Medical Malpractice Lawyer

There are countless medications out there that can treat a wide variety of different health conditions. However, these medications can do more harm than good if they’re used incorrectly. Sometimes doctors make mistakes and prescribe the wrong drug or the wrong amount of the right drug. The idea of taking the wrong medication is scary, but you can take steps to minimize your risk

Here are some tips for protecting yourself against medication errors.

Ask Questions

Doctors write numerous prescriptions every week, so mixups can sometimes happen. They might mix up one drug for another with a similar name or miscalculate the dose. One way to prevent this from happening is to ask your doctor plenty of questions. Ask your doctor what the purpose of the medication is and what the recommended dosage is.

Keep a List of Your Medications

If one of your medications interacts badly with another medication you’re taking, it can lead to life-threatening side effects. That’s why you should always keep an updated list of all the medications you’re currently taking and share it with your doctor. He or she should look at the list before prescribing you any new medications.

Find Out About Side Effects

Doctors should discuss the side effects of each drug they prescribe to a patient. However, sometimes they get busy and forget to mention them. Whenever your doctor is prescribing you a new prescription, remember to inquire about the possible side effects. Ask what side effects are serious enough to prompt a trip to the emergency room.

Don’t Assume Over-the-Counter Medications Are Always Safe

Just because a medication is available over-the-counter, doesn’t mean that it can’t be dangerous to your health. For example, acetaminophen is a common pain reliever that’s used in several brand name medications and can cause liver failure when used incorrectly. Make sure to read the label before taking any over-the-counter medication and ask the pharmacist if you’re confused about anything.

Don’t Think Medication Is Your Only Option

While medications can relieve many ailments, they’re not the only solution. Sometimes they’re not even the best solution. That’s why you should ask your doctor if medication is absolutely necessary to treat your condition and if there are alternative options, such as physical therapy.

Contacting a Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you’ve suffered injuries because of a medication error, you should consult with medical malpractice attorney right away. You may be entitled to compensation. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Miami, FL can review your case and advise you the best way to proceed. He or she can help you file a claim, negotiate with insurance companies and protect your legal rights.

Thanks to Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for their insight into medical malpractice and how to protect yourself from medical errors.