I was prescribed another patients medication. Should I pursue legal action?

I am 5 1/2 months pregnant & recieved a call from my OB/GYN's office that they found E.coli bacteria in my urine samle. They prescribed an antibiotic and called it in to my pharmacy. When I arrived at my pharmacy they said they couldn't find anything under my name but they had an antibiotic prescription from my doctor to another person that shared my last name. They called my doctor's office to check on the situation and the doctor's office confirmed that the prescription was meant for me. I started taking the antibiotic that evening and again in the morning. Then I researched E.coli on the internet to see how I might have contracted it and found that a person shouldn't take antibiotics because of the possibility of kidney problems or failure. Being pregnant, this concerned me so I called my doctor's office and left a message. They called me back and said they had made a mistake and that I was not the patient with E.coli, it was actually the other person with the same last name.

Were you or the baby harmed? Make an appointment with your ob/gyn. When you make the appointment, explain why you want to see the doctor. Discuss your concerns and ask for any necessary followup tests. (Obviously you should not be charged for the appiontment or any followup tests.) You can do an internet search to find out if the antibiotic is toxic/harmful during pregnancy. The PIP (Patient Information Pamphlet) which should have come with the Rx is the best source for this information. You can go back to the pharmacy and ask for a PIP.

I'm not an attorney, but just in case: Save your prescription bottle and papers/receipts from the pharmacy. Make an outline of the events and conversations which lead up to you taking the wrong medication and of what the doctor told you during the above appointment. Be sure your outline contains dates and names.

Most medications are 'processed' through the kidneys or liver, so naturally that is where problems show up.

Final word: We as a society hold doctors in such high esteem, we must remember that they are human like the rest of us and make mistakes. Please discuss your concerns with your doctor. The words you want to hear are something like the antibiotic is routinely prescribed in pregnancy with very few problems...not to worry. Again, if you doctor prescribes tests related to the antibiotic (kidney function test or ultrasound for example) you shouldn't be charged.

If there is a problem, consult a lawyer. A lawyer can explain your rights and possible remedies. Remember to act timely. Good Luck.

OMG YES PERSUE LEGAL ACTION

If it actually harmed you, but if not it is a risky behaviour because if you lose you get $0 and you have to pay a lawyer.

I'd make appointment for consultation with a lawyer, just to check it out.

You're a freaking millionaire, gf! If nothing but for the stress it's causing you and the potential danger to your child, possibly later in its life. Keep records, use video tapes, get an attorney right now, and take care of yourself! Good luck!

you can easily sue them for enough to put 4 of your kids thru collage... i'd be pissed and let them know they'll be dishing out some money your way

YES YOU CAN
AND THEY BETTER MAKE SURE YOU ARE OK
MY BEST ADVISE IS TO GO AND SEE ANOTHER OB/GYN
AND CHK THAT EVERYTHINGS OK
GOOD LUCK AND PLS LET US KNOW

You should pursue legal action. That kinda mistake is deadly and you could have been in a worst shape if something really strong was prescribed to you or worst your unborn child could have been hurt.

Taking legal action is not revenge. It's just making a strong statement that professionals especially those who deal with people's lives should have some responsibility for their actions.

omg yes they put your and your babys life in danger because they were being careless!!!

Unless you are hurt or hospitalized or you lose your baby because of this, then no. It would be a waste of time and $$.

If it were me I would go down there and raise hell about it though, and tell them they better make sure that they don't have a cross up like this again.

For about every Doctor who is practicing, they have 5 lawyers protecting them. Keep that in mind.

I had proof of a misdiagnose that nearly cost me my life and I spent 6 months in agonizing pain because of it. The lawyers wouldn't touch it because they said the doctor was too well "protected" I had one lawyer even admit to me that he'd had other people come in with similar issues over that doctor, and they still wouldn't touch it. I not only had proof but I also suffered from this doctor's negligence... It's nearly impossible to sue doctors these days, they can do pretty much what they want.

In my life time,I'll say i rec'd the wrong prescriptions no less than 10 times from different drug,food stores,even mail in,lucky i notice the different pills myself, you know they didn't do it on purpose,mistakes do happen,maybe the help could be better,maybe the supplier mess up,in your case it's the last name problem.

like most peopl stated it woudl be a waste of time and money if there are no injuries, so hope something is wrong with you and/ or your baby then you can blame it on the doctor and get some money out of them. if you were smart enough to check on the internet, then you know they are people too and make mistakes, stand in line behind the lady who sued mc donalds

Many drugs have a small chance of kidney problems or failure. The chances of an antibiotic causing kidney problems are small. More than likely you were not at high risk for the problems. You have to look at absolute risk.

Pursue legal action against whom? What harm did you incur?

Aside from paying for an prescription that you didn't need. Your doctors office should apologize (unlikely) and reimburse you the cost of the prescription that you didn't need to take (they flat out won't). As near as I can tell, the Pharmacy did nothing wrong.

By the way, people with E.Coli infections absolutely must get on antibiotics. I'm not sure where you got your information from, but it is wildy wrong!