Millions of people are alive today because of prescription medications. According to the National Patient Safety Foundation, however, prescription mistakes are responsible for a comparable number of deaths.
At least 1.5 million Americans suffer serious health complications because of mistakes with their medicine. Dosage errors, dispensing the wrong medication and other oversights can cause allergic reactions, addiction, cognitive decline and other adverse effects.
If you were the victim of a pharmaceutical error, contact the Robson Law Firm. An Austin personal-injury lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence and help you pursue the maximum settlement.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about medical malpractice in Texas by visiting www.USAttorneys.com.
Here are four complications that may arise from prescription mistakes:
1. Physical Reactions
Certain medications can be particularly dangerous at the wrong dosages. Opioids can cause severe mental impairment, choking, infertility, menstrual changes, breathing difficulties and more. Sedatives and tranquilizers can cause memory loss and seizures. Stimulants can contribute to dangerous rises in body temperature, irregular heartbeat, convulsions and cardiac arrest.
These reactions are not always immediate. Some of these drugs damage body systems and organs gradually.
Always check the details of your prescriptions including your address, name and medicines listed on the original script from your doctor. This can help you avoid receiving the wrong medication, which can happen if you and another pharmacy customer have similar names, or if the pharmacist was inattentive.
2. Addiction
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a significant number of prescription drugs are addictive. A person’s likelihood to become addicted depends on several factors including genetics, dosage and frequency of consumption. Prescribing too much of a drug or recommending that a patents takes a medicine too often can contribute to addiction.
Certain drugs cause immense dopamine cravings. Some patients feel the urge to take larger doses to reach a high. Eventually, drug dependence can lead to job loss and other financial troubles, which can contribute to theft and other crime.
Withdrawing from addiction can cause severe reactions. These include shaking uncontrollably, intense bone pain, sleep problems, and even life-threating complications such as suicidal thoughts or organ failure.
3. Car Accidents
Impaired driving is responsible for millions of deaths in the United States. Some prescription drugs affect cognitive function and cause fatigue, which can increase the likelihood of causing an accident. If a patient receives the wrong medication, then he or she may not be aware of these side effects.
4. Decreased Cognitive Performance
Because certain medications can adversely affect physical and mental function, victims of prescription errors may suffer performance problems at work or school. Some lose their jobs, which can lead to financial turmoil. Students’ grades may also suffer.
If you are facing a medical complication due to a prescription mistake, contact the Robson Law Firm. An injury attorney in Austin can help you navigate the claims process. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation.