Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
Prescription errors are often associated with a pharmacist grabbing the wrong bottle or misreading a dosage. However, some mistakes begin far earlier at the manufacturing stage. A recent nationwide recall involving nearly 40 generic medications is a critical reminder that pharmacy errors can originate in the production process, with consequences for patients across Maryland and beyond.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a sweeping recall of medications manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. The recall includes common treatments for high blood pressure, seizures, cholesterol, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. These drugs were sold throughout the United States, many through local pharmacies, with some reaching consumers through online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Why the Glenmark Medications Were Recalled
The FDA labeled this as a Class II recall, which means the medications pose a risk of temporary or medically reversible health issues. The agency did not specify whether any serious injuries had occurred as a result of these drugs. However, the underlying cause of the recall points to serious lapses in manufacturing standards.
According to inspection reports, Glenmark’s factory in Madhya Pradesh, India, failed to meet quality control benchmarks. Problems included a lack of contamination safeguards, inadequate documentation of test results, and poor oversight of product mixing procedures. These are not minor technical violations. They increase the likelihood that a consumer may receive a medication that is mislabeled, incorrectly dosed, or potentially contaminated.
How Can Manufacturing Errors Affect Maryland Patients?
Many Maryland residents rely on generic drugs to manage chronic conditions. Medication recalls can ripple effects through local pharmacies, primary care providers, and patient routines. In some cases, patients may continue taking unsafe medications for weeks or months before a recall becomes public.
Even when the physical health risks are not immediate, the emotional toll of being prescribed a faulty drug can be significant. Patients trust that the medication they pick up at the pharmacy has been safely produced, accurately labeled, and properly dispensed. When that chain breaks, they may experience stress, confusion, or disruption in care.
Pharmacies Must Be Vigilant About Recalled Medications
Pharmacies in Maryland are expected to follow all recall notices and remove affected medications from circulation. They are also responsible for alerting patients when a drug they dispense is subject to a recall. If a pharmacist fails to follow through on these responsibilities and a patient is harmed, the pharmacy may be held legally responsible.
In some situations, the pharmacy may have dispensed a recalled medication after the recall was issued. In other words, he pharmacist may not have correctly verified the source of a generic drug or substituted a medication without full patient consent. These are all potential grounds for a pharmacy error claim.
You May Be Able to Seek Compensation After a Pharmacy Error
Legal claims related to defective medication can help patients recover for the costs of additional care, the pain and stress caused by unexpected symptoms, and the financial burden of replacing medications. If a recalled drug caused lasting injury or hospitalization, the impact can go far beyond a disrupted prescription. You may also be entitled to damages for time missed from work or for emotional distress caused by the experience.
While the FDA reported no confirmed injuries from this latest recall, past problems at the same Glenmark facility have been linked to multiple hospitalizations and even several deaths. That history suggests that these situations should never be taken lightly, especially when many medications are involved.
Bringing a pharmacy error claim also serves a broader purpose. It holds companies accountable for protecting patients and may lead to safer systems and stronger oversight. If a medication harmed you or someone you love, youcano demand answers and pursue justice.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen After a Prescription Drug Recall or Pharmacy Error
At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we help Maryland residents who have been harmed by medication errors, including those caused by manufacturer recalls or pharmacy mistakes. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a defective or mishandled prescription, we can help you understand your legal rights and determine whether you have a claim.
Call Lebowitz & Mzhen at (800) 654-1949 today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you protect your health, safety, and future.