How to Get Respect at the Pharmacy

Smart tips for Black elders to speak up, stay safe, and catch mix-ups before they happen

By ~ronnie

“Respect isn’t a request—it’s a rhythm. And at the pharmacy counter, it starts with knowing what to say.”

Why Respect Matters at the Counter

For many Black elders, that monthly—or every-three-month—trip to the drug store can be part of a routine… or a test.

Especially when that cock-eyed gurl start turning up her lip at questions.

When questions get brushed aside, side effects get ignored, and dignity gets challenged.

What they don’t know is: after years of disrespect and systemic unfair treatment, you know how to get yours.

We’ve been “getting it how we live it” for decades. But now there’s a twist; this is about survival and protecting legacy.

Power Move #1: Ask for the Medication Printout

You’ve taken that long bus ride to pick up your prescriptions. Your dogs are barking. Buying these shoes was not your brightest idea, but they look good.

You don’t have the patience for eye-rolls and short answers. But getting hood with these folks? That’s not the answer; you know this.

Respect at the pharmacy isn’t about raising your voice. These people have something you need—not just your prescriptions, but the right prescriptions, in the right doses.

Always ask for the full printout even if they say, “It’s the same as last time.” You still want it. That sheet shows interactions, dosage changes, and warnings. It’s your receipt for safety.

Power Move #2: Repeat the Name and Dosage Out Loud

No one will take your prescription concerns as seriously as you. And you should definitely take them seriously—the name and dosage specifically.

It’s not like that sweet tater pie. A little of this, too much of that, might change the flavor a bit. But with medications? Taking 20mg instead of 10mg could have a disastrous effect. Something no pie can cure.

When you pick up your medication(s) from the pharmacist, don’t take what they give you and run. Open the bag. Take out the contents and review them.

Say it back: “This is my Lisinopril, 10mg—right?”

If you can’t say it, spell it.

Whatever it takes so you can be sure.

If something looks unfamiliar, verify it’s for you.

You’re not being difficult; you’re being clear.

Power Move #3: Ask About Side Effects That Affect You

That little pill you take daily, if not taken as prescribed, can stop your daily routine in its tracks. Your medications are sometimes lifesavers. Other times, life preservers. Point being: you don’t have many chances to be wrong with your meds.

When you play bingo and miss B9, Miss Hattie sitting beside you will catch that miss. At the pharmacy, your Miss Hattie is your pharmacist. You’ve got to ask the right questions—in the right way.

Don’t just ask, “Is this safe?”

Ask, “Will this make me dizzy, mess with my sleep, or raise my blood pressure?”

These questions or the answers to them—might save your life.

And everyone in line behind you giving side-eye, huffing and puffing, and throwing comments from the back? They’re in the back behind you. So, as my mama used to say, “What they eat won’t make me fat.” Handle your business.

Your body, your rhythm, your right to know.

Respect Isn’t a Request—It’s a Rhythm

Know that your pharmacy—even that cock-eyed gurl—is not enemy territory. It’s your lifeline. If you’re having issues with someone there, win them over. Like you won over old Mr. Sims that married you some thirty years ago.

Your actions—not negative ones—will show these folks that you’re not being difficult. You care deeply about your health and the prescriptions you take.

In your lifetime, through all life’s difficulties, you made it with that swagger. You still have that swagger. It’s your secret weapon. Your go-to.

Just like you don’t tell the waiter to send your food back and then ask for another plate, you don’t go screaming at the pharmacist and his staff, then ask for your medication(s). You use that swagger on them. You smile. You see that picture on the counter; tell them they have a beautiful child.

Respect at the pharmacy isn’t about raising your voice; it’s about raising our standard. These moves aren’t just about safety. They’re about walking proud—inside that pharmacy and out.