Medication mistakes take place at home, in the doctor’s office, at the pharmacy and in the hospital. While there are many different settings, in most cases those caused by medical negligence are preventable. Prescribing or administering the wrong dosage or the wrong drug are two common errors that may indicate medical negligence. Read on for five more medication mistakes.
Wrong Diagnosis
A wrong diagnosis can lead to a patient receiving incorrect and/or unnecessary treatment. When this involves medication, it could end up being more harmful than the patient’s true condition, or the patient may not receive the correct medication to treat an undiagnosed condition.
Incorrect Compounding
Pharmacists are sometimes responsible for mixing ingredients to make a patient’s medication. Mistakes during this process can make a drug ineffective or cause an allergic reaction or some other type of adverse event. Pharmaceutical companies can also be liable for injuries as a result of incorrect compounding.
Incorrect Administration
Administering a drug incorrectly can also cause injuries, usually caused by nurses.
Incorrect administration can happen when administering at the wrong:
- time;
- rate; or
- route.
Improper Monitoring
Patients who are taking medication should be closely monitored, especially when several drugs are involved. Mistakes can happen when a pharmacist fails to explain the harmful effects one prescription might have when combined with another drug. Or they can occur when medication is administered through an IV and no one checks on the patient’s response to the drug.
Manufacturing Mistakes
Manufacturers are sometimes responsible for mistakes involving medication.
Manufacturer error could be the culprit if the company:
- applies the incorrect label to a bottle;
- the drug is tainted or contaminated; or
- the manufacturer’s instructions are inadequate.
If a medical professional makes a mistake that leads to an error with medication, consult an attorney about holding the professional liable for any resultant injuries. Call 404-474-0804 to speak with attorney Jason R. Schultz.
