‘Blatant neglect,’ says Winnipeg father after daughter overdoses due to pharmacy error

A Manitoba couple is advocating for increased safety measures in how pharmacies dispense medication after their daughter experienced an overdose from a pill provided at a Shoppers Drug Mart that was ten times the prescribed dosage.

Kevin Barkley, the girl’s father, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “You take 10 times the dosage and you don’t get a lot of variance there to stay alive.” The 10-year-old girl had a prescription for a two milligram pill but was given 20 milligram capsules instead.

The girl experienced lethargy and blackouts after taking the medication, prompting her family to seek medical assistance. After contacting The Manitoba Poison Centre and her pediatrician, the girl was taken to Winnipeg’s Children’s Hospital for monitoring. Fortunately, she made a full recovery, but the incident left the family shaken.

Following the incident, the family reached out to Loblaws Ltd., the owner of Shoppers Drug Mart, and the College of Pharmacists to report the error. Initially met with what they described as “blank apologies,” the family received apologies and assurances of an investigation after sharing their story publicly.

Loblaws stated that corrective measures have been implemented at the pharmacy to prevent such incidents in the future. The College of Pharmacists guidelines emphasize the need for changes to minimize the recurrence of medication errors.

The couple plans to file a complaint with the College of Pharmacists and continue advocating for improved safety protocols in pharmacies. With over 1,300 reported medication incidents in Manitoba in a six-month period, including cases of incorrect dosages, the need for enhanced safeguards is evident.

Barkley emphasized the importance of thorough checks at every stage of the prescription process to prevent such errors. He stressed the need for pharmacies to double-check information and ensure the correct medication and dosage are provided to patients, especially when it involves children.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of medication errors and highlights the necessity for stringent safety measures in pharmacy practices. By sharing their experience, the Manitoba couple hopes to prevent similar incidents and promote a safer healthcare environment for all.