Duane Reade — Local services in New York

Please, SPARE YOURSELF and STAY AWAY from this pharmacy.

I used to go to the pharmacy on 3rd ave (between 87 and 88) before they closed down; never had a problem with them. On the contrary, I’ve had so many problems with this pharmacy in the past but this last visit has left me extremely dissatisfied with their ABSOLUTE DISREGARD for their clients MEDICAL NEEDS.

I waited on line for 30 minutes yesterday (4/11/21). I broke a tooth that needs to get surgically removed; with that, it had also become infected and the pain has been driving me into madness. I NEEDED to get antibiotics and pain killers, and I needed them FAST!!!

(If anyone had tooth pain, you know exactly what agony I am going through; and if anyone had ever got bit by a cat, you know how QUICKLY an infection can grow within 24 hours)

I asked the staff if there was any way for me to pick the prescription up that day. He informed me, very politely, I would have to wait and possibly pick it up by the end of the day; but he asked the main pharmacist lady to make sure….

And as he was mid sentence asking the pharmacist, she so rudely interrupted going on a rant that people make appointments and this and that and I didn’t even call so I need to wait. The young gent informed the lady that I was not here for the COVID vaccine and that I was asking for prescription… and the RUDE PHARM LADY interrupted again, continuing her attitude, and directly told me that I am not getting this medication until tomorrow…

Next day, I had a midterm in the morning [with this tooth pain] and afterwards, I checked the status of my prescription to find out… IT WAS FILLED AND READY FOR PICK UP YESTERDAY (it wasn’t even the end of the day! [I gave the prescription around 1pm and it was apparently ready by 2- something pm, which I confirmed with one of the staff today when I went to pick it up])!!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I’m surprised this place is still open.

WORST PHARMACY EXPERIENCE...

I’m extremely disappointed with the service I received at this pharmacy. I was told that the prescription would be ready by a certain time, but when I arrived, it hadn’t been filled though I explained in the phone conversation the medication is for a patient recovering after the surgery. To make matters worse, the staff informed me they were going to lunch and told me I would have to come back later—despite me clearly explaining that the medication was a painkiller for someone recovering from surgery and could not wait. And when I came back one hour later - the medication still wasn't ready! This lack of urgency and empathy is unacceptable, especially when dealing with post-operative care. Medications aren’t convenience, they're a necessity. I expected far better communication and professionalism from a healthcare provider. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and makes the necessary...

After speaking with my mother and I about our health and medical history (including several cases of cancer, etc) the pharmacy supervisor (sue) told us she didn't have the time to help us over the phone. She thought she hung up the phone. She proceeded to laugh and joke about our hardships and persistence in regards to getting our prescriptions filled and health insurance on file with them (as I just moved to the city.) when she picked up the phone to make another call, my mother was still on the line and let her know how unprofessional she was for doing so. I will be switching over to the Duane Reade on york....