if it happens again you may be able to demand they give you an unopened bottle. All and all they are very liable for any mishap by changing the bottle. I can't imagine that would do anything shady.
BillS
Tig said
Jun 12, 2015
Hi Jaded,
My daughter works for a compounding pharmacy and I asked her about this. She said its common practice for many pharmacists to transfer medication to their own bottle and label. Either way is acceptable practice. Some actually want to confirm a quantity, especially when the medication is as valuable as Harvoni. They do it to protect you and themselves from any potential discrepancy. It's all good, don't worry!
Good luck on month #2!!
Cinnamon Girl said
Jun 12, 2015
Hi Jaded, I`m certain you have nothing to worry about here.
The instructions on the bottle are there as a precaution, as your nurse said, and I really don`t think they apply in this case. It`s natural to be concerned about your treatment drugs, especially when they are so precious, but this isn`t going to make any difference at all to the potency of your pills.
Best of luck with your treatment!
Groupergetter said
Jun 12, 2015
Jaded, I wouldn't worry about it. In most cases all the meds we get from a pharmacy are dispensed in a bottle with their label. They were probably just counting to make sure what you were getting. I do understand your concern. I would ask the pharmacist to make sure all future shipments are left sealed.
mallani said
Jun 11, 2015
Hi Jaded,
Relax. It's no big deal. Cheers.
Jaded said
Jun 11, 2015
sirronalot wrote:
I think I would be on the phone with the Pharmacy requesting an unopened bottle overnighted. Call Gilead and tell them what happened. 855-769-7284. Let us know what you decide.
Thanks,
Ron
As I mentioned...I already did all that yesterday. I have to take my pill in 4 hours so overnight is to late. Gilead doesn't really care and the pharmacy won't take it back...they said it's too expensive. Everyone is telling me it will be OK and my nurse said what they are concerned about is that you will put it into a container that is possible wet or contaminated. I don't know but I'm not happy with what happened. After trying every resource in the end I am stuck with it.
sirronalot said
Jun 11, 2015
I think I would be on the phone with the Pharmacy requesting an unopened bottle overnighted. Call Gilead and tell them what happened. 855-769-7284. Let us know what you decide.
Thanks,
Ron
Jaded said
Jun 11, 2015
After giving me written instructions with my 1st bottle of Harvoni not to remove from original container...the pharmacy removed the pills from the bottle and put them into a another pill box.
The PDF states...
16: HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
HARVONI tablets are orange, diamond-shaped, film-coated, debossed with GSI on
one side and 7985 on the other side of the tablet. Each bottle contains 28 tablets
(NDC 61958-1801-1), a silica gel desiccant, polyester coil, and is closed with a child-
resistant closure.
Store at room temperature below 30°C (86°F).
Dispense only in original container.
Do not use if seal over bottle opening is broken or missing.
This really pissed me off and I complained to Gilead/the Pharmacy and my Dr...but I'm stuck with it. Has this ever happened to anyone? I'm concerned that this may compromise my treatment.
Thanks for asking your daughter. I know they transfer drugs from large quantity bottles but when the same pharmacy hands me a hand written note telling me not to transfer the pills and leave them in the original container as they did with the 1st bottle (as per Gilead's instructions)...it made me wonder is there something special about how this drug needs to be stored compared with others? Gilead has contacted them and told them not to do this in the future so I can't help but wonder.
Bill...it doesn't matter how much time there is nor can you dictate to the pharmacy when they can order it. The clearly told me that they would not take back a $24,000. bottle of pills.
Hi Jaded
I would be concerned too. but it wouldn't stop me from taking it. I also would as Greg said tell them not to do it again. Maybe try to get your refill a little earlier so if it happens again you may be able to demand they give you an unopened bottle. All and all they are very liable for any mishap by changing the bottle. I can't imagine that would do anything shady.
BillS
Hi Jaded,
My daughter works for a compounding pharmacy and I asked her about this. She said its common practice for many pharmacists to transfer medication to their own bottle and label. Either way is acceptable practice. Some actually want to confirm a quantity, especially when the medication is as valuable as Harvoni. They do it to protect you and themselves from any potential discrepancy. It's all good, don't worry!
Good luck on month #2!!
Hi Jaded, I`m certain you have nothing to worry about here.
The instructions on the bottle are there as a precaution, as your nurse said, and I really don`t think they apply in this case. It`s natural to be concerned about your treatment drugs, especially when they are so precious, but this isn`t going to make any difference at all to the potency of your pills.
Best of luck with your treatment!
Jaded, I wouldn't worry about it. In most cases all the meds we get from a pharmacy are dispensed in a bottle with their label. They were probably just counting to make sure what you were getting. I do understand your concern. I would ask the pharmacist to make sure all future shipments are left sealed.
Hi Jaded,
Relax. It's no big deal. Cheers.
As I mentioned...I already did all that yesterday. I have to take my pill in 4 hours so overnight is to late. Gilead doesn't really care and the pharmacy won't take it back...they said it's too expensive. Everyone is telling me it will be OK and my nurse said what they are concerned about is that you will put it into a container that is possible wet or contaminated. I don't know but I'm not happy with what happened. After trying every resource in the end I am stuck with it.
Thanks,
Ron
After giving me written instructions with my 1st bottle of Harvoni not to remove from original container...the pharmacy removed the pills from the bottle and put them into a another pill box.
The PDF states...
16: HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
HARVONI tablets are orange, diamond-shaped, film-coated, debossed with GSI on
one side and 7985 on the other side of the tablet. Each bottle contains 28 tablets
(NDC 61958-1801-1), a silica gel desiccant, polyester coil, and is closed with a child-
resistant closure.
Store at room temperature below 30°C (86°F).
Dispense only in original container.
Do not use if seal over bottle opening is broken or missing.
This really pissed me off and I complained to Gilead/the Pharmacy and my Dr...but I'm stuck with it. Has this ever happened to anyone? I'm concerned that this may compromise my treatment.