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Types of Errors

Dangerous and Defective Drugs If you put your trust in a pharmaceutical company and were hurt by their product, you deserve compensation for your suffering.
Wrong Medication Did you receive the wrong medication or incorrect prescription from a pharmacy? If you have suffered because of a medication error please call us for a free case review.
Wrong Dosage Common forms of medication error: incorrect dosage error. Order our free book to learn how to protect yourself and your family from wrong dosage errors.
Other Errors Order our free book, "How to Make Pharmacies Pay for your Injuries Caused by Medication Errors, to learn your rights in prescription error cases.
Kids Rx Errors Order a free copy of The Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Children Against Pharmacy Errors. If you have suffered a prescription error contact our firm today.
Pharmacy Malpractice If you have suffered an injury because a pharmacy dispensed the wrong medication or made an error with your prescription, you are able to file a claim for negligence or malpractice and receive the compensation you deserve.
Walgreens Pharmacy Error Claims There have been numerous claims brought against Walgreens for pharmacy errors or prescription errors. Order our free book to learn how to take action.
CVS Pharmacy Error Claims If you've been injured because of a CVS Pharmacy prescription error, call us for help with your lawsuit at 888-526-7616.
State Pharmacy Boards If you have been severely injured because of a medication error, contact board-certified attorneys immediately to investigate your case free of charge.
Drug & Pharmacy Error Prevention Filing a pharmacy error lawsuit is the only way to make pharmacies take accountability for mistakes. Call our board certified attorneys for a free case review.
State Pharmacy Laws State laws on pharmacy malpractice. Learn the pharmacy error Statute of Limitation laws that apply to your state. Call 877-342-2020 for a free consultation.

Allergy or Adverse Reaction? Why it Matters to Your Pharmacist.

David W. Hodges
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Partner at Kennedy Hodges LLP practicing pharmacy error, medical malpractice and personal injury law
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When it comes to certain ailments, there are some drugs that are considered best for the job. Of course, when a patient is allergic to the most effective drug, it is up to medical professionals like doctors and pharmacists to pinpoint an effective alternative option.

The problem with patient-reported allergies, however, is that the patient may not actually be allergic to the drug in question. Many people are confused about what constitutes an allergy, and by incorrectly self-diagnosing an allergic reaction, these individuals may be exposing themselves to further danger with a less suitable alternate drug.

The Problem With Self-Diagnosing a Drug Allergy

Take penicillin, for instance. Penicillin and other antibiotics in the penicillin class are some of the most effective drugs for battling several different kinds of infections. Many people tend to experience some amount of diarrhea, upset stomach or gut pain, and nausea when taking antibiotics. These side effects are simply common adverse reactions to antibiotics in general. However, many patients will take it upon themselves to self-diagnose these signs as an allergy.

Say, for instance, that a patient experiences a serious ear infection, and he tells his doctor and pharmacist that he is allergic to penicillin. This causes an alternate drug to be administered, which could have even further adverse reactions, side effects, as well as increased cost for the patient. Had the patient simply asked the pharmacist about the symptoms he was experiencing the last time he took penicillin, he might have learned simple ways to curb the discomfort while still having the best course of treatment available.

Pharmacists and doctors are trained to take allergies very seriously, and if you report being allergic to a drug, they must prescribe a different one for you. Following are some signs that point to allergic reactions; if you experience one of the following, immediately contact your pharmacist, doctor, or even emergency medical personnel:

  • Swollen, red, or itchy rashes
  • Hives or other itchy patches
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, or face

If you have more questions about your healthcare providers’ obligation to protect you from allergens and serious side effects, download our free book or reach out to us via live chat now!

 

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