The client suffered from a heart condition and high blood pressure which had been treated for over 20 years with a combination of tablets. His GP found an effective combination to minimise the side effects, which the client would collect regularly from his local pharmacy. Unfortunately, and negligently, Amlodipine was dispensed instead of Amiloride Hydrochloride. He continued to take this medication for 10 days and began to feel unwell with breathing problems and muscular aches. He developed chronic pain and inflammation in both feet.
He returned to the GP a month later where front house staff did not recognize the error made by the pharmacist. The head pharmacist recognized that an error had been made and an apology was sent. The client suffered unpleasant side effects as a direct result of the mistake made by the pharmacist in dispensing the wrong drug. Fortunately, symptoms were not long-lasting, and he made a complete recovery within a short period of time.
The claim settled quickly and compensation was awarded.