Key Takeaways
- A pharmaceutical error is any error relating to a medicinal drug, and it can be made by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, or caregivers.
- Common errors include wrong dosages, missed dangerous drug interactions, incorrect medication, expired drugs, and confusion over drug names or packaging.
- Pharmacists may call a physician to confirm an unusually high dose or a new prescription that could interact with current medications.
- Injuries may range from a rash or mild discomfort to death, which a study on dispensing errors reports in 7,000-9,000 people annually.
- Patients can help by keeping medication lists current, asking about the drug and dose, and checking that pills match the bottle’s description.
When we pick up our prescription from the pharmacy, we expect that we will pick up the appropriate drug at the correct dose to treat our ailments. We know that several sets of eyes have been on our medication, from the doctor prescribing it to the pharmacist who fills the prescription and provides the medication.
We know everyone has a role in ensuring our safety. However, when medical staff make mistakes or miss something, it can have dangerous consequences that may leave you with lasting injuries. If this has happened to you, the team at our Portland medical malpractice law firm may be able to help.
Speak to a Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Assistance Today
Understanding a Pharmaceutical Error
We can define a pharmaceutical error as any error relating to a medicinal drug. Errors in medications can significantly affect your health and may cause lasting damage. Your treatment team will ideally work together to ensure the highest quality of care for you as a whole person. This includes ensuring clear and accurate communication regarding all medications, possible interactions, and your medical history.
A pharmaceutical error can be made by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and caregivers. When a pharmacist or physician makes a mistake with medication, it could be one of many things. A study, Medication Dispensing Errors and Prevention, cites that many of these errors include:
- An inappropriate dosage on a prescription or incorrect dispensing or administration of a drug
- Missing dangerous drug interactions
- Prescribing or dispensing incorrect medication
- Filling incorrect medication
- Incorrect instructions for administration
- Failing to educate patients about their medication
- Dispensing expired medication
- Confusion of drug name or packaging
“At Paulson Coletti, ‘liberty and justice for all’ is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.”
Part of your pharmacist’s job is to notice if something seems off about your prescription. For example, suppose they see your physician prescribe a higher dosage than usual. In that case, they may call your physician to confirm the dosage is appropriate for you to prevent a possible overdose.
Your pharmacist may also take action if they notice that a new prescription may negatively interact with your already prescribed medication. In this case, they may call your physician to confirm the prescription, or they may educate you on the interaction possibilities and what symptoms to be aware of.
Injuries From Pharmaceutical Error
Injuries resulting from a pharmaceutical error can vary depending on the type of error. This variation may range from a rash or mild discomfort and, or death, which is seen in 7,000-9,000 people annually, according to the above-referenced study. Some injuries could be something severe, including:
- Allergic reaction (local or anaphylaxis)
- Respiratory distress
- Organ failure
- Congenital disabilities, miscarriage, or preterm labor
You may find yourself recovering quickly from some of the consequences of a pharmaceutical error, but often, they can have consequences that last a lifetime. Some of these lasting consequences may require you or a loved one to live with ongoing medical conditions or require assistance from medical devices or aides.
Preventing Pharmaceutical Errors
The first line of defense in preventing pharmaceutical errors lies in attention to detail and clear communication among your care team. You can assist in protecting yourself in a couple of ways. Some preventative actions you may take could be:
- Make sure your medication list is current at your physician’s office and your pharmacy
- Ask your physician what type of medication they are prescribing and the dose
- Double-check that the pills dispensed to you match the description on the bottle
- Ask questions when you have them
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
You could take all of these steps and more to prevent pharmaceutical errors. However, it is ultimately up to your medical team to ensure your medication’s safe prescribing and dispensing. If you have been significantly injured from an error with your medication, it may be worthwhile to contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to discuss your options.