Lawsuit: Wrong Walgreens prescription led to suicide attempt

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


The Associated Press
NOVEMBER 07, 2017 2:35 AM

SANTA FE, N.M.
A northern New Mexico man is suing Walgreens over claims a pharmacist erroneously filled a prescription for him, and that anti-anxiety drug led to a suicide attempt.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports an attorney for Anthony Gonzales filed a lawsuit last week in New Mexico state district court stemming from an alleged mix up from 2014.

According to the lawsuit, Gonzales was attempting to fill prescriptions for a muscle relaxant filled at a Walgreens in Espanola, New Mexico. Court papers say the drugs were prescribed to treat injuries from an auto accident.

But the lawsuit says a pharmacy employee instead gave him a prescription for another Anthony Gonzales, a generic form of Xanax.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/article183156756.html

[RobinA]

1. Hmmmm...

Xanax led to a suicide attempt?

[Chakaconcarne]

2. Potentially, yes.

In certain people it can have a paradoxical reaction.

[bitterross]

3. There is a very large difference between a mistake and negligence

I am not a fan of frivolous lawsuits. If the pharmacy made a mistake that is one thing. We are all human. On the other hand, if the pharmacy has lax practices or does not follow the proper practices when filling prescriptions that is a whole other kettle of fish.

The article says he's suing for medical fees. If he isn't covered by insurance (not unlikely in GOP USA, though NM did expand Medicaid under ACA) and he did incur expenses then the pharmacy should cover those. I just don't support large punitive awards for simple mistakes.

[VermontKevin]

4. My pharmacy asks me to confirm my birthdate. On certain prescriptions, I

have to provide ID. I wonder what the procedure here was.