The dispensing chemist at a hospital, medical clinic or inside a shop is responsible for providing the correct medication for a prescription. When a mistake is made and it’s not spotted in time, it results in the patient being issued and taking incorrect medicine.
Most medicine has side effects when taken correctly but when the wrong medicine is issued, the outcome is less than certain. Sometimes, there’s little change that comes from it and other times it’s possible to have a strong adverse reaction to it.
In this article, we consider how to take care of yourself after getting the wrong medication.
Consider Whether the Chemist is Negligent
It depends on both the seriousness of the error and the negative consequences of having taken the wrong medication as to what compensation might be possible.
When the prescription was completed correctly then the mistake is on the part of the chemist (assuming the right medication was in the correct box from the manufacturer).
Dispensing errors are a real hazard. People have died from being given the incorrect medication before. So, it’s a serious matter even if a chemist looks to dismiss it as ‘minor’. It’s not.
If you feel that the medical consequences for you were pretty bad, then you may want to think about compensation for their mistake. Check the-medical-negligence-experts.co.uk website to learn if you can make a case in the UK.
Talk to Your Local G.P. Urgently
Make an appointment with your doctor. See them the same day and go into the surgery to impress upon them that you need a same day appointment.
Explain the circumstances and any side effects that you’re currently experiencing. Let the staff speak to the G.P. in between his or her booked appointments to gauge the doctor’s level of concern. They may fit you in to see them right away or advise that you visit the A&E at the local hospital. You can also call 111 to get advice from the NHS directly too.
If you cannot get to see the doctor, attend the hospital if you feel that your health is a concern at this point.
Avoid Driving or Drinking
If you’re unsure how the medication may affect you, it’s sensible to avoid driving in case it makes you drowsy, dizzy or gives you vertigo. Take public transport or a taxi until the half-life of the medicine has passed. The doctor can advise you how long the half-life is expected to be.
Also, don’t consume alcohol while on the wrong medication. Many prescribed medications deliver different, strong side effects when mixed with alcohol. Therefore, abstain from drinking while the medicine is still active in your system.
If you feel the need, take time off work until you feel better. Explain to your employer what has happened and they’re sure to understand because it wasn’t through any fault of your own. Slow your life down to only carry out the necessary actions and defer everything else until a later time. This allows you the time to take care of yourself, focus on how you’re feeling, and rest up.