According to NJ.com, over the course of two months, approximately 50 children were given breast cancer treatment medication instead of the fluoride pills they were prescribed. The error occurred at the CVS in Chatham, New Jersey from December 20, 2011 through February 20, 2012. The pharmacy mixed up 20 mg Tamoxifen tablets with 0.5 mg fluoride tablets.
Although both are round, white, and small, they are uniquely stamped. The fluoride pills have “SCI” and “1007” on them, whereas the Tamoxifen pills have “M” and “247.” The exact reason for the mix-up is still under investigation. CVS has contacted each family whose child was given a fluoride prescription within the last 60 days from the Chatham, New Jersey location.
There have not yet been any reported injuries or adverse effects associated with this medication/prescription error. However, Tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker, does pose some dangerous side-effects, including cataracts, strokes, and blood clots. It has been deemed unlikely that any children would experience these serious side-effects, as they don’t usually occur after such short-term use, according to the Director of Drug Information Service at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Prescription medications can cause severe illness or injury if contraindicated or taken by people other than to whom they are prescribed. It is a pharmacy’s duty to ensure that the prescription medications are dispensed properly. If negligence on the part of a pharmacy results in injury or illness, it may be held liable.
At Blume Forte, our experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers are committed to representing people who have sustained significant injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury as the result of another’s negligence, contact us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.