Incorrect medication can cause all sorts of serious problems.

Taking the wrong or incorrect dosage of medication can cause serious problems and some rare cases even death depending on the drug involved. In most cases we are able to trust that we have been given the correct medication but we should always check the packaging, contents and literature included with all medicines before taking it.

If you are prescribed a medication by a hospital or a GP you should make sure that you check the medication you are given by the chemist matches the prescription you handed in and also that the medication prescribed is the correct type and strength to treat the condition you have. 

How mistakes can happen

There are many different ways in which patients can end up taking the wrong medication.  For example:

Medication prescribed for too long

If medication is prescribed for too long, this can cause injuries as some medications have harmful side effects if taken over a long period of time.  This type of mistake is likely to occur when a patient is allowed to keep ordering repeat prescriptions without being examined by a doctor.

Incorrect dosage

Sometimes medication is available in several different doses and mistakes can occur when a GP prescribes the wrong dose or a pharmacist doesn’t read the prescription properly and supplies an incorrect dose to the patient.  Occasionally an adult dose can be prescribed to a child in error.

Medication supplied to a patient which is allergic

If you have been found to be allergic to a particular medicine, like penicillin for example, it should be clearly noted on your medical records and you should not be prescribed with any medication in the future containing the ingredient you are allergic to.  Mistakes do happen though and serious side effects can occur if a person takes medication they are allergic to.

Two or more medicines which should not be taken together

Serious problems can also occur when a patient is prescribed with two medications which should not be taken together.  This tends to happen when a patient is prescribed a new medication without checks being carried out to check if the patient is already taking any other medication.

If you have been issued a prescription medication that has caused you harm, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim. Contact us today to find out if you are eligible to claim.

 

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