Medical errors are estimated to the third leading cause of death in the United States. Even when they are not fatal, these errors often have a profound impact on a patient’s life. While there are many different types of medical mistakes, Maryland pharmacy errors can be among the most devastating, especially for the elderly and young children.
While there is a risk of error any time a pharmacist fills a prescription, certain situations present an increased risk. For example, according to a recent news report, the following are a few of the most common medication errors.
Zinc overdoses: Zinc is a mineral that most people consume every day in their diet. Small doses of zinc are beneficial and may help fight colds. However, it is possible to overdose on zinc. In fact, in 2019, a two-year-old was almost given a fatal dose of zinc that was 1,000 times more potent than necessary when a physician prescribed 700 milligrams instead of 700 micrograms.
Using syringes for vinca alkaloids: Best practices call for vinca alkaloids to be diluted in minibags. However, between 15 to 20 percent of hospitals are still using syringes to administer vinca alkaloids, mostly to younger patients.
Prefilled syringes created by compounding pharmacies: Compounding pharmacies create special forms of medications for patients who may be allergic to a certain filler ingredient or require a certain type of administration. However, there has recently been an increase in the number of labeling errors for certain prefilled syringes and premixed IV infusions created by compounding pharmacies.
Unsafe overrides regarding automated dispensing cabinets: Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) are widely used to control the flow of certain medications. However, hospital staff can often easily override the waiting period. In many cases, staff has overridden unnecessarily, putting patients at risk.
Miscommunication: While electronic prescribing is very common, there are certain situations where physicians place prescriptions over the phone. There have been many reports of errors when these prescriptions are not verified. For example, a verbal order for antithrombin during surgery was mistaken as thrombin by the time it was communicated by phone to the pharmacy.
These are just a few specific types of pharmacy errors. Anyone who believes that they have been injured as a result of a pharmacist’s negligence should reach out to a dedicated Maryland prescription error attorney for immediate assistance.
Contact a Pharmacy Error Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
If you or someone you love has recently been harmed as a result of a pharmacist’s negligence, contact the dedicated attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers. At our Maryland medical malpractice and personal injury law firm, we represent clients in all types of pharmacy error claims, including those involving child patients, hospital medication errors and retail pharmacy errors. We have over two decades of experience helping accident victims get their lives back on track after suffering serious injuries. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 877-654-1949. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover for your injuries.