Birmingham Personal Injury Lawyer - FDA & Prescription Drugs

Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors - Part III

Jan Boswell — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:26:42 GMT

This is the final installment in Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors. In Part II, I will discuss protecting you from medication errors in the hospital.

Part III – The Hospital

1. Take your complete list of medications with you to the hospital. Many patients keep a typed list in their wallets. Give this list to you nurse. Ask and make sure the doctor completes the Medication Reconciliation Form. This form ensured that the doctor is aware of your home medications.
2. Do not take your home medications while you are in a hospital. The doctor will prescribe the medications you need at the dosage you need while you are in the hospital. If you take your home medications, you may over medicate yourself or cause a drug interaction.
3. Know the name of each medication you are taking and why. If you are told any different, you should ask about the difference.
4. Know your rights and speak up. If you are unsure of a medication, ask about it. Ask to see the MD’s order. Ask why you are taking it. You have a right to know and YOU may prevent a medication error.
5. Look at all your medications before you take them. Medications may look different in the hospital than at home. The hospital may use a generic brand or you may be on a different strength. Ask about any differences you see. Again, YOU may prevent a medication error.
6. Do not take any medication until your hospital identification is checked.
7. Make sure the hospital is aware of any and all allergies. Make sure you are given an allergy bracelet and that it is noted on your chart and medication administration record (MAR).
8. At discharge, have the nurse go over all your medications. Ask questions about new prescription and dosage changes. Don’t forget to update your list.
9. Remember your rights: Right time and frequency, Right person, Right drug, Right route of administration, and Right dose.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jan Boswell

Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors - Part III

Jan Boswell — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:32:08 GMT

This is the final installment in Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors. In Part II, I will discuss protecting you from medication errors in the hospital.

Part III – The Hospital

1. Take your complete list of medications with you to the hospital. Many patients keep a typed list in their wallets. Give this list to you nurse. Ask and make sure the doctor completes the Medication Reconciliation Form. This form ensured that the doctor is aware of your home medications.
2. Do not take your home medications while you are in a hospital. The doctor will prescribe the medications you need at the dosage you need while you are in the hospital. If you take your home medications, you may over medicate yourself or cause a drug interaction.
3. Know the name of each medication you are taking and why. If you are told any different, you should ask about the difference.
4. Know your rights and speak up. If you are unsure of a medication, ask about it. Ask to see the MD’s order. Ask why you are taking it. You have a right to know and YOU may prevent a medication error.
5. Look at all your medications before you take them. Medications may look different in the hospital than at home. The hospital may use a generic brand or you may be on a different strength. Ask about any differences you see. Again, YOU may prevent a medication error.
6. Do not take any medication until your hospital identification is checked.
7. Make sure the hospital is aware of any and all allergies. Make sure you are given an allergy bracelet and that it is noted on your chart and medication administration record (MAR).
8. At discharge, have the nurse go over all your medications. Ask questions about new prescription and dosage changes. Don’t forget to update your list.
9. Remember your rights: Right time and frequency, Right person, Right drug, Right route of administration, and Right dose.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jan Boswell

$89 Million Settlement

Jon Lewis — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:35:20 GMT

The State of Alabama settled a lawsuit with six (6) pharmaceutical companies according to the Birmingham News. InjuryBoard member, Beasley Allen, and the law firm of Hand Arendall settled six Medicaid drug pricing lawsuits. The firm has already obtained several large jury verdicts for the State totaling $352.4 million, and those are being appealed.

70 drug companies have been sued by the State alleging that they manipulated drug prices which Medicaid must pay for prescription drugs. Ten companies have already settled for $35 million.

With four jury verdicts and sixteen substantial settlements, it is clear that these companies engaged in fraud against the State of Alabama. Once again, corporate greed shines through. When will a sense of right and wrong overtake greed?

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jon Lewis

Hydroxycut Kills and Injures!

Jon Lewis — Sun, 03 May 2009 22:23:21 GMT

The FDA has warned consumers to stop using the dietary supplement Hydroxycut. This drug is manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences, Inc., and they are recalling all of the Hydroxycut products. These include Max Drink Packets, Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, and Max Aqua Shed. The injuries involve the liver. There has been one death reported.

If you have taken these dangerous products, return them IMMEDIATELY!!! Why does this happen? Americans want the easy way out. We want the lazy way. We want to be entertained, and we want to do as little as possible to get what we want. We want easy money - gambling, lotteries (I'm not against these either). We want our sports. We want our movies. We want quick food (microwaves). We want more for less. And, more importantly, with respect to Hydroxycut, we want to lose weight without having to work for it.

How do you lose weight? Output greater than input. There is no secret. There is no miracle drug, or if there is, it usually kills or injures (see Phen fen). Exercise more than you eat. Eat in moderation. Work hard, and you will get there.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jon Lewis

Alabama Fraud

Jon Lewis — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:21:55 GMT

Another trial, another plaintiff's verdict. On Tuesday, a Montgomery County jury ruled in favor of the State of Alabama against German-based pharmaceutical company, Sandoz Inc. in the amount of $78.4 million. Fellow InjuryBoard member, Beasley Allen, represented the State.

This is the third verdict obtained by Beasley Allen against pharmaceutical companies for overcharging the State Medicaid program from 1991 to 2005. The other verdicts were against AstraZeneca ($215 million), Glaxo-SmithKline ($81 million), and Novartis ($33 million). Of course, all of these verdicts are either being appealed or are going to be appealed to the Supreme Court of Alabama.

It seems as though almost every significant verdict obtained by a plaintiff these days is certain to be appealed. In fact, this has become part of settlement negotiations. How? During mediation or settlement discussions, defendant attorneys always mention the fact that even if a large verdict is obtained, we will appeal the case, drag out the time for payment, and likely win the appeal. Is that what our appellate system is for? How can they threaten this?

Well, every appellate court judge in Alabama is Republican, save our Chief Justice, Sue Bell Cobb. Does that matter? It shouldn't, but unfortunately, a majority of the business community supports Republican candidates, and a majority of trial lawyers support Democratic candidates. Contrary to popular belief, we see who is winning that race. Whether the appellate judges rule for business interests a majority of the time because that is the correct legal decision or because their allegiance lies with that side is known only to the judge making the decision. However, there is a strong appearance of a conflict given our system and the rulings over the last few years.

Is this they way the system should work? What do you think? Let us know. Post your comments to this blog.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jon Lewis