Prescribing medicine does not only constitute giving the correct drug or dose. Part of the process also includes providing clear and concise instructions on taking it, such as requiring the patient not to take certain food while taking their medication. Failure to do so can cause serious complications for the patient.
Precise intake instructions are critical
When prescribing medicine, doctors have the duty to guide the patient through the intake process. While dietary restrictions may seem obvious to health care professionals, an ordinary person may not be knowledgeable about the limitations. It is essential for doctors to specify the following:
- The name of the prescription
- The type of prescription, whether brand, generic or either
- The intake dose and frequency
- The dietary restrictions
- The possible side effects
On top of ensuring the medication’s effectiveness and minimizing adverse side effects, these instructions are important to prevent further illnesses and injuries.
Obtaining injury resulting from a harmful food-drug combination
Let us say the doctor prescribes you medication without mentioning any dietary restrictions, you follow the dose and schedule, eat and drink like normal and you end up being rushed to the ER afterward. And it turns out that the food you ate reacted negatively to your medication. You would not have known this as an ordinary person. It is your doctor’s duty to inform you everything about the drug, including its reaction to certain food and drinks.
Know available measures and protect your rights
As patients, we put reasonable trust in medical practitioners to adequately help us recover from our illnesses. But if we go to the doctor for them to prescribe us medicine, which turns out to be wrong and causes us further sickness, the entire process is counterproductive. It can cause more money, time and pain. If you or your loved one are experiencing this situation, you can explore available measures, determine the strength of your case and seek the compensation you deserve.
