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Nearly four billion prescriptions for medication are filled each year in the United States. Unfortunately, millions of people receive the wrong prescription every year because of pharmacy negligence.
For many of them, the health consequences of receiving the wrong prescription are serious or even fatal. Pharmacists must be held accountable when their carelessness causes harm to those that trusted them with their care.
The number of prescription drug errors has heightened dramatically over the past several years because of the increase of prescription medications, along with several other factors.
We anticipate this issue will grow worse as the aging baby boomers and others become increasingly dependent on prescription medications.
Yet, pharmacy negligence and prescription drug errors can be prevented by strictly enforcing safety procedures and following basic precautions when providing care to patients. When serious or catastrophic harm occurs because of an error caused by pharmacy negligence, our experienced team of attorneys in South Florida can help victims seek justice for the avoidable damage caused.
Gold & Gold was one of several law firms to represent a group of individuals who were blinded by a contaminated pharmaceutical product.
The case involved negligence of the compound pharmacy, who prepared the product in an unsterile environment that resulted in contamination. The case resolved for $15 million to adequately compensate the injured individuals. The compound pharmacy ultimately shut down its operation during the case.
Gold & Gold represented the two surviving sons of a woman who was killed as a result of an oversized prescription morphine pill.
Also called a “fat” pill, the morphine pill contained a higher dose of morphine that was improperly listed. The mother was prescribed the morphine pill for management of her chronic pain condition. After several days of taking the “fat pill” morphine, the excess morphine caused her to stop breathing and she died in her sleep.
Unfortunately, the morphine pills were discarded after her death, because a police investigation did not suspect any foul play. In order to prove that the pills were “fat” pills containing a dangerous amount of morphine, our law firm retained a top level toxicologist.
Ultimately, the manufacturer of the prescription drug and the pharmacy settled for a confidential amount. One of the surviving sons has since used a portion of the settlement to pay for and attend law school.
Common Causes of Medication Errors
- More prescriptions-fewer pharmacists
- Speed over safety
- Reliance on technicians
- Tying pay to volume
- Distractions
- Inadequate regulations
- Doctor error/malpractice
- Failure to comply with product recalls
Common Pharmacy Errors
- Dispensing the wrong medication
- Dispensing medication in the wrong dosage
- Confusing drugs that look alike or have similar sounding names
- Miscommunication between pharmacists and doctors
- Failure to protect against harmful drug interactions
- Failure to provide adequate counseling
- Failure to identify drug allergies
Types of Potentially Dangerous Drugs
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, including selective serotonin re uptake inhibitor (SSRIs), which have been used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, have been connected to serious side effects such as suicide, birth defects, and withdrawal once treatment is complete.
Birth Control Pills
Birth Control pills may increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and death. Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella are linked to a significant increased risk of developing blood clots. Specific conditions include pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners, such as Xarelto, are used to prevent blood clots and strokes. However, dangerous side effects can include uncontrolled bleeding. Bleeding near a major organ, such as a lung, brain, or kidney, can cause the organ to lose some or all functionality.
Heart Disease and Stroke Drugs
Heart disease and stroke drugs such as Pradaxa, can cause fatal complications, like liver failure, heart attack, and uncontrolled bleeding. These drugs used to treat and prevent stroke, heart attacks, and heart disease, can lead to kidney failure and death.
Dangerous drugs can severely alter your life. If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious injury caused by a dangerous drug, contact an experienced Gold & Gold pharmacy negligence attorney to discuss your legal options.