In light of it being Prescription Error Education and Awareness Week, this week’s blog post will focus on that topic.

There are many reasons for prescription errors, and while none of them excuse the event, there are steps that you, as a consumer, can take to minimize these occurrences.

• Be sure to write down the name of the medication, and its generic name, and compare this to the name of the medication which the pharmacy gives you. (Your doctor will never be mad at you for asking for more information.)
• Check that the description of the medication printed on the label matches what is actually in the bottle. (i.e.: if the label says “Small white oval pill” and the contents are large green gel caps, there might be a problem)
• Ensure that the dosage the doctor prescribed is the dosage printed on the directions of the medication. (If the Doctor tells you that the medication should be taken once daily, and the label indicates three times daily, you might want to question if there has been a change.)

If you discover that an error has been made, there are some steps that should be taken.

• Do not throw away the prescription, bottle, or receipts.
• Do not give the prescription, bottle, or receipts to the pharmacy or the doctor.
• Seek medical treatment from a physician immediately.
• Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

There is no guarantee that a case for prescription error would result in any damages, but there are rules which govern how soon a case must be filed, so speaking with an attorney quickly would be most beneficial for you. Each case is different and needs to be evaluated by an attorney.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a prescription error feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

Rooney and Rooney Law