Pharmacy Error Can Happen to You: What to Know 

Although it is true that everyone makes mistakes, pharmacy error is a mistake that should not be taken lightly. One simple pharmacy error can cause severe side effects and even fatal results.

Whether you go to a well-established pharmacy or a reliable mom-and-pop location, pharmacy error can happen. It’s important that you know what to do if you become the victim of pharmacy error so that you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and other patients of the pharmacy.

How Often Does Pharmacy Error Happen?

Pharmacy error is a serious problem that happens more often than you might think. According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, pharmacy error injures at least 1.5 million people every year. These mistakes result in $3.5 billion of hospital bills. This estimate does not even include lost wages or additional health care costs.

Some of the most common forms of pharmacy error include inaccurate labeling, incorrect prescriptions, and providing inadequate education about the medication.

What to Do If You Have Experienced Pharmacy Error

Do Not Take the Medication

If you notice that you have the wrong medication, do not take it. Taking incorrect medication can cause side effects including headaches, nausea, and even death.

Get Medical Assistance If Needed

Unfortunately, you might not realize the prescription was incorrect until it was too late. If you notice side effects after taking an incorrect medication, get medical assistance immediately. Act as soon as possible so that you can get the treatment you need and mitigate serious side effects.

Contact the Pharmacy

In the case that you did not take the medication, contact the pharmacy. There is a chance that someone else has the wrong medication as well. Notifying them of their mistake will help to prevent anyone else from experiencing the negative side effects of pharmacy error.

If you or a loved one has experienced adverse effects due to pharmacy error, contact Kennedy Law Firm today.