Most people assume that when they go to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription, the medication provided to them by the pharmacist is the same medication that their doctor prescribed. However, the reality is that each year there are thousands of reported pharmacy errors. Many of these errors result in a patient being provided the wrong drug, while others involve the pharmacist providing patients with the wrong dose or the incorrect instructions. If you believe you were injured as a result of receiving the wrong prescription medication or dosage, contact a Maryland pharmacy error attorney.
Pharmacists have a duty to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are accurate. Often, retail pharmacies are extremely busy and rely on a pharmacist technician to fill a prescription, which is then later checked by the pharmacist prior to being provided to a patient. However, during these busy times, both pharmacists and technicians are often handling multiple prescriptions and are more likely to make an error.
While the ultimate duty to ensure a patient is not given the wrong medication rests with the pharmacist, there are certain precautions patients can take to decrease the chance that they will be sent home with the wrong medication. A recent news article discusses a few of these steps, including:
- Make sure the pharmacy has up-to-date information: Pharmacists are trained to verify patients’ identity by asking for a patient’s name, address, and birthdate. If this information is correct, a pharmacist may be able to catch a potential error.
- Provide the pharmacist with allergy information: If the pharmacist is aware of a patient’s medication allergies, there is a better chance that a patient will not be sent home with medication that may be harmful to them.
- Ensure that the pharmacist is aware of current medical conditions and medications: Many prescription drug errors are caused by adverse interactions caused by taking multiple medications.
- Do not hesitate to ask questions: If something seems off, or if a patient has questions for the pharmacist, a busy pharmacy or a long line should not deter a patient from asking questions.
- Ask for a translator, if necessary: Patients who are not comfortable discussing health related issues in English should ask for a pharmacy employee who is fluent in their language, or request a translator to assist in communication.
What to Do if You Have Been the Victim of a Maryland Pharmacy Error
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a Maryland pharmacy error, call the dedicated Maryland personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have extensive experience representing clients in pharmacy error cases, and know what it takes to prove a claim against a pharmacy. We provide free consultations to pharmacy error victims in which we provide up-front and compassionate advice and guidance. If you decided to pursue your claims, we will not charge you for our services unless you are successful in recovering for the injuries you have sustained. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to schedule your free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Pharmacy Errors on the Rise, According to One Industry Source, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, August 27, 2018.
Medication Alert: Blood-Pressure Medication Recall, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, September 3, 2018.