When a pharmacist incorrectly fills a patient’s prescription, the problem created is two-fold. First, the patient often ends up taking medication that was not prescribed to them. Of course, depending on the type of medication involved, this can cause serious side effects. In some cases, the damage caused by taking this unprescribed medication can result in life-long effects.
The other danger involved in a Maryland pharmacy error is that the patient is not receiving the medication that they were prescribed. In most cases, a physician prescribes medication to a patient because it is imperative for the patient’s health. If a patient does not take prescribed medication based on a pharmacist’s error, or if the patient takes unprescribed medication due to a pharmacist’s error, the pharmacist may be held liable for any injuries that result.
In some cases, a patient realizes that they have been taking the incorrect medication based on the symptoms they are experiencing or after double-checking the prescription label. However, one of the problems that the victims of pharmacy errors often encounter is that they may not experience symptoms of the error immediately. Or, if they do experience some symptoms, they may not link the new symptoms to an undiscovered pharmacy error.
Woman Given Medication Ten Times Stronger than Prescribed
Earlier this month, a local news report discussed a pharmacy error that occurred in a grocery store pharmacy. According to the report, the patient was a 24-year-old mother who suffered from epilepsy. As a result of her diagnosis, she was prescribed Briviact.
The patient’s doctor phoned in a prescription for Briviact to her pharmacy. The patient picked up the prescription and began taking the medication as directed: 100/mg twice a day. However, within a few days of taking the medication, the woman noticed that she was lethargic. She reported missing her son’s activities and sleeping much more than normal.
Eventually, the patient’s mother asked her how much of the medication she was taking. The patient told her mother, who thought that the dosage was incorrect. The plaintiff then called the doctor to ensure that the prescription was for the proper amount. She learned that the pharmacy had filled the prescription with medication that was 10 times stronger than that which was prescribed by her physician.
As it turns out, the dose actually given to the patient was within the manufacturer’s acceptable dosage amount; however, the woman’s doctor wanted her to start with a lesser dose. It appears that the patient will not suffer any long-lasting effects of the error.
Have You Been a Victim of a Maryland Pharmacy Error?
If you or a loved one has recently been a victim of a Maryland pharmacy error, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated Maryland personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of personal injury cases, including Maryland prescription error claims. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your case. Calling is free, and you will not be billed for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
How a Physician May Be Responsible for a Maryland Pharmacy Error, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, April 16, 2018.
A Look at Hospital Pharmacy Errors, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, April 2, 2018.