Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
The last thing many patients think to do when picking up a prescription from their local pharmacy is to check the pharmacist’s work. However, given the startling rate of Maryland pharmacy errors, this critically important step should not be overlooked. Did the prescription provided by the pharmacist contain the correct medication? Was the dosage correct? Was the correct number of pills included in the prescription? These are just a few of the questions that patients must ask themselves when picking up a prescription for themselves or a loved one.
Of course, the burden to ensure that a prescription is accurate should not rest with the patient. And legally it does not; pharmacists have an obligation to fill all prescriptions accurately. However, because the repercussions of a pharmacy error can be so devastating, patients should do everything they can to avoid being the victim of a Maryland pharmacy error.
As mentioned above, pharmacists are medical professionals and – like doctors – they have a duty to their patients. This includes the responsibility to accurately fill all prescriptions, regardless of how long it takes. However, the realities of working in a busy pharmacy too often outweigh these practical concerns and pharmacists may fail to double-check their work for fear of getting too far behind. Not surprisingly, this drastically increases the risk of an error.
Update: Woman Who Suffered Serious Skin Condition after Pharmacy Error Receives $1 Million Settlement from State
Several years ago, a woman suffered a serious and rare skin condition called Stevens Johnsons Syndrome after a reported pharmacy error. According to news reports at the time, the woman was prescribed the medication lamotrigine by her physician for her depression. When she went to fill the prescription, the pharmacy apparently filled the medication at the wrong dosage.
The woman took the medication home and took it as directed. For two weeks there were no problems. However, after taking the drug for two weeks, the woman’s skin broke out in blisters. She experienced excruciating pain as her burnt skin sloughed off. Her fingernails will never grow back, and her sweat glands are gone. Currently, nearly two years later, she still has trouble with her vision and skin problems.
According to a recent news report, the woman settled a case with the government for $1 million. The details of the case were not released; however, it was noted that she still has two pending cases against the pharmacy and the pharmacist who filled her prescription.
Have You Been the Victim of a Maryland Pharmacy Error?
If you or someone you care about has recently been the victim of a Maryland pharmacy error, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland pharmacy error attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC have extensive experience representing clients in all types of medical error cases, including medical malpractice, product liability, and pharmacy errors. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation based on the injuries you have sustained, call 410-654-3600 to schedule your free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Some Pharmacies May Lack Safeguards Protecting Patients Against a Physician’s Over-Prescribing, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, March 1, 2019.
ISMP Hopes Maryland Pharmacists Will Take Extra Precautions After Fatal Pharmacy Error, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, February 4, 2019.