Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog

Counterfeit Ozempic and the Safety Duties Pharmacies Cannot Ignore

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:04:35 +0000

In December 2025, FDA warned that counterfeit Ozempic injection 1 mg had been found in the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain. FDA said it was notified by Novo Nordisk in November 2025, that the agency’s investigation was ongoing, and that retail pharmacies, wholesalers, health care professionals, and patients should closely inspect products for signs of counterfeit labeling. FDA also warned that counterfeit needles associated with the product raised sterility concerns, creating the possibility of infection.

That is an important pharmacy-error story because it shifts attention to a form of medication danger that patients do not always think about. Many people hear “pharmacy mistake” and think of the wrong bottle or the wrong instructions. Those cases matter, but medication safety failures can also involve sourcing, verification, packaging review, and the breakdown of safeguards that are supposed to stop suspect products before they reach a patient.

This issue is especially significant because Ozempic is a widely recognized medication, and a patient receiving a counterfeit version may have no obvious reason to doubt what they were handed. FDA’s broader guidance on counterfeit medicine explains that counterfeit drugs may contain the wrong ingredients, too much or too little active ingredient, no active ingredient at all, or other harmful ingredients.

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Pharmacy Misfill Lawsuit in Maryland: What You Need to Know

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:26:22 +0000

A pharmacy misfill lawsuit in Maryland allows a patient who received the wrong medication — or the wrong dosage of the correct medication — to seek compensation for injuries caused by the pharmacist’s error. These claims fall under Maryland’s medical malpractice framework and must be filed within the deadlines set by Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-109, which generally requires that a claim be brought within five years of the injury or three years from the date the injury was discovered, whichever is earlier.

Pharmacy errors happen far more often than most patients realize. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that medication errors contribute to at least one death every day nationwide. Maryland patients harmed by a prescription mistake may benefit from speaking with a pharmacy misfill attorney who understands both the medical and legal complexities of these cases. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers handles pharmacy error claims throughout Maryland, including in Baltimore, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and the surrounding communities.

What Is a Pharmacy Misfill?

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Prescribing Error Linked To Newborn Death After Wrong Drug Selected

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 23:35:52 +0000

A medication mistake in a hospital can feel unthinkable, especially in a neonatal unit where every dose is tiny and every change matters. A recent report from London described a newborn who died after a prescribing error, where a doctor selected the wrong medication from a drop-down menu and the baby received an overdose. This did not happen in Maryland, Washington, D.C., or Virginia, yet Maryland families can still take something important from it: errors can start with one click, and the aftermath often involves confusing explanations, shifting paperwork, and unanswered questions.

The hardest part for many families is not only the loss. It is the feeling that the system moves forward while you sit with a thousand details you never got to understand. Knowing how these incidents usually get reviewed, and what information tends to matter, can help you feel less stuck.

What The Report Described About The Hospital Error

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What Maryland And D.C Families Should Know When A Pharmacy Gives The Wrong Medication

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:48:59 +0000

Pharmacy errors often come to light only after a patient becomes seriously ill. A pill that looks slightly different, a new prescription that causes unexpected symptoms, or a sudden medical emergency can be the first sign something went wrong. In Maryland and Washington, D.C., dispensing the wrong medication or the wrong dose is one of the most common pharmacy errors, and it can cause severe harm before anyone realizes the mistake.

Families usually want to know two things right away: how this happened and whether it should have been prevented. In many cases, the answer to the second question is yes. Pharmacies have clear duties to verify prescriptions, check for interactions, and ensure patients receive exactly what was ordered.

How Wrong Medication Errors Typically Occur

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Flu Shot Pharmacy Errors And Vaccine Injury Claims For Maryland Patients

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:42:35 +0000

Pharmacies across Maryland play a major role in seasonal flu vaccination, especially during the busy fall and winter months. Most visits go smoothly, yet some patients suffer serious shoulder injuries or other complications because the shot was given incorrectly or the wrong vaccine was used. National reports show growing compensation awards for injuries such as SIRVA, a shoulder condition linked to improper injection technique, and highlight ongoing litigation involving vaccine administration errors.

If a pharmacist or technician mis-administers a flu shot, gives the wrong dose, or injects the vaccine in the wrong location, you may have a compensation claim. The path to recovery can involve both the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and, in some situations, a state malpractice or negligence case.

How Do Flu Shot Errors Happen?

During peak flu season, pharmacy staff handle a high volume of patients. That pressure increases the risk of mistakes, including:

Injecting too high on the shoulder, into the joint capsule rather than the deltoid muscle;
Using the wrong needle length for the patient’s body type;
Confusing vaccine products or doses when multiple shots are stocked in the same fridge; and
Failing to verify a patient’s identity or allergy history before injection.

Pharmacy Times recently discussed cases where patients developed severe shoulder pain, limited mobility, and long-term disability after routine shots, including a million-dollar award to a health care worker whose arm injury prevented her from performing daily tasks. These stories show that flu shot injuries are real and can be life-changing.

What Symptoms Signal A Possible Flu Shot Injury

Not every sore arm qualifies as a compensable injury. However, some warning signs suggest a more serious problem:

Sharp shoulder pain that starts within hours of the injection and persists;
Limited range of motion that makes it hard to lift the arm or perform routine tasks;
Night pain that interferes with sleep weeks after the shot; and
Swelling, weakness, or tingling that does not improve with rest.

Those symptoms may indicate SIRVA or another injection-related condition. Prompt evaluation by a medical professional helps document the link between the shot and your symptoms, which is essential for any future claim.

How The Federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Works

Many flu shot injury claims must first go through the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program rather than traditional civil court. The program covers certain vaccines, including seasonal influenza, and provides a no-fault path to compensation for patients who meet specific criteria.

A petition to the program usually requires medical records documenting the vaccine, the timing of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. If the claim succeeds, the program can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, subject to statutory limits. Experienced counsel can help decide whether your situation fits the program’s guidelines and how to assemble the necessary documentation.

When A Maryland Pharmacy Malpractice Claim May Be Appropriate

Some situations may support a separate Maryland malpractice or negligence case, particularly when the issue involves:

Administration of an entirely wrong vaccine;
Failure to check known allergies; and
Dispensing and administering a product to the wrong patient.

Maryland law requires proof that the pharmacy breached the applicable standard of care and that this breach caused your injury. That typically involves expert witnesses, detailed medical records, and evidence of pharmacy protocols. These cases can be complex, which is why early legal analysis matters.

What To Do If You Suspect A Flu Shot Error In Maryland

If you believe a flu shot caused a serious shoulder injury or other complication, a few steps can protect your health and your potential claim:

Seek prompt medical care and tell your provider exactly when symptoms started in relation to the shot.
Ask the pharmacy for copies of your vaccination record, including the product name, lot number, and injection site notes.
Write down your symptoms, how they affect work and daily tasks, and any limitations on activities you used to enjoy.
Avoid signing liability waivers or releases from the pharmacy until you understand your options.

These actions create a timeline that connects the vaccine administration to your injury and helps your lawyer choose the right forum for your claim.

How a Lawyer Helps With Flu Shot And Pharmacy Error Cases

Pharmacy and vaccine injury claims involve overlapping federal and state rules, short filing deadlines, and technical medical questions. A lawyer familiar with Maryland personal injury law and vaccine claims can sort out where to file, what evidence you need, and how to present your case in a way that insurers and courts take seriously. Representation also removes pressure to negotiate directly with large pharmacy chains or their insurers while you are trying to heal.

Talk With A Maryland Pharmacy Error Lawyer About A Flu Shot Injury

If you suffered a significant shoulder injury or other complication after a flu shot in Maryland and want to know whether a pharmacy error or improper administration played a role, you can call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers at (800) 654-1949 for a free consultation. The firm can review your records, explain how the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program interacts with Maryland law, and help you pursue compensation for the harm caused by a preventable vaccination error.

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Maryland Patients at Risk When Recalled Medications Reach Pharmacies

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 16:54:15 +0000

The recent Class I recall of cefazolin, an antibiotic used to fight serious infections, highlights the dangers that patients face when unsafe drugs reach pharmacies. The Food and Drug Administration flagged the recall after contamination was detected that could cause severe or even fatal reactions. For Maryland residents, the incident raises an important question: what happens if you or a loved one receives a recalled or unsafe medication? Speaking with a qualified attorney as soon as possible can help you protect your health and pursue accountability.

How National Recalls Connect to Local Pharmacy Errors

A nationwide recall may originate from a manufacturing facility, but pharmacies are often the last line of defense before a dangerous drug reaches patients. Pharmacists are responsible for tracking recall notices, removing affected lots from shelves, and notifying customers who may have received the medication. If a pharmacy fails to act on a recall notice, you may be given a contaminated or defective drug that puts your health in jeopardy. Such oversight can form the basis of a pharmacy error claim.

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Common Pharmacy Errors Involve Medications That Look or Sound Alike

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:23:06 +0000

Pharmacy mistakes often occur when a drug’s name closely resembles another. These mix-ups can happen at any pharmacy, even those that claim to have safety measures in place. In Maryland, when a patient is harmed because of a medication error, legal action may be available. Certain medications are more frequently confused due to their nearly identical names or packaging.

If someone in your family is harmed after receiving the wrong prescription, you may be able to hold the pharmacy accountable. Maryland law requires proof that a duty was breached and that the mistake directly caused harm. Learning which medications are commonly involved in these errors can help protect you and your loved ones.

Why Are Medications So Frequently Confused?

Several drugs look or sound alike when written or spoken. These similarities can cause pharmacists and technicians to dispense the wrong one, especially during busy hours or under distraction. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has compiled an extensive list of these look-alike and sound-alike pairs. Examples include amlodipine versus amiloride, and hydroxyzine versus hydralazine. Each pair includes drugs used for very different conditions.

Even experienced pharmacy staff sometimes mistake one for the other, particularly if the label is unclear, the name is misspelled, or the prescription is phoned in. These situations increase the risk of giving out the wrong medication. Research shows that such errors account for a significant portion of reported pharmacy mistakes.

Many pharmacies try to reduce this risk by using a system known as tall man lettering. This strategy capitalizes on the distinct part of similar drug names to help differentiate them. For example, prednisone and prednisolone are displayed differently to catch the eye.

Examples of Commonly Confused Medications

Errors are most likely to occur when two medications treat unrelated conditions but have similar names or packaging. Here are some common examples:

Hydroxyzine and Hydralazine. One is used to treat allergies, while the other is used for blood pressure. Switching these by mistake could result in serious consequences.

Buspirone and Bupropion. Though the names sound similar, these drugs serve very different purposes. Confusing them may delay proper treatment or cause unwanted side effects.

Cisplatin and Carboplatin. Both are chemotherapy drugs, but they are not interchangeable. A mix-up could result in overdosing or underdosing.

Even minor mislabeling or packaging errors can turn deadly, particularly when high-alert medications like opioids or insulin are involved.

Pharmacy Error Claims in Maryland

In Maryland, pharmacy malpractice falls under the same general legal principles as other forms of medical negligence. Pharmacies owe a duty of care to patients. When they breach that duty by giving the wrong drug, and that mistake causes an injury, the injured person may file a claim.

To succeed in court, you need to show that the pharmacy’s conduct fell below the accepted standard. Evidence often includes records from the pharmacy, expert analysis of prescription instructions, and medical documentation showing the harm that resulted.

You do not need to prove the error was intentional. Instead, you must demonstrate that the pharmacy failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the mix-up.

What You Should Do If You Suspect a Medication Error

If you believe you received the wrong medication, stop taking it immediately. Save the bottle, label, and any other packaging. Take photographs, write down what happened, and contact your prescribing doctor. These steps are essential not only for your safety but also for building a legal case.

Report the incident to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy and ask the pharmacy for an internal investigation. Finally, reach out to an attorney who has experience handling these types of claims.

Medication Mix-Ups Are Preventable

Pharmacy errors involving look-alike or sound-alike medications are preventable with the right safety systems. Many experts recommend prescribing with both brand and generic names, including the purpose of the medication on the prescription, and using electronic ordering systems that reduce miscommunication.

When a pharmacy fails to implement or follow these practices, it places patients at risk. Legal claims hold these companies accountable and help enforce better safeguards for others in the future.

Talk to a Maryland Pharmacy Error Attorney Today

If a pharmacy gave you or a loved one the wrong medication, you may have the right to financial compensation. Mistakes involving similar drug names can cause serious injuries, and Maryland law offers you a path to recovery.

At Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how to investigate pharmacy error claims. Our legal team works with medical professionals and pharmacists to determine precisely what went wrong and how it could have been avoided. You do not need to face this process alone. Call (800) 654-1949 for a free consultation today.

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Fertility Clinic Error Destroys Embryos and Raises Questions About Medical Accountability in Maryland

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:23:19 +0000

Trust plays a central role in fertility treatment. When a clinic mishandles embryos or makes a preventable error, the impact reaches beyond medical consequences. A recent case involving the destruction of viable embryos has brought renewed attention to how medical professionals handle the profoundly personal and highly sensitive process of in vitro fertilization. If you experienced a similar loss in Maryland, you may have the right to take legal action and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Embryo Loss After Preventable IVF Mistake

A woman undergoing IVF learned that her embryos had been destroyed before transfer due to a critical clinic error. The mistake involved the use of an incorrect storage solution, which rendered the embryos unusable. After months of hormone therapy, physical discomfort, and emotional preparation, her path to parenthood came to an abrupt and devastating halt.

This kind of error is not rare. It often stems from inadequate procedures, poor communication among staff, or outdated safety protocols. The process of preparing and storing embryos requires absolute precision and accuracy. Any lapse can cause permanent harm.

Families place enormous trust in fertility clinics to care for their future. When that trust is broken, the fallout can involve emotional distress, financial loss, and years of lost opportunity. Maryland law acknowledges the severity of this harm and permits families to pursue justice when a provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care.

Legal Options Following a Fertility Clinic Mistake

Maryland allows you to pursue compensation for losses related to fertility treatment errors. These mistakes may include mislabeling of embryos, improper storage, contamination, or unauthorized destruction of embryos. Clinics must follow strict procedures to prevent these outcomes. Failure to meet this duty may constitute medical malpractice or negligence.

A strong legal claim begins with a full investigation. This includes reviewing clinic records, laboratory protocols, and communications between staff members. Your legal team may consult with fertility experts to identify what went wrong and how it could have been prevented. If a clinic failed to properly train staff, maintain sterile environments, or follow internal safety policies, that information may support your case.

A lawsuit may help you recover the financial costs of past and future treatment, compensation for emotional suffering, and any other losses tied to the error. These cases often include testimony from medical professionals and documentation of your physical and emotional experience.

Some patients worry that clinic consent forms or waivers prevent them from taking legal action. These documents do not supersede Maryland laws that protect patients from negligence. If a provider acted carelessly and caused real harm, the law may still allow you to file a claim.

Can Fertility Errors Result in a Personal Injury Case?

Fertility treatment already involves emotional strain, physical stress, and significant financial cost. When a preventable mistake destroys an embryo, the harm affects every aspect of your life. It changes timelines, undermines confidence in medical care, and often forces people to restart a painful and expensive process.

The legal system offers more than compensation. It creates an opportunity to hold clinics accountable and require them to adopt better safeguards. These cases send a clear message that careless mistakes in fertility treatment will not go unnoticed.

In Maryland, medical facilities must follow clear standards when providing IVF services. Clinics are expected to monitor every step of the process, verify every detail, and communicate clearly with patients. A breakdown in any of these areas can result in lasting harm, and the law gives you a way to respond.

Speak with a Maryland Fertility Error Lawyer Today

If a fertility clinic error caused the loss of your embryos or disrupted your treatment, you may have legal options under Maryland law. Time limits apply to these cases, so it is important to act promptly. Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers at (800) 654-1949 today to speak with a compassionate attorney who will listen to your story and help you move forward.

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Understanding Your Rights After a Dangerous Pharmacy Error

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:23:51 +0000

If a pharmacy gives you the wrong medication or the wrong dosage, you may have grounds to file a claim for damages. Pharmacy errors remain one of the most preventable causes of serious injury in Maryland. A mistake as simple as a swapped label or a misread prescription can result in hospitalization, long-term complications, or worse. When you rely on a pharmacy to dispense safe medication, you deserve accountability if that trust is broken.

National studies show that thousands of dispensing errors occur in the United States every year. These errors include giving out the wrong drug, the wrong strength, or incorrect instructions. In many cases, the medications involved look or sound alike. That means a patient who expected a blood pressure pill could end up with a diabetes drug, or a child’s antibiotic could be confused with an adult-only medication. Even one incorrect dose may trigger a dangerous reaction.

Why Pharmacy Errors Continue to Happen

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Pharmacy Mix-Up Highlights the Dangers of Medication Errors Pose to Children

Lebowitz & Mzhen — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:59:53 +0000

A recent pharmacy error nearly exposed a young child to a life-threatening dose of opioids after the wrong prescription was dispensed. The intended medication was a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD in children, but what was handed over instead was a highly potent opioid, hydromorphone. Fortunately, a parent noticed the mistake before the child took any of the pills. The outcome could have been catastrophic. Dispensing errors can and do happen, even at large, reputable pharmacies. When those mistakes involve medications with a high risk of overdose or abuse, the results can be devastating. If your child has been harmed due to a pharmacy’s negligence, a Maryland pharmaceutical error attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

When a Simple Mistake Becomes a Life-Threatening Emergency

Hydromorphone is not a drug intended for casual misuse. It is an opioid with a potency that is several times stronger than morphine and can lead to rapid respiratory depression if taken improperly. The National Library of Medicine warns that even a small dose can cause overdose or death if ingested by someone without opioid tolerance, particularly a child.

The stimulant medication that was initially prescribed for the child is often taken by pediatric patients for years and is typically well-tolerated when monitored. Swapping it with a drug used to treat severe pain in adult patients is not just a mix-up; it is a near-tragedy. What occurred in this case was a failure in one of the most basic duties of pharmaceutical care: verifying that the correct medication is administered to the intended patient.

Maryland Law Holds Pharmacies Accountable for Medication Errors

In Maryland, pharmacies have a legal obligation to ensure that prescriptions are filled accurately and dispensed to the intended individual. When a pharmacist or technician dispenses the wrong drug, the pharmacy may be liable for any injuries that result. This can include claims for:

Medical costs associated with emergency care or hospitalization;
Pain and suffering caused by the error;
Emotional distress and psychological trauma; and
Long-term care is required if a permanent injury occurs.

Pharmacy negligence is not limited to dispensing the wrong drug. It can also include giving the correct medication to the wrong person, failing to label the prescription properly, or neglecting to provide necessary warnings or instructions. Maryland courts may hold pharmacies and their employees responsible when these failures result in harm to a patient.

What Families Can Do After a Pharmacy Mistake in Maryland

If you suspect that you or your child has received the wrong medication, you should act quickly. First, do not take the medication until you have verified with another pharmacist or physician that it matches the prescription. Save the bottle, label, and any packaging materials, and take photos if possible. If anyone has already ingested the medication, seek medical attention immediately, even if no symptoms have appeared yet.

Once the immediate health concerns are addressed, you should report the error to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. An official investigation can uncover whether the pharmacy followed proper protocols or whether employee negligence contributed to the error.

Most importantly, consider speaking with an attorney who handles pharmacy error claims. These cases often involve complex questions of medical causation, pharmacy records, and industry standards. A lawyer can help investigate what went wrong and determine whether the pharmacy or its staff may be held liable.

Preventing Future Harm Requires Accountability

Medication errors are preventable. When pharmacies fail to implement or follow safety protocols, the results can be life-altering. In cases involving children, the harm may be even more severe because their bodies are more sensitive to dosage errors and the effects of powerful drugs.

Families who speak out about these mistakes play a critical role in holding pharmacies accountable. Legal claims not only seek compensation for the injured person but also pressure pharmacies to improve their policies, retrain staff, and take additional steps to protect public safety. A successful case can bring a measure of justice and help prevent the same error from harming another family.

Call Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If your child was harmed because of a pharmacy’s mistake, you should not have to face the aftermath alone. Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers represent families across Maryland in cases involving pharmaceutical negligence. We will help you investigate what went wrong and fight for the accountability and compensation your family deserves. Call (800) 654-1949 today to schedule your free consultation.

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