Introduction to Pharmacy Medication Errors in Nashville
As a Pharmacy Medication Error Lawyer in Nashville, I am very aware that pharmacy medication errors represent a significant concern within Nashville’s healthcare system. Medication errors are among the most common medical errors, harming at least 1.5 million people every year. The extra medical costs of treating drug-related injuries occurring in hospitals alone are at least to $3.5 billion a year.
- These mistakes can range from incorrect dosages to administering the wrong medication altogether.
- Understanding the scope of such errors is crucial for patients, as it empowers you to recognize potential dangers in your healthcare journey.
- In Nashville, pharmacies play a vital role in patient care, but the complexity of prescriptions and the high volume of medications can lead to oversights.
Locally, the Nashville healthcare landscape presents unique challenges.
- Pharmacies often juggle a heavy workload, especially during peak hours, which can result in hurried decisions. Additionally, communication gaps between healthcare providers can contribute to misunderstandings regarding prescriptions.
- Recognizing these factors can help you appreciate the importance of vigilance when it comes to your medications.
- To protect yourself, it is essential to be aware of the various types of errors that can occur.
- By understanding the potential pitfalls, you can take proactive steps to ensure your safety.
- This awareness can aid in minimizing the risk of medication errors in your treatment regimen, thus fostering a safer healthcare experience.
If you were the victim of a medication error, contact Timothy L . Miles, a Pharmacy Medication Error Lawyer in Nashville for a free case evaluation. You could be eligible for a pharmacy medication error lawsuit and possible entitled to significant compensation (855) 846-6529 or [email protected],

What are Pharmacy Medication Errors?
The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error and Prevention (NCCMERP) has adopted the following definition of a pharmachy medication error:
“A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer. Such events may be related to professional practice, health care products, procedures, and systems, including prescribing, order communication, product labeling, packaging, and nomenclature, compounding, dispensing, distribution, administration, education, monitoring, and use.”
Common Pharmacy Medication Errors
According to the National Libriary of Medicine, the following are common pharmacy medication errors:
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Omission
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Unauthorized medication
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Wrong dose prescription or wrong dose preparation
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Administration errors such as incorrect route of administration, administering the drug to the wrong patient, extra dose, or wrong rate
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Monitoring errors such as failing to take into account the patient’s liver and renal function, failing to document allergy or potential for drug interaction
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Compliance errors such as not following protocol or rules established for dispensing and prescribing medications
Common Causes for Pharmacy Medication Errors
Some of the most common causes of pharmachy medication errors include:
- Incorrect Preparation
- These occur with compounded prescriptions or medications that require a specific diluent for reconstitution (.liquid (diluent) to a powdered or concentrated substance to return it to its natural, usable liquid state)
- Incorrect Strength
- Incorrect strength. Human error is usually the cause when similar bottles or syringes with the incorrect strength are selected.
- Incorrect Rate
- The incorrect rate of administration occurs with medications given as IV push or infusions.This may cause adverse drug reactions: These include:
- Dermatologic: Rashes, hives, itching, or swelling.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
- Neurological: Dizziness, headache, drowsiness, or blurred vision.
- Severe (Anaphylaxis): Difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or sudden, severe drop in blood pressure.
- The incorrect rate of administration occurs with medications given as IV push or infusions.This may cause adverse drug reactions: These include:
- Incorrect Timing
- Alterations in the absorption of some medications occur in the presence or absence of food. The result may be underdosing or overdosing.
- Incorrect Dose
- Illegible Writing
- The Institute of Safe Medication Practices recommends eliminating handwritten orders and prescriptions.
- Consusing Medications
- Confusing two medications with similar names or similar appearance
- Failure to Disclose
- Failure to disclose possible side effects of the medication being prescribed

Common Factors for Pharmacy Medication Errors
According to a publication by the World Health Organization titled “Medication Errors: Technical Series on Safer Primary Care,” the following factors have been associated with an increased risk of medication errors in the primary care setting:
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Lack of therapeutic training or inadequate knowledge
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Poor communication with patients
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A language barrier between healthcare professionals and patients
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Interruptions and distractions
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Lack of accuracy of patient records and a poor interface between prescriber and electronic health records
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Inadequate naming, labeling, and packaging of medicines
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Poor communication with secondary care providers

