Prescription Internet Malpractice - Part I
Widespread abuse of prescription drugs prescribed over the internet happens on a daily basis. A partnership between physicians and internet pharmacies has developed, filling prescriptions for patients solely based on an online questionnaire. Many of these internet pharmacies push the drugs via pay per click advertising or spam emails. This type of drug pushing does not imply those with lawful prescriptions should not fill their medication via the internet.
The American Medical Association policy requires physicians to have an established patient/physician relationship to prescribe medicines through the Internet. The requirement further states that online questionnaires or consulatations does not constitute an acceptable standard of care. Also, the policy states that physicians who prescribe over the internet must be licensed in the same state where the patient resides. In Illinois, personal injury lawyers have dealt with many personal injury lawsuits stemming from drugs prescribed through the internet.
Not long ago, a Chicago man received an email in his inbox for Xanax and Ultram, an anxiety and pain medication. After filling out the online questionnaire and entering credit card information, his request was approved. Both doctors were outside of Illinois and he never spoke with either. Later, a medical malpractice suit was filed for the following reasons:
1) Xanax and Ultram were prescribed to a patient who was never seen
2) Excessive dosages were prescribed
3) Medicine was practiced in Illinois without a license
Prescription drug abuse has become out of hand. Physicians need to be held responsible for any harm caused as a result of prescribing drugs over the internet. The partnering pharmacies must also be held liable. If you feel you have been the victim of any type of medical malpractice via online prescriptions, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.
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