Your pharmacist is the last shield you have before you are given a potentially harmful medication. It is vital to you and other Las Vegas residents to receive the accurate medication, dosage and instructions by your pharmacist before you go home with your medicine. Even the smallest mistake by a pharmacist or technician can result in your condition not being treated properly, as well as potentially life-threatening consequences.
Billions of prescriptions are filled every year, states ABC News. It is more important than ever for your pharmacist or technician to fill your prescriptions accurately. In one tragic case that illustrates what might go wrong after a pharmacy error, a man died after the wrong directions were printed on his bottle of prescription painkillers. Reportedly, the directions stated to take four tablets as needed for his pain, instead of correctly instructing him to take four pills two times a day. The man was also not offered counseling by his pharmacist before going home. After his death, testing revealed that he had died from an overdose of the medication he was prescribed.
Other pharmacy mistakes that could put you or your family at risk include the following:
- The wrong medication
- A dose that is higher than the one prescribed by your doctor
- Confusing or missing dosage instructions
- Adverse interactions with other medications you are taking
Pharmacists are professionals who undergo a great deal of training before being put in a position of trust. However, they are humans and make mistakes like everyone else. You might protect yourself by insisting on speaking with your pharmacist each time you pick up a prescription, and making sure you understand how much and how often to take your medication. If you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, be sure to let your pharmacist know. The information in this blog post should not replace the advice of a lawyer.
