Irvine Rehab Center Medication Error Lawyer

Medications are an important part of treatment for millions of Americans struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Many of these medications help reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Due to these remarkable qualities, they have the ability to change lives. However, when these drugs are dispensed improperly, they can cause serious injury, and in the worst cases, death.

If you believe you were harmed by a prescription drug error while in a rehabilitation center, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. An Irvine rehab center medication error lawyer can provide you with additional guidance and help you better understand your legal options. If you decide to pursue a case, a dedicated injury lawyer can advocate for you throughout the process.

Typical Types of Medication Errors

Drugs that help treat addictions such as Methadone, Naltrexone, and Buprenorphine are dispensed in high dosages in rehab clinics. Since drug and alcohol addiction often occur alongside mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, psychoactive drugs are frequently dispensed as well.

With so many drugs in the mix, it can be easy for medical professionals to make mistakes, and the following types of medication errors are especially prevalent in rehab centers:

  • Administering an incorrect dosage of a drug (too much or too little)
  • Giving the wrong drug to the wrong patient
  • Not warning patients of any potentially harmful side effects
  • Failing to warn patients of any potentially harmful drug interactions

Doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals can usually avoid making the errors listed above by following protocol and paying attention. When they fail to do this, they can be held legally responsible for errors by an Irvine rehab center medication error lawyer.

The Dangers of Off-Label Prescribing

“Off-label” prescribing occurs when a medical professional prescribes a drug to treat an illness or condition is not officially designated to treat. When a drug is produced, the FDA only approves it to treat certain conditions. If the drug is later found to be capable of treating additional conditions, the manufacturer must take certain steps to ensure it is safe before marketing it for a new purpose.

Unfortunately, off-label prescribing is still popular among medical professionals who often prescribe powerful drugs to treat illnesses before they are adequately researched. Countless Americans have been harmed by off-label prescribing over the years and many have won lawsuits against greedy pharmaceutical companies (who often encourage doctors to prescribe off-label) and irresponsible medical professionals.

Ways to Prevent Errors in Irvine Rehab Centers

There are many causes of prescription drug errors, but it is important to note most of these errors are preventable with proper oversight. Doctors, pharmacists, and the medical professionals who actually dispense the drugs are often overworked and tired as it is not uncommon for them to work long hours. Such working conditions can increase the chances of a medication error and rehab clinics must take the necessary steps to combat such working conditions.

The nurses and nursing assistants responsible for distributing the drugs should also be properly trained to take preventative measures. When writing a prescription, doctors and physician assistants should be sure it is legible. If a pharmacist had difficulty reading the prescription, they should ask for clarification.

Consulting With an Irvine Rehab Center Medication Error Attorney

Medication errors can result in a host of problems. Patients suffering from addiction often find themselves in the hospital for additional medical problems after receiving the incorrect prescription drug. This is simply unacceptable and you should take legal action if you are impacted by a drug error. Discuss your case with an Irvine rehab center medication error lawyer today.