Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
People that regularly take prescription medicine or have received prescription medication in a hospital or clinic setting can appreciate the vital importance of best practices when it comes to receiving the medicine. Whether it is at the pharmacy or in the hospital, it is essential to be aware of safety measures that could make a major difference in the care you receive. Every patient deserves peace of mind when it comes to their medications, and to live free of the consequences of medical and pharmaceutical malpractice.
Incorrect or erroneous distribution or application of medications is surprisingly present in the United States. In fact, some sources cite a rate of one in five Americans experiencing a medical error while receiving health treatment. Unfortunately, Maryland is no exception to this trend, and Maryland residents should be aware of emerging best practices in the face of the increased computerization of pharmacies and hospital medication cabinets.
Illnesses Stemming From Medication Errors
According to a recent news report medication provided to a 3-month-old girl was found to have trace amounts of glucocorticoid, a steroid hormone. The medication error resulted in the child developing a rare case of Cushing’s syndrome in the 3-month-old. The incident occurred when an oral liquid formulation of omeprazole, prepared by a local pharmacist, contained a small amount of the steroid hormone glucocorticoid. The baby was in the process of being treated with omeprazole, which is a medication commonly used to treat minor issues such as indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux, to ease symptoms of mild gastritis, also known as inflammation in the lining of the stomach.
In this case, researchers have pointed out the need to consider medication errors and toxicity as a differential diagnosis in odd or strange clinical cases, highlighting the importance of being alert for unexpected medication errors.
What Is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Cushing’s syndrome comprises a group of conditions characterized by the presence of abnormally high cortisol levels. In certain forms of Cushing’s, including Cushing’s disease, cortisol levels rise above healthy limits due to internal factors — generally the presence of a tumor — that cause the body to overproduce cortisol.
However, the condition can also be triggered by external factors, most commonly by excessive or long-term exposure to certain medications, usually glucocorticoids, which act like cortisol. This form of the syndrome is often referred to as exogenous Cushing’s syndrome.
Do You Need a Maryland Pharmacy Error Attorney?
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a pharmacy or medication error in the Prince George’s, Baltimore, Charles, or Montgomery County region, let the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries from pharmacy errors can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced team of lawyers by your side can make all the difference. Our attorneys have successfully represented injury victims at every stage of the process, ensuring that they obtain the proper damages. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 800-654-1949 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a Maryland injury lawyer at our office.