Millions of Americans take prescription medications every day. They place their trust in the doctors who prescribe them and the pharmacies that fill those prescriptions. In the vast majority of cases, they get it right. The proper medication is dispensed at the correct dosages. When a prescription is filled with the wrong pill, however, the results can be catastrophic.
A busy pharmacy might dispense hundreds of medications in a single day. Some of those prescriptions may be difficult to read or the name of the medication may be misinterpreted for another pill. Your pharmacist may not have accounted for the potential of drug interaction with other medications the patient is prescribed.
HUMAN ERROR AND INADEQUATELY TRAINED PHARMACY STAFF
Pharmacy technicians with minimal pharmaceutical education are too often tasked with performing the duties of a pharmacist in high-volume pharmacies. Faulty communication, sloppy procedures, in-store distractions, and other mishaps can also lead to tragic consequences.
As a patient, you rely on the experience and medical knowledge of your pharmacist to give you the correct prescription. What can you do if you’ve been given the wrong pill from your pharmacy?
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED THE WRONG PILL
An incorrectly filled prescription may cause illness, disability, even death. If you have been given the wrong pill by your pharmacist:
- Seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
- Be sure to have a list of any other medications you have been prescribed. Drug interaction with the wrong pill may cause adverse effects. Your doctor will need to know all medications you are currently taking.
- Save the unused portion of the improperly filled prescription.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney.
You have legal rights if you have been the victim of injury because of a medication error. You may be due compensation for your injury, pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney with a proven track record of success in negotiation and litigation will help you pursue the results you deserve in the eyes of the law. In Atlanta, the legal team to consult is the Fry | Goehring if you’ve been injured from being given the wrong pills. We will be happy to discuss your case in your free initial consultation.
