Lawsuits Around Overprescribed Medication

If a medical professional overprescribed medication which caused you or your family significant harm, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.

There are numerous ways in which a doctor overprescribing medication can lead to a potential medical malpractice lawsuit. Some potential negligent overprescribing cases include:

• Failure to communicate the proper dosage to the pharmacy or patient
• Failure to recognize what the maximum dosage is for a particular drug
• Failure to recognize underlying health conditions
• Failure to monitor the medication usage and patient's health
• Pharmacy Improperly giving larger dosages than prescribed
• And others

Many different medical professionals are involved in prescribing medicine including primary care physicians, pharmacists, advanced practice registered nurses, psychiatrists, and others.

If you feel that a medical professional has overprescribed medication and that has caused you harm, you should consult with an attorney about your potential legal options.

It is important to recognize that not every time a doctor overprescribes medication is a result of medical malpractice. In order for there to be a potential case, you must be able to prove that the outcome would have been different if the doctor performed within the standard of care. This depends on the facts surrounding your medical care including the stage and type of the medication, what the proper dosage was, and the likelihood the medication caused the harm.

Medical-Legal Examples of Overprescribed Medications

• Overprescribing Opioids

Opioids are one of the most commonly overprescribed medications in the United States. They are often used to treat chronic and acute pain. They can be an important form of treatment. However, when opioids are overprescribed, serious adverse effects can occur including sedation, death, brain damage, and other complications. [1]

• Overprescribing Prednisone and other Corticosteroids

Prednisone and other corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of conditions including joint pain, arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, allergies, skin diseases, immune system disorders, and others. High dose, long term treatment of these conditions can lead to serious adverse side effects including breakdown of the bones through osteonecrosis (or avascular necrosis), eye problems, infections, and other problems.[2] Doctors need to treat conditions carefully and manage the dosages effectively to avoid serious complications.

• Overprescribing Statins (like Crestor)

Statins are commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, treat anemia, and relieve swelling from retaining fluids. However, overprescribing these medications can cause problems with kidney failure amongst other issues. [3]

• Overprescribing Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Aspirin

NSAIDs are commonly used to treat pain but they can come with serious side effects.[4] Some of the side effects include kidney failure (with chronic use), liver failure, ulcers, and blood problems. People with certain medical problems can be more prone to developing the serious complications.

For more information regarding a potential legal case for being overprescribed medication, call or fill out the form on this website.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/prescribing.html

[2] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/prednisone-side-effects.html

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/kidney-failure-taking-statins#treating-kidney-failure

[4] https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-medication/potential-risks-and-complications-nsaids

Disclaimer: ** Do not take this information as medical advice or knowledge and consult with your doctor regarding your medical care.** 

If you feel that a medical professional failed to diagnose a medical condition and that has caused you or your family harm, contact Washington Personal Injury Law today about your potential legal options.