Pharmacy Errors Not Uncommon in U.S.

Medication errorsinjure an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States every year, according to the Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives. This statistic not only includes mistakes made by health care providers when prescribing mediations, but also mistakes made by pharmacies when dispensing mediations.

News reports of pharmacy errors are not uncommon. Most recently, a Minnesota woman made headlines when she was inadvertently provided with 100 milligrams of Brivia, an anti-epileptic medication, instead of the prescribed 10 milligram dosage. Her local pharmacy then refilled the medication three more times before catching its mistake. As a result of unknowingly taking the medication at ten times the prescribed dosage, the woman endured severe withdrawal symptoms with residual side effects.

In a research study that focused on the frequency of pharmacy dispensing errors, 9,846 prescriptions filled at a New Jersey pharmacy were analyzed and, of those, 1,371 errors were discovered to have been made. These mistakes included prescription bottles filled with the wrong pills, medications filled at the wrong dosages, and labeling errors that provided inaccurate instructions.

These types of errors have the potential to cause severe and life-changing injuries, but there are ways to help ensure that you do not become the victim of a pharmacy error. Know what dosage of a medication you were prescribed and verify that is the dosage your pharmacy provided.Make sure to double check that your name, address, and birthday is accurate on your prescription label. Verify that pill color and shape match what you have been given in the past or match the pill description that can be found on the prescription label. If you have any questions about the medication you are provided, or if you have any concerns about something that does not seem right, make sure to call your pharmacist before taking the medication.

Injuries from pharmacy errors can be catastrophic or even deadly. If you have suffered as the result of a pharmacy error, the attorneys at The Bowling Law Firm are happy to discuss your options. Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving pharmacy errors, and have garnered successful outcomes for their clients. Please contact us to discuss your situation.

The Bowling Law Firm, APLC
1615 Poydras Street, Suite 1050
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-586-5200
www.lawbowling.com