Prescription error

[Marco45]

Hi everyone I am new to the site and would like some advice, I am type 1 diabetic have been for 33 years,ok control and no real big issues during this time. I receive my monthly insulin from high street chemist last time I collected it slight change from novo rapid penfil to pre loaded pens,or so I thought?
I took prescription home and began using looked on the box and the chemist label with my name,address and sticker stating novo rapid Was on there, I did for a second question why it was different then before but there have been so many changes over the years I just carried on. After about a week noticed changes,hypos general unwell feeling,worst of all hypos during the night never really had these before so really scary! Fast forward 6 weeks really severe night time hypo my wife who is a nurse couldn't wake me eventually managed to regain consciousness,couldn't see or talk at first,1/2 later back living just,Contacted the chemist who just apologised then spoke to diabetic nurse,then the pharmacist,her boss asked what they could do to compensate me what do I do?

 

[Copepod]

Welcome Marco

I'm a bit confused about what you were usually prescribed and what you got this time? Sounds like you have been getting Novorapid penfill cartridges for use in a reusable pen, and then got Novorapid prefilled disposable pens? Some people have found disposable pens less robust than resusables.

The key thing is to find out exactly what has happened, in order to avoid future problems. Admittedly, some PCTs / GPs change presciptions without consulting "patient", resulting in some problems.

 

[Marco45]

Welcome Marco

I'm a bit confused about what you were usually prescribed and what you got this time? Sounds like you have been getting Novorapid penfill cartridges for use in a reusable pen, and then got Novorapid prefilled disposable pens? Some people have found disposable pens less robust than resusables.

The key thing is to find out exactly what has happened, in order to avoid future problems. Admittedly, some PCTs / GPs change presciptions without consulting "patient", resulting in some problems.

Thanks for your reply,what happened was that it was novo rapid that I was normally prescribed and the pharmacist gave me novo mix 30 in pre loaded pens

 

[Copepod]

OK, that makes a lot more sense - and also explains why you were so badly affected.

They asked what they could do to compensate you.

I assume you have already got your correct Novorapid supplies?

Be careful about how you explain your night time hypo, because any hypo that requires help from another person needs to be declared to DVLA (assuming you have a driving licence?) and make sure you clearly state the circumstances that led to it, so it's worth getting a written apology, stating error that occured, as evidence if you need it.

Anything else - depends on how you view compensation, really - perhaps a large supply of glucose tablets if you usually buy them.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hi Marco,
the pharmacist needs to report that as a dispensing error, so make sure he does.
He a lucky chap that you didn't end up dead or comatose permently.

Glad to hear you are ok though.
Ditto what Copepod says regarding explaining hypo if ever asked about it.

 

[Marco45]

Hi Marco,
the pharmacist needs to report that as a dispensing error, so make sure he does.
He a lucky chap that you didn't end up dead or comatose permently.

Glad to hear you are ok though.
Ditto what Copepod says regarding explaining hypo if ever asked about it.

Thanks to both of you for your reply's do you know if there have been many of these prescription errors before ?

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Thanks to both of you for your reply's do you know if there have been many of these prescription errors before ?

Hi Marco,
obviously there are records kept as something like that must be reported to head office.
There might be something available for the general public to see on line, but where to look I have no idea.

I had a prescription error last week, which was reported as such. It didn't involve insulin though.