Pharmaceutical Errors and Patient Illness

Most of us don't understand the medical jargon listed on the outside of our prescription bottles. When we visit the doctor to have an illness treated, we trust that our condition is properly diagnosed and that we are receiving a prescription for the medication that we need. Sometimes, however, errors occur that put patients at risk of further complications. If you do not seem to be recovering after taking your medication or your illness worsens, you may have fallen victim to a pharmaceutical error.

Types of Pharmaceutical Errors

Doctors and pharmacists are responsible for prescribing and administering the medications that we need to overcome our illnesses. Sometimes even the most diligent and well-trained professionals make mistakes. A pharmaceutical error can be caused by something as small as a single typo on a prescription or medication label, making it difficult to notice for some time. Some common types of errors that can harm a patient include:

Misdiagnosis
Messy handwriting
Confusing two similarly named drugs
Confusing two drugs that have a similar appearance
Incorrect dosage
Incorrect duration of medication

Any of these mistakes can cause a patient to be exposed to improper medication. Not only can a pharmaceutical error cause further illness, but it can also lead to unnecessary financial costs. A patient who has been harmed by a medication mistake may be facing steep medical bills, lost income from time off of work, additional medication costs, expensive recovery treatment, and pain and suffering. Anyone who has been harmed by a pharmaceutical mistake may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice.

For More Information

To learn more about pharmaceutical errors and your legal options for pursuing compensation in a medical malpractice case, visit the website of the Detroit medical malpractice lawyers of Ravid & Associates, P.C., today.