Examples of Dangerous Pharmacy Errors
Any mistakes made in the administration of pharmaceuticals to patients can have extremely serious and detrimental results. Many times, pharmacy errors do not cause harm to the victims. However, if an individual is incorrectly given too high a dose or a drug to which he or she is allergic, then that person runs the risk of sustaining severe injury, permanent disability, or even death.
Why are pharmacy errors made?
Pharmaceutical errors can be the result of many different behind-the-counter environments, miscommunications, and negligent medical workers. Of the many causes of pharmacy mistakes, the following are the most common:
- Understaffing
- Misreading the medication’s label
- Misprinting the patient’s dosage instructions
- Miscommunications between doctor and pharmacist
- Poor training
- Pharmacist negligence
- Doctor error
These errors may cause a number of complications in the victims of such mistakes. It is critical that pharmacists double check all their work before distributing medication to a patient.
Types of Pharmacy Errors
Sadly, pharmaceutical errors frequently result in severe damage to or death of an innocent victim. There are a number of harmful pharmacy errors that may occur, the most common of which include:
- Drug side effects
- Incorrect labeling
- Incorrect dosage
- Incorrect prescription
- Poor drug interactions and complications
These mistakes may result in overdosing, unsafe mixing of drugs, delay in treatment, or dangerous allergic reactions to medication.
Contact Us
If you have been the unfortunate victim of a pharmaceutical error, contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 610-667-7511 to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.