Frequently Asked Pharmaceutical Error Questions

WASHINGTON, D.C., MARYLAND & VIRGINIA

• What is a pharmaceutical error?
• What can happen as a result of a pharmacy error?
• Are the "Vioxx®" lawsuits against Merck "pharmacy error" cases?

What is a pharmaceutical error?

Pharmaceutical errors can happen in either the distribution or the prescription of medication. Examples are:

• A physician or physician’s assistant writing a prescription with the wrong dosage; or prescribing medications that are contraindicated because of an allergy or other preexisting condition
• A pharmacy filling a correctly prescribed medication in an incorrect fashion
• A nurse distributing an incorrect medication, amount of medication or combination of medications

What can happen as a result of a pharmacy error?

Pharmacy errors can have a devastating impact. For instance, if a pharmacy fills the wrong dosage of anti-seizure medication, this can produce seizures because the dosage filled was either too little or too much. The wrong dosage can cause an adverse effect on the brain and result in permanent brain injury.

Occasionally, a pharmacy error will not produce any significant adverse impact. In that situation, although there was an error, if there was no damage or harm, money damages may not be available. But the error should nevertheless be corrected and the person who made the error notified of the mistake, so as to avoid such mistakes in the future.

Are the "Vioxx®" lawsuits against Merck "pharmacy error" cases?

It does not matter how a case is technically characterized. The claims are that a person was injured unnecessarily due to the carelessness of another person or entity. Cases against a manufacturer of a medication may include several claims, including breach of warranties as well as negligence.

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. in Washington D.C., we have experienced medical malpractice lawyers who can deal with cases involving prescription errors. We can assess your situation, begin building a case for you, enlist the help of expert witnesses, and legally represent you. With our assistance, you might be able to win full compensation for your injuries.

At any time, you can call our offices in Washington, D.C. to get the name and phone number of the medical malpractice lawyer on call, and you can also email us to request a free and confidential consultation. We are here to help you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us today, to schedule your free, private consultation.

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