When you’ve been affected by an illness that you cannot shake off yourself, you may need to go and see a doctor. The role of a doctor is to examine you, make an accurate diagnosis and then administer an effective treatment plan. Often, this involves taking a course of medication.
Unfortunately, despite their extensive training and expertise, doctors are only human and they can make mistakes. Errors with your medication can damage your health further, and they might even be fatal. Outlined below are some of the more common medication errors.
The wrong dosage
Generally, medications come in different dosages depending on the nature of the illness. It’s vital that doctors get this dosage right. A dosage that is too small could fail to treat the ailment, with the long-term result of the patient’s condition worsening. A dosage that is too large could result in further complications and ultimately put the patient’s life at risk.
Inaccurate instructions
A lot of medication is intended to be taken orally, but this isn’t always the case. Medical professionals must ensure that they inform the patient of the correct way to take their medicine. The administration of medication in an inappropriate manner can potentially be very dangerous.
Mixup of patients
Doctors can have a busy caseload, with multiple patients requiring treatment at any one time. It’s vital that a system is in place that ensures patients receive the correct medication and not that which was intended for another person. Not only will taking the wrong medication fail to treat your condition, but it could also make matters much worse.
Medical professionals owe you a legal duty of care. If you’ve been given the wrong medication, then this could be classified as negligence and malpractice. In such a scenario, you have a right to compensation. Seeking legal guidance will give you a clearer idea about your options.