Incorrect Medication (Doctor or Pharmacy)

Incorrect Medication (Doctor or Pharmacy)

Prescribing medication is an essential task for any doctor whereby they weigh up the benefit of treatment against the risk of harm. When we visit our doctor we trust implicitly that the process of prescribing medication to us is done with the utmost of care and consideration. What if we take this medication though and an error was made either by the doctor who wrote it or the chemist that dispensed it? The results could be minor if we’re lucky but if not potentially devastating.

Prescription error by a doctor

A doctor can be held liable if something as simple as bad handwriting leads to harming the patient. If the pharmacist misreads the handwriting the patient will receive the wrong medication. Thankfully the majority of surgeries now have computerised systems so this type of error is becoming increasingly rare. Electronic prescriptions are not without fault however, with predictive text amending certain words, it is with diligence that the doctor typing up the prescription checks what is appearing on screen. A doctor may make a mistake and prescribe the incorrect medication altogether e.g. a medication to which you are allergic or for a condition that you simply do not have. Your illness may worsen as a result or you may suffer a severe reaction. Worst of all the error could prove to be fatal.

Prescription error by a pharmacy

A pharmacist may make an error by giving you someone else’s prescription, dispensing the wrong dosage (too much, too little), the wrong quantity, prescribing a medication in a combination that may be toxic when taken together or labelling the medication up incorrectly. Dosages that are too high or taking too much bring the possibility of side effects and overdosing, on the other hand dosages that are too low in strength mean that the illness or injury isn’t treated effectively. Patients who experience more dangerous side effects or reactions may end up in hospital and given even more medication to counteract the effects.

Regardless of best intentions of GP staff and pharmacies lapses in judgement, human and technical error remain a worrying occurrence. Whoever is at fault for the prescription error, taking the wrong or incorrect dosage of medication can have very serious consequences for your health. If you think you may have grounds to pursue a claim from an error to a prescription or prescriptions the best thing to do is contact a medical negligence solicitor.  We can help you find out if you are eligible to make a claim.

Call us now on 0800 122 3130 or click here to start your claim.