Pharmacy Errors Can Lead To Illness And Harm

When a pharmacist distributes the wrong drug or does not give the correct dosage, a person may find their health deteriorating rather than improving. If a patient receives an incorrect dosage, their health issue may not be treated properly, for example. Careless pharmacists can be held liable. They, like doctors, have a duty to do no harm.

If you or someone you care about has questions about pharmacist liability, discuss your situation with a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. Preventable events can lead to settlements, you may be able to secure compensation for illness or harm due to a pharmacy error.

Reasons Medication Errors Occur

There are a variety of reasons behind drug errors. There could be miscommunication between doctors or there could be drug names that are similar to one another. It is important to be aware of the possibility, as it is common for a person to take a prescription and simply have it filled by a pharmacist without question. If you have any questions about your medication, be sure to ask to protect your own health.

But there are times when errors occur despite an active, questioning patient. If any of the following are true for you, be sure to connect with an experienced attorney.

• You were given the wrong drug. When a pharmacist is not careful or drug names are similar, it is possible there will be a mix-up, resulting in you being given a drug that is different than the one you were prescribed.
• Wrong dosage communicated. Medications are often created in a range of potencies, but a patient can only follow their treatment plan efficiently with the correct dosage of prescriptions. A reckless pharmacist will print the wrong dosage on the label or share incorrect information with you.
• Warnings need to be communicated. Medical professionals and pharmacists have a responsibility to inform you of dangerous side effects and if there are drug interactions you need to be aware of.

It takes years to train as a pharmacist and most perform their jobs professionally and efficiently, but there are examples of pharmacies distributing the wrong drug or an incorrect dose despite their education and experience.

Drug Interactions and Refills

Similarly, a pharmacist should use their academic education and professional experience to make appropriate decisions regarding refills and drug interactions. Anything that appears amiss to them should stop the process of drug distribution. After all, pharmacists should know what a medication does, why it is being prescribed, and when it can do harm.

When the reckless actions of a pharmacist or pharmacy lead to illness and injury, talk to a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer about your compensation options.

Are you recovering from an illness or injury that was caused by a pharmacist’s drug error? You need an attorney working for you. Contact the legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP to understand your medical malpractice claim options. Our attorneys successfully secure compensation for individuals coping with injuries and large healthcare expenses in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.