A recent pharmacy error nearly exposed a young child to a life-threatening dose of opioids after the wrong prescription was dispensed. The intended medication was a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD in children, but what was handed over instead was a highly potent opioid, hydromorphone. Fortunately, a parent noticed the mistake before the child took any of the pills. The outcome could have been catastrophic. Dispensing errors can and do happen, even at large, reputable pharmacies. When those mistakes involve medications with a high risk of overdose or abuse, the results can be devastating. If your child has been harmed due to a pharmacy’s negligence, a Maryland pharmaceutical error attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
When a Simple Mistake Becomes a Life-Threatening Emergency
Hydromorphone is not a drug intended for casual misuse. It is an opioid with a potency that is several times stronger than morphine and can lead to rapid respiratory depression if taken improperly. The National Library of Medicine warns that even a small dose can cause overdose or death if ingested by someone without opioid tolerance, particularly a child.
The stimulant medication that was initially prescribed for the child is often taken by pediatric patients for years and is typically well-tolerated when monitored. Swapping it with a drug used to treat severe pain in adult patients is not just a mix-up; it is a near-tragedy. What occurred in this case was a failure in one of the most basic duties of pharmaceutical care: verifying that the correct medication is administered to the intended patient.
Maryland Law Holds Pharmacies Accountable for Medication Errors
In Maryland, pharmacies have a legal obligation to ensure that prescriptions are filled accurately and dispensed to the intended individual. When a pharmacist or technician dispenses the wrong drug, the pharmacy may be liable for any injuries that result. This can include claims for:
- Medical costs associated with emergency care or hospitalization;
- Pain and suffering caused by the error;
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma; and
- Long-term care is required if a permanent injury occurs.
Pharmacy negligence is not limited to dispensing the wrong drug. It can also include giving the correct medication to the wrong person, failing to label the prescription properly, or neglecting to provide necessary warnings or instructions. Maryland courts may hold pharmacies and their employees responsible when these failures result in harm to a patient.
What Families Can Do After a Pharmacy Mistake in Maryland
If you suspect that you or your child has received the wrong medication, you should act quickly. First, do not take the medication until you have verified with another pharmacist or physician that it matches the prescription. Save the bottle, label, and any packaging materials, and take photos if possible. If anyone has already ingested the medication, seek medical attention immediately, even if no symptoms have appeared yet.
Once the immediate health concerns are addressed, you should report the error to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. An official investigation can uncover whether the pharmacy followed proper protocols or whether employee negligence contributed to the error.
Most importantly, consider speaking with an attorney who handles pharmacy error claims. These cases often involve complex questions of medical causation, pharmacy records, and industry standards. A lawyer can help investigate what went wrong and determine whether the pharmacy or its staff may be held liable.
Preventing Future Harm Requires Accountability
Medication errors are preventable. When pharmacies fail to implement or follow safety protocols, the results can be life-altering. In cases involving children, the harm may be even more severe because their bodies are more sensitive to dosage errors and the effects of powerful drugs.
Families who speak out about these mistakes play a critical role in holding pharmacies accountable. Legal claims not only seek compensation for the injured person but also pressure pharmacies to improve their policies, retrain staff, and take additional steps to protect public safety. A successful case can bring a measure of justice and help prevent the same error from harming another family.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If your child was harmed because of a pharmacy’s mistake, you should not have to face the aftermath alone. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers represent families across Maryland in cases involving pharmaceutical negligence. We will help you investigate what went wrong and fight for the accountability and compensation your family deserves. Call (800) 654-1949 today to schedule your free consultation.