The prevalence of chronic diseases, especially for older people, has increased the use of multiple medications by one person, a practice known as polypharmacy. While polypharmacy can be beneficial when used correctly, it also carries risks, including an increased risk of drug interactions and side effects. In addition, if prescribed or administered incorrectly, polypharmacy can lead to medical malpractice cases in New York.
Reasons why polypharmacy can be a hazardous issue
The more drugs a patient takes, the harder it may be to obtain an accurate medication history, which can be an important factor in diagnostics. Even if a doctor understands the patient’s history, he or she still needs to monitor the effects of all drugs and be alert for potential interactions.
When it comes to handing out drugs, there is always a risk of prescribing medications that unfavorably interact with each other. This can cause serious health issues for patients, such as increases in blood pressure or liver damage. Additionally, if a doctor prescribes too much medication or does not correctly adjust dosages based on age and weight, this could lead to an overdose.
Claiming medical malpractice in New York
If you or your loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice due to polypharmacy, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible in civil court. To do this, you need to provide evidence demonstrating the doctor’s or hospital’s negligence. For example, if you showed your doctor your medication history, but they failed to adjust the dosages or double-check for interactions, the courts may consider that as negligence.
While filing for medical malpractice can be overwhelming and time-consuming, it is an important step in protecting yourself and holding negligent doctors accountable for their actions. A successful claim could also help cover any costs associated with your injury or illness.
