When a patient visits a pharmacy to obtain a prescription medication to treat their illness or injury, the patient trusts the pharmacist and pharmacy to give them the proper medication at the correct dose. Unfortunately, mistakes can be made. One such mistake is to cause the patient to take an underdose of the medication through an error in labeling or dispensing. While overdosing of medication typically receives more attention, an underdose of a drug can result in harm or injury as well.
An Overview of Issues Relating to Underdosing of Medication by a Pharmacy
The following are three problems associated with the underdosing of a medication by a pharmacy:
- An underdose of a drug can be just as dangerous as an overdose.
- An underdose of medication can render the treatment ineffective for managing the condition it was prescribed to treat.
- Underdosing of antibiotics and other drugs can cause the patient to develop a resistance to the drug. It may also contribute to the development of the wide-spread problem of drug-resistance. If the patient then encounters a drug-resistant strain of bacteria or virus, it may be more difficult to treat.
While a pharmacy error can cause an underdosing of any type of medication, the following are some of the more common drugs that can cause serious injuries:
- Blood thinners
- Antibiotics
- Cardiac medications
- Cancer medications
- Steroids
Further, while a pharmacy can underdose a drug for a patient of any age or gender, significant harm is more likely when the underdose is given to infants or small children. Receiving too little of a medication may prevent the patient from being able to recover from illness or injury.
If you or a loved one received an underdose of a medication as a result of pharmacy error, you may have a claim for compensation. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can review the facts and circumstances surrounding your injury to determine how best to proceed. However, these claims are subject to a statute of limitations. We encourage you to get started moving forward today by contacting us at 888-894-0119 for a consultation.
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