Can Pharmacist Substitution Lead to Pharmacy Negligence?

Pharmacists are required by law and by definition of their duties to provide specific care to their customers and patients when they are filling prescriptions. One of the roles that they can serve is as a medical advisor in the area of medication substitution. For many patients, this can be helpful if there is a cheaper version of a medication that they could be taking.

However, these kinds of pharmacist substitutions can lead to pharmacy error in some cases. If you believe that pharmacist substitution led to your pharmacy negligence injuries, you might have reason to engage a personal injury lawyer who specializes in pharmacy negligence cases.

What is Pharmacy Substitution?

This is the process whereby a pharmacist changes a prescription they are filling from a name brand product to a generic which is less expensive. They might also substitute a medication that is in another form to assist with swallowing, or to help young children take their meds.

This is an allowed determination that a pharmacist can make for the well-being of the patient they are caring for.

When Does Pharmacy Substitution Cause Negligence?

There are a few ways in which pharmacist substitution might cause negligence or injury to occur. 

• Patient is not advised about the change to their medication or the correct new dosage.
• Patient is given a drug that causes drug interactions with other medications.
• Patient is given the wrong drug.

These errors can lead to serious harm, or even death. Pharmacists are required to notify patients of changes to their medications as well as providing verbal counsel about the medications they are dispensing. If the wrong dosage or the wrong drug is provided to a patient, serious injury could occur.

What to do if You Have Been Harmed Through Pharmacy Negligence

If you have been injured as a result of pharmacy negligence, you will need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent your case. Reach out to us at Kennedy Law Firm and set up a consultation today. We take pride in caring for the needs of our clients who have been harmed by pharmacy neglect.