Did you know that Walgreens has over 11,000 drug stores and 370 distribution centers in 25 countries? According to Walgreens chief executive Gregory Wasson, “Walgreens pharmacy supply chain (is) unmatched in the world.” Not only is Walgreens leading the way among pharmacies, but many consumers prefer getting their prescriptions filled at Walgreens.
According to a study by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research, there are 78 percent of shoppers who still get their prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies. Out of those shoppers, 23 percent get their prescriptions from CVS, 19 percent get their prescriptions filled at Walgreens, 7 percent get their prescriptions through mail order, and others choose Target, Costco, or Sam’s Club pharmacies.
The study determined that the majority of Walgreens pharmacy shoppers chose their pharmacy due to low dispending times. About 22 percent of Walgreens shoppers were more focused on the speed that their prescriptions were filled over fees or quality. Because consumers prioritize the speed their prescriptions are filled at, pharmacies put pressure on the pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly. Sadly, medicine and rushing is never a good combination.
Although Walgreens is one of consumers’ pharmacies of choice to get their prescriptions filled at, consumers need to be aware of the quality issues and pharmacy errors that can occur at Walgreens and any pharmacy for that matter. Although shoppers like their prescriptions to be filled in a timely manner, people need to realize that when pharmacists rush mistakes can happen.
As attorneys who have represented many people who have suffered injuries due to pharmacy mistakes, we urge you to focus on quality instead of how fast you can be in and out of your local pharmacy. By taking the time to check your medication before you leave the pharmacy and consulting with a pharmacist, the majority of dispensing errors are caught—saving you from potential injuries and harm. Please spread the word by sharing this important information with others on Facebook.