More Drugs and More Customers are a Prescription for Pharmacy Errors

Since the start of the modern Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1938, over 1500 new drugs, or New Molecular Entities (NME) have been approved for use in the US. Of course these NMEs have splintered off into tens of thousands of variations, dosages, and hybrid drugs that make the experience of understanding prescription side effects and interactions a daunting task.

Many people on the high side of 50 may remember when towns had one or two pharmacies. Today there are dozens in every town and hundreds in large cities. The chart below shows some statistics on one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country.

Prescriptions Filled	Year	Employees
856 million	2014	251,000
821 million	2013	248,000
784 million	2012	240,000
819 million	2011	247,000
778 million	2010	244,000

While pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are very well-trained professionals, the increase in prescriptions filled and products might possibly lead to a mistake. Pharmacy mistakes can mean a mislabeled bottle, an incorrect medication dispensed, or the wrong dosage and pharmacy mistakes can be harmful or even fatal.

A 2013 study: “Pharmacist Liability: A Ten-Year Analysis” concluded that there is a need for systematic vigilance.

If you or someone you know has become sick because of a mistake made by a pharmacist or pharmacy, there are ways to protect your rights to compensation for any damages, pain, and suffering.

MalpracticeAttorneys.com is the leading online source for malpractice news, information, and referrals. We are partnered with the finest pharmacy negligence and malpractice attorneys in the nation and if you register on our site we will promptly respond to your inquiry.