When most people go to the pharmacy to pick up their prescription, they usually do not think twice about checking to see if the drug and dosage information they are given matches that which the doctor prescribed. Sadly, putting this much trust in your local pharmacy can have drastic consequences if you are provided with the wrong medication. Pharmacy errors happen frequently for a wide range of reasons, so it is important to be aware of the drugs and dosages that you have been prescribed.
Pharmaceutical Mistakes
Some pharmacy errors can go completely unnoticed by patients, while others can cause serious harm and long-term injury or illness. Pharmaceutical mistakes may occur due to:
- Doctors prescribing the wrong medicine or a medicine with a similar name to the correct drug, writing illegible prescriptions, or prescribing the wrong dosage
- Pharmacists misreading or mishandling prescriptions
- Pharmacy technicians confusing drugs, patient information, and dosages
- Data entry mistakes
When you go to the doctor, be sure to ask plenty of questions about any drug you are prescribed, including dosage information and adverse effects. At the pharmacy, opt for counseling with a pharmacist, and make sure the information he or she gives you matches what your doctor said. Read about your prescriptions and become familiar with the look of your pills and the name and look of any off brands. Check any refills to make sure you have been provided with the same medication. By following these tips, you may be able to avoid being the victim of a pharmaceutical error.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has become injured or ill because of a pharmacy error, you may be able to fight back and seek compensation for your losses. To speak with a qualified Fort Lauderdale pharmacy mistakes attorney, contact the offices of Salpeter Gitkin, LLP, at 954-467-8622.
