Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
The recent Class I recall of cefazolin, an antibiotic used to fight serious infections, highlights the dangers that patients face when unsafe drugs reach pharmacies. The Food and Drug Administration flagged the recall after contamination was detected that could cause severe or even fatal reactions. For Maryland residents, the incident raises an important question: what happens if you or a loved one receives a recalled or unsafe medication? Speaking with a qualified attorney as soon as possible can help you protect your health and pursue accountability.
How National Recalls Connect to Local Pharmacy Errors
A nationwide recall may originate from a manufacturing facility, but pharmacies are often the last line of defense before a dangerous drug reaches patients. Pharmacists are responsible for tracking recall notices, removing affected lots from shelves, and notifying customers who may have received the medication. If a pharmacy fails to act on a recall notice, you may be given a contaminated or defective drug that puts your health in jeopardy. Such oversight can form the basis of a pharmacy error claim.
When the FDA labels a recall as Class I, it signals the highest level of risk. That means the drug could cause serious health consequences or death if used as intended. In the case of cefazolin, a contaminated dose given to someone with an infection could worsen their condition or cause life-threatening complications. Patients trust that pharmacies will keep them safe by catching these errors before they cause harm.
What Makes Pharmacy Liability Different From Manufacturer Liability
You may wonder whether only the manufacturer is responsible for a recalled drug. In reality, liability can extend beyond the company that produced the medication. Pharmacies that fail to respond to recall alerts can be held accountable for dispensing unsafe drugs. Maryland law recognizes that pharmacies have a duty of care to the people they serve.
A manufacturer may be held responsible for creating a contaminated product, while a pharmacy may be accountable for failing to prevent that product from being dispensed. These overlapping responsibilities mean that multiple parties may be liable for the same incident. For patients, this distinction is crucial because it can increase the likelihood of receiving full compensation for their injuries.
The Evidence That Can Strengthen a Claim
If you suspect that a pharmacy error involving a recalled drug harmed you or a loved one, evidence is essential. Pharmacy records can show when recall alerts were received and whether staff removed the affected medication from inventory. Prescription logs can confirm whether a recalled lot number was dispensed. Medical records may show a direct link between taking the medication and experiencing serious side effects.
In some cases, expert testimony helps explain how the contamination or defect likely caused the injury. This may include pharmacists, medical specialists, or even investigators familiar with FDA recall procedures. Each piece of evidence works together to show that your injury could have been prevented if proper safeguards had been followed.
Why Recalls Expose Gaps in Oversight
The cefazolin recall also shines a light on weaknesses in the drug distribution system. Even though pharmacies receive recall notices electronically, the process of pulling contaminated products relies heavily on human action. A single missed step can allow dangerous drugs to remain on shelves. These errors are not abstract. They can cause permanent harm to patients who depend on safe medications to treat serious conditions.
Maryland residents rely on pharmacies as trusted community institutions. When these institutions fail to protect patients by ignoring recalls or failing to alert customers, the damage goes beyond physical injury. It erodes trust in the health care system itself.
Taking Action After Harm From a Recalled Drug
If you or a family member received a recalled medication and suffered harm, you have the right to seek compensation. Legal claims can cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering tied to the pharmacy’s error. In wrongful death cases, families may also pursue damages for funeral costs and loss of financial support.
These claims do more than provide financial relief. They send a message that pharmacies and manufacturers must be vigilant in protecting patient safety. Without accountability, systemic problems that allow contaminated or defective medications to slip through the cracks will continue to put patients at risk.
Speak With a Maryland Pharmacy Error Attorney Today
Recalls like the recent cefazolin contamination show how quickly unsafe medications can reach vulnerable patients. Pharmacies that fail to act on recall alerts can and should be held responsible when people are harmed. If you or someone you love suffered because of a recalled or improperly dispensed drug, the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen are here to help. Call (800) 654-1949 today to discuss your case with a Maryland pharmacy error attorney who will fight for your rights and your recovery.