one more rant - Nurofen Plus
Our laws have just changed and now the painkiller nurofen plus is held behind the counter at the pharmacy. NP is the only painkiller I have discovered that completely eases period pain, and what I call ''ovulation pain' which comes 2 weeks later, and I find the most painful. Generally over the month, I take up to a total of six tablets (ie. 3 times), and some months not even that many, so not a high user.
Today I left home without any in my bag and on the off chance that I might need to take a couple, I stopped into my local pharmacy, where i've been going for the last 10 years. I was a bit hot and sweaty because I had been trying to ensure that I got to the bus stop in time for a particular bus, then I found I was early. I asked for the NP and was told it was behind the counter now. I was questioned about why I wanted it, and had to announce to the whole shop that it was for period pain. I mean come on - does everyone need to know this. Then I was asked some follow up questions, and it made me feel like I had to justify my use of this drug - had I used it before (yes, for at least 10 years), did I know it caused constipation (yes), etc etc. I felt that I was seen as somewhat shifty, and possibly a drug addict,all the while wiping the sweat off my face and looking out to make sure I didn't miss the bus. The pharmacy only had a big box of 30, so I asked if there was a smaller box and she said no. I said I didn't need a big box, cos I had a lot at home already (this is not the first time I've gone out without remembering to take a couple just in case!), and that just made me seem even more shifty.
I know that they are strong painkillers, and the pharmacy was doing the right thing, but I really didn't appreciate the way that I was made to feel, and to have to tell everyone it was 'that time of the month'. I wonder if they'd still sell it to me if I said it was none of their business what I was using it for. Probably not. Grrrrrrr
Can you buy it off the shelf where you live?
Today I left home without any in my bag and on the off chance that I might need to take a couple, I stopped into my local pharmacy, where i've been going for the last 10 years. I was a bit hot and sweaty because I had been trying to ensure that I got to the bus stop in time for a particular bus, then I found I was early. I asked for the NP and was told it was behind the counter now. I was questioned about why I wanted it, and had to announce to the whole shop that it was for period pain. I mean come on - does everyone need to know this. Then I was asked some follow up questions, and it made me feel like I had to justify my use of this drug - had I used it before (yes, for at least 10 years), did I know it caused constipation (yes), etc etc. I felt that I was seen as somewhat shifty, and possibly a drug addict,all the while wiping the sweat off my face and looking out to make sure I didn't miss the bus. The pharmacy only had a big box of 30, so I asked if there was a smaller box and she said no. I said I didn't need a big box, cos I had a lot at home already (this is not the first time I've gone out without remembering to take a couple just in case!), and that just made me seem even more shifty.
I know that they are strong painkillers, and the pharmacy was doing the right thing, but I really didn't appreciate the way that I was made to feel, and to have to tell everyone it was 'that time of the month'. I wonder if they'd still sell it to me if I said it was none of their business what I was using it for. Probably not. Grrrrrrr
Can you buy it off the shelf where you live?