When a doctor prescribes a medication for an illness or injury, most people simply take it to their pharmacist to have it filled and begin treatment. In most cases, they never experience a problem, and their condition improves and goes away or is managed. However, there are times when taking a prescription can be dangerous. While doctors should take the necessary steps to maintain the safety and health of their patients, patients should also be proactive in protecting themselves against potentially dangerous side effects from certain medications.
What the Patient Should Do
You should always provide your doctor with an updated list of any medications you are taking. This includes any non-prescription medications and natural substances you may be using. You should provide your pharmacist with that same list. This allows them to recognize any potential interactions that may make it dangerous for you to take the new prescription. They can provide guidance on what you should do while you take this medication or suggest another prescription that may be safer for you to use.
You should also ask for information about the medication you are being prescribed. Many times, this is included in the prescription packaging, but it is your responsibility to read the information provided and ask questions. Read the label on the prescription and make sure you understand how to take the medication. Pay careful attention to any potential side effects listed, and contact your doctor if you experience any side effects, even side effects that may not be listed on the label or information. Follow the instructions given with the medication about possible side effects, but if you have any concerns, you should still contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Dangerous Drug Side Effects
If you follow your doctor’s instructions and read the information included with the prescription, you should be able to take a medication safely or recognize when it is not safe to continue taking it. However, there are instances when a medication is defective or fails to list side effects or potential complications. In these situations, you may be at risk for serious injury or even life-threatening consequences. When this happens, the manufacture of the medication may be held liable if they did not provide adequate warnings regarding the medication.
If this situation happens to you or a loved one, you need to contact a defective drug attorney to discuss your legal options for filing a claim. While you are responsible for maintaining your own safety regarding taking new prescriptions, drug manufacturers are also responsible for providing accurate information and warnings to protect those who use the medications. Never assume you are at fault if a defective drug injures you. Always call a defective drug attorney to determine if you have a claim.
Nationwide Defective Drug Attorneys in New Orleans
The Olinde Firm represents clients from around the country from its officer in New Orleans. Contact Attorney Fred Olinde to request a free consultation to discuss a defective drug claim. You can contact our office by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request your no-obligation case evaluation with an experienced defective drug attorney.