A medication error is defined as a preventable event that leads to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. These mistakes can happen at many points in the process—when a doctor prescribes a drug, when it is entered into a computer system, when a pharmacist prepares or dispenses it, or when it is administered to a patient. Medication errors are serious and can result in hospitalization, permanent disability, life-threatening complications, birth defects, or even death. Unfortunately, they are not uncommon—the FDA receives more than 100,000 reports each year involving suspected medication errors.
When doctors, nurses, hospitals, or pharmacies commit these errors, it may be considered medical malpractice. A Roanoke medication error lawyer at MichieHamlett can help you pursue justice if you have been harmed in this way. Contact our experienced medical malpractice attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your concerns and any potential claims you may have.
One of the most common forms of medication error occurs when the wrong medicine is given. Although doctors can make a mistake in prescribing the wrong medication, usually the error occurs when the prescription is filled incorrectly at the pharmacy, or the nurse administers the wrong medicine at the hospital or clinic. There are thousands of drugs on the market, and many have very similar shapes or names but vastly different uses. Because of these similarities, it is easy for a rushed, distracted, negligent, or inexperienced medical professional to pick the wrong medicine, sometimes with disastrous results to the patient. The effects of a medication error can range from the condition not getting better to life-threatening or fatal harm.
Sometimes, the right medicine might be chosen, but the wrong dosage is prescribed, filled, or administered. Dosage strength can differ depending on the form of medicine (tablet, liquid), the patient’s weight, and other factors. Too little dosage can render the medication ineffective, while too much can cause an overdose with serious health effects.
Other common medication errors include:
One of the most frustrating aspects of medication errors is that they can so easily be prevented by paying attention and implementing simple, commonsense solutions. Using electronic medical records, barcoding, standardized systems and handheld PDAs can help remove errors, but only if medical providers are diligent when entering information and using these systems consistently. Other simple steps that can prevent medication errors include:
It’s up to hospitals and pharmacies to implement procedures like these and make sure they are followed. The institution or facility can be just as liable as the person who made the error.
Medication mistakes might not cause severe harm, but at the very least, the patient is not being treated properly if not given the correct medication at the proper dosage. Adverse effects from medication errors can range from the mild to the most serious, including allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, organ failure, and death.
More than half of all Americans take at least one medication regularly. Many people take multiple medications, often from different medical providers. When prescribing a medicine, filling a prescription, or administering a dose, it’s essential that the healthcare professional understand the patient’s medical history, drug allergies, and the potential interactions between the current drug and other medications the patient is taking.
If you believe you have been harmed by a medication error or another medical mistake in a Virginia hospital, pharmacy, or doctor’s office, contact us at MichieHamlett today. A Roanoke medication error lawyer from our team will listen to your concerns in a no-cost, confidential consultation. We will help determine what went wrong and work to ensure you receive the proper medical care, along with compensation for the harm you suffered.
