Pharmacy error

[JanetRosslyn]

Just as an aside to a recent post about checking the expiry date on your medication... please also check the dosage/frequency.

Five weeks ago I was prescribed Methotrexate for the first time ever - five 2.5mg tablets to be taken once a week on a Friday only. The consultant took great care in explaining this to me and made sure I understood.

Last week she changed the prescription to seven 2.5mg tablets to be taken once a week on a Friday only for three months, and once again went to great lengths to make sure I was clear on this. I went to the pharmacy with my new prescription (which included lots of other stuff too and which the pharmacy said was 'complicated').

Before leaving the pharmacy I checked what I had been given - I always do - and they had stuck a label on the Methotrexate box reading 'Take seven tablets daily for three months'. I should have taken a picture. I queried the label with the pharmacist and he rapidly grabbed the box from me and scurried off with it. I then heard him giving a good 'telling off' to someone. He returned, with a new label on the box that now reads 'Take seven tablets weekly for three months.' Clear as mud. Good job I know what the consultant said!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I bet he did scurry off quickly - because THAT would have killed someone. They do use very high doses in cancer chemotherapy - but it is the daily dose that is so dangerous. There is some evidence that 2.5mg a day every day MAY work well and is not dangerous but it isn't used usually.

Shame you hadn't taken a photo - and reported it. You knew - others don't.

[SheffieldJane]

Gosh that is really not good enough!

[Hidden]

Well Done You! Not everyone understands what the Doctors tell them.....

At my previous Pharmacy they always checked with me every time that l understood what l was taking (MXT) this time l’m still getting them at the Hospital & they triple check!

[Dontwannabesick]

My OH has pantaprozole to protect his stomach from acid. A couple of weeks ago he was having major issues with his stomach, heartburn, nausea,etc. Local chemist is notorious for substituting generics, so I checked the label and discovered he had been given antidepressants !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Dontwannabesick]

Definitely complaint time. When you stop a PPI medication suddenly it causes rebound acid production. That sort of error is criminal though - and I use the word advisedly.

[CT-5012]

My son takes gabapentin for nerve pain but last week the pharmacy gave him pentagablin instead, he didn’t check until he was at home. He has made a written complaint. Waiting with great interest for their reply.