The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted millions of lives across the world, nation, and the state of Maryland, but fortunately, vaccines are currently being distributed. As of January 15th of this year, approximately 12.2 million individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While the vaccine is a good thing and a sign of hope to many, its distribution is vulnerable to errors, just like any medication or drug. Pharmacy and medication errors do happen in Maryland, and so there is potential for vaccine errors as the state rolls out the vaccine as well.
Fortunately, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recently provided safe practice recommendations for administering COVID-19 vaccines, following several reports of errors. There are two main types of reported errors that affect patients: dilution errors and mix-ups with look-alike products. First, the Pfizer vaccine must be diluted with a preservative-free sodium chloride injection. Unfortunately, multiple errors have occurred in the dilution, with too little diluent added and patients having too much of the vaccine administered. These errors can potentially lead to potentially stronger adverse effects for patients. Second, Moderna’s vaccine has been confused by some with the new Regeneron monoclonal antibody casirivimab, likely due to labeling issues and the fact that they look alike. It is reported that two versions of vial and carton labels for the Regeneron antibody exist, but neither includes the name of the specific antibody or has a functioning barcode. These mix-ups could result in patients receiving the wrong drug.
Can a Pharmacy Reduce the Risk of Medication Errors?
To reduce the risk of errors, ISMP offered several recommendations for health care organizations. These recommendations include safely selecting vaccination sites, verifying the competency of the vaccinators, dispensing pharmacy-prepared syringes, identifying and differentiating monoclonal antibodies, separating different vaccines when storing them, and preparing for allergic reactions. Hopefully, these recommendations can prevent future vaccinations from occurring. However, recommendations have been made in the past to prevent common pharmacy errors that occur in Maryland every day, and yet they unfortunately still happen. It is important that those who may be injured as a result of those errors understand that state law may provide them a remedy through a personal injury lawsuit. If they are interested in filing one, they should begin by reaching out to a pharmacy error attorney who handles these matters.
Reach Out to a Maryland Pharmacy Error Attorney Right Now
To begin the process of filing a Maryland pharmacy error lawsuit, you should reach out to the personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. Our attorneys are working hard, even through the pandemic, to represent pharmacy error victims and their families. We have decades of combined trial experience, and will always work hard to prioritize your case and protect your legal rights. When you work with us, you can trust your case is in good hands with even the most complicated of cases. To schedule a risk-free, initial and virtual consultation with us, call us today at 800-654-1949. Or, fill out our online form, and one of our attorneys will reach out to you.