Pharmaceutical Dispensing Errors – A Quick Guide

We, as humans, are creatures of habit. 9 times out of 10 if we take medication we do not look at the box or label of the medication prescribed, but simply take the medication.

We put trust, firstly, in the Doctor to prescribe the correct medication and secondly, in the Pharmacist to dispense the medication prescribed correctly.

However, unfortunately, time and time again pharmacists dispense the incorrect medication. This can include:

• Giving the wrong type of medication.
• The wrong dosage of medication.
• Giving out-of-date medication.

Some will argue when dispensing errors occur, they are an example of natural human error, which should be forgiven.

However, at Oakwood Solicitors, we consider pharmaceutical dispensing errors are negligent acts, which can have disastrous consequences.

How could a dispensing error occur?

• High workload.
• Low staffing.
• A mix-up of look-alike/sound-alike drugs.
• A lack of knowledge/experience.
• Distractions/interruptions.
• Communication problems.

Shockingly, Pharmaceutical Journal recently reported that nearly half of Community Pharmacists in the UK checked their own medication they had dispensed.  This clearly poses a threat to patient safety due to, as the saying goes, ‘two heads are better than one’.

Sandra Gidley has even said to The Pharmaceutical Journal, ‘I think that it is quite clear that self-checking should not be done’. This has led to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society calling on the General Pharmaceutical Council to consider self-checking as part of its inspection regime.

Here at Oakwood Solicitors, we do not consider the above reasons justify the pain and suffering an individual may experience as a result of a dispensing error.

What should I do if I suffer from a pharmaceutical dispensing error?

1. Take a photo of the medication error.
2. Report the dispensing error to the Pharmacy involved, telling them the effect the dispensing error has had on you.
3. Report your symptoms to a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
4. Ring us today for legal advice regarding bringing a medical negligence claim.

Further reading

Prescription or medication errors – Oakwood Solicitors

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you or a loved one have been let down by the medical profession and suffered an injury as a result, please do not hesitate to contact Oakwood Solicitors Ltd on 0113 200 9720 for some free, confidential advice to see if you can make a claim for Medical Negligence.