Pharmacist Credited With Saving Chatham Man’s Life

EAST HARWICH – Remember the scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life” when young George Bailey realizes he’s about to deliver lethal medicine to a pharmacy customer and saves the day? It’s a scene that has taken on special meaning for Chatham resident Terry Eldredge.

 Eldredge takes 12 different medications each day, prescribed by a variety of specialists. He received an early Christmas present late last month when one of his doctors notified him that his pharmacy had refused to fill a particular medication order. The diligent pharmacist found that the newly prescribed medicine had severe side effects when combined with other drugs Eldredge takes, including possible death.

 “It’s like there’s a possibility of being eaten by a shark,” Eldredge said. The pharmacist, whom he identified as Nelson St. Marie of the Stop & Shop Pharmacy in East Harwich, declined to fill the prescription.

 “I owe my life to Nelson,” Eldredge said. 

 Eldredge shared his story in part to thank St. Marie for his vigilance, but also to remind people of the importance of pharmacists in the healthcare system.

 “The people in the medical profession may not know all of the interactions of different drugs, because there’s thousands of drugs on the market,” he said. And with some patients taking multiple drugs for various conditions, prescribed by a host of specialists, the possibility of dangerous drug interactions is always present. “Your pharmacist knows more about the interaction between different drugs than your medical team does,” Eldredge said.

 Eldredge called the corporate headquarters of Stop & Shop to express his appreciation.

 “I tended to cry a lot on that phone call,” he said. “I could’ve died.” He also expressed his thanks to St. Marie in person.

 Stop & Shop corporate spokesperson Stephanie Cunha said the company couldn’t comment on any particular patient matter, but said it is proud of its pharmacists and their dedication to providing patient care.

 “Our pharmacy team follows rigorous protocols to help ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, which is our highest priority,” she said. “We are grateful for our team of pharmacists who commit themselves each day to providing the best possible care for our communities.”