When someone is prescribed a drug by their doctor, they trust that that drug is the most appropriate treatment for their medical problem. They trust that the manufacturer of the drug did sufficient testing to know that the drug can be taken safely and will be effective. When they go to the pharmacy to receive the drug, they trust that the pharmacy has given them the prescribed drug, in the correct dosage. When someone is in the hospital or a nursing home and is given a drug, they must trust that they are being given the correct drug. The whole system is built on trust.
That trust can be abused and misplaced. An FDA study of fatal medication errors stated that 41% of wrong medication deaths were caused by either the wrong drug or by the drug being improperly administered to the patient. About half of those who die from a fatal medication error are over the age of 60. Older people usually take multiple prescription drugs so are the group most at risk.
Other problems can arise when a drug is prescribed that is known to have severe side effects. Drug interactions can also cause problems. This can become a very complex question if someone takes multiple medications, but if it is known that Drug A causes a serious problem when taken with Drug B, the patient must rely on the training of the doctor and pharmacist to alert them to the problem.
Many adults try to research for themselves the drugs that they regularly take, but someone in a hospital or a nursing home is unable to do so. Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to errors. They are expected to swallow whatever pills are handed to them, period. Problems resulting from an incorrect drug or dosage can be attributed to old age or another health problem. In the worst circumstance, no one may notice or care that there even is a problem.
Anyone who believes that they have been injured by a bad drug should consult an Accident Lawyer in Phoenix. The Law Offices of Jay A. Bansal will need to conduct a thorough investigation. Click here to learn how an experienced Accident Lawyer in Phoenix might be able to help you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
