What to Do if You Are Given Incorrect Medication
December 18, 2019
Although doctors and pharmacies have measures in place to ensure you are given the correct medication, it is possible for a certain amount of human error to occur. This can result in taking the incorrect medication and can cause adverse side effects such as nausea and stomach pain, or even more serious conditions, such as liver failure and anaphylactic shock, should you have an allergy. We at Medical Negligence Experts will explain below the steps you should take if you have been given the wrong prescription.
1. Call the Doctor
The first step that you should take once you realise you have been given the incorrect medication is to call your doctor. They will be able to check that you are given the right prescription in as little time as possible and ensure that your condition does not worsen. They can also help if you are experiencing negative side effects to the medication and can provide advice on how to lessen the symptoms. The doctor or pharmacy that has given you the medication will be accountable for any potential errors and they will be able to direct you to a complaints procedure within their facility.
2. Save the Medication
If the medication you have been given is causing you negative side effects such as nausea, you should stop taking it immediately. Next, it is important to save the medication, along with any receipts and empty bottles to provide evidence of the incorrect medicine being given. This can be used as evidence if the case goes to court. Additionally, your doctor will be able to establish what you have taken and how to combat adverse effects.
3. Consider the NHS Complaints Service or Private Insurance
Most people in the UK use the NHS for their healthcare, and in these cases, the NHS will be liable to reasonably compensate someone for any issues arising from their condition. In order to start an investigation into the case, you should contact the NHS complaints service, which will look into and respond to your issue. However, if you have private healthcare, you may have to use another avenue, such as contacting your insurance provider and the General Medical Council to make your claim.
4. Phone a Lawyer
If you are unhappy about the response that you have received, it is important that you employ a lawyer who can help you work out your potential compensation and further understand the nature of your claim. The specialist legal firms we deal with will help you accumulate evidence for your case and take you through any court proceedings that are put into place. They will help you find out how much compensation you could receive as well as receive guidance on writing complaints to acquire the level of investigation that your case deserves.
If you were given the incorrect medicine, this can be a frightening experience, especially if you are experiencing adverse symptoms. However, here at Medical Negligence Experts, we can help make the compensation process go smoothly whether you are using the NHS or a private healthcare provider.