Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
When a patient takes a prescription to the pharmacy to get it filled, they assume that the medication they are picking up is the one prescribed by their physician. However, that is not always the case. Indeed, each year, there are thousands of Maryland pharmacy errors, many of which result in severe injury or death.
Patients should be vigilant when it comes to double-checking all prescription medication for themselves, as well as for their loved ones. Pharmacy errors can occur in many ways; below is a partial list of some of the more common types of pharmacy errors.
Giving the patient the wrong medication: Perhaps the most common type of pharmacy error is when a pharmacist provides the patient with the wrong medication. These errors are very dangerous because the patient ends up taking a drug that they were not prescribed in an unknown dose. Additionally, the patient is not receiving the medication that they were prescribed, potentially worsening any existing condition.
Providing the patient with an incorrect dose: Dosage errors occur when a pharmacist gives a patient the correct medication in the wrong dose. These errors are especially dangerous when the patient is a child or is elderly. However, many prescription medicines can result in an overdose if the patient takes too much of the medication.
Putting the wrong label on the correct medication: In the busy pharmacy environment, it is not uncommon for a rushed pharmacist to put the wrong label on a patient’s prescription. There have even been cases where the manufacturer of a medication puts the wrong label on a drug.
Failure to catch adverse reaction or allergy: When filling a prescription for a patient, part of a pharmacist’s job is to check for any adverse reactions that the new medicine may have with the medication the patient is currently taking. Similarly, pharmacists should ensure that a drug is safe for that specific patient. If a pharmacist fails to catch an adverse reaction or medication allergy, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Failure to warn against side effects: Pharmacists also must inform patients about the side effects of their prescribed medication. This may include the impact on a patient’s ability to drive a car or operate heavy machinery.
The vast majority of pharmacy errors are preventable. Thus, when an error occurs, the healthcare professional responsible for the error can be held liable through a Maryland pharmacy error lawsuit.
Have You Been the Victim of a Maryland Pharmacy Error?
If you have recently been the victim of a Maryland pharmacy error, contact the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. At our Maryland law firm, we represent patients in pharmacy error claims and Maryland medical malpractice lawsuits. We have over 20 years of experience helping clients recover the compensation they need and deserve, and look forward to meeting with you to discuss your case. Our injury advocates are ready to meet with you at your convenience. To learn more, call 800-654-1949 to schedule a free consultation today.