A mother from Vancouver Island is urging the public to be vigilant when picking up prescriptions after receiving a powerful opioid instead of her son’s regular ADHD medication by mistake. Sarah Paquin, a resident of Comox, B.C., expressed her relief that her husband noticed the error before administering the medication to their nine-year-old son. Paquin emphasized the potential dangers of such mistakes, acknowledging the frightening scenario that could have unfolded.
The incident occurred when Paquin collected her son Declan’s medication at a local Shoppers Drug Mart without ID verification or prescription review. The following day, her husband discovered that the pills were different in color and shape. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the prescription was for hydromorphone, prompting an immediate return to the pharmacy.
Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, is significantly stronger than morphine and is typically used for severe pain management, including acute and chronic cancer-related pain. The Mayo Clinic warns of serious side effects and the risk of fatal overdose, particularly in children.
Loblaws, the company overseeing Shoppers Drug Mart, acknowledged the incident as a case of human error that should have been prevented. The company emphasized the implementation of measures to prevent similar mishaps in the future. Paquin shared that the pharmacist expressed apologies and acknowledged the missed steps, with the employee responsible for the error undergoing suspension pending an internal inquiry.
Displeased with the incident, Paquin lodged a complaint with the College of Pharmacists of B.C., emphasizing the need for accountability. The college highlighted stringent standards and regulations in place to prevent medication errors and ensure client safety during prescription dispensing and consultations.
Paquin took to social media to share her experience, stressing the importance of verifying prescriptions before consumption to prevent potential harm. She expressed gratitude for catching the error and emphasized the significance of vigilance in medication management to safeguard against similar incidents.
