My fears for baby after drugs error (From Daily Echo)
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My fears for baby after drugs error
3:10pm Saturday 11th October 2008 in
A PREGNANT teenager feared for the safety of her unborn child after a pharmacy gave her the wrong drugs.
Sixteen-year-old Crystal Cooper was left doubled up with stomach and chest pains after the drug she thought was a gentle painkiller turned out to be one used to treat severe pain.
An investigation has now been launched and the pharmacy has apologised for the mistake.
Crystal, who is six months pregnant with her first child, had been prescribed the codeine-based drug Cocodamol to help ease back pain.
It was only when the drugs made her vomit that she checked the advice slip and realised, to her horror, that she had actually been taking the high-strength Solpadol.
The painkillers, issued to her by Day Lewis pharmacy in Marchwood, had even been given to her in a Cocodamol box.
Crystal said: “After taking the painkillers my head started to feel funny so I lay down on the sofa in the hope that I’d feel better.
“I had this searing pain in my chest which spread to my stomach. I was so worried about what was happening.
“I’m six months pregnant, this is my first child, and I just kept thinking the worst.
“All I could think about was my baby girl – I was petrified something might happen to her.”
Crystal’s partner Darren suggested driving her to the hospital but she was in too much pain to get into the car so an ambulance was called.
The paramedic managed to calm Crystal and stayed with her until the drugs wore off.
Crystal, of Parkside, Hounsdown, added: “Obviously it was just a mistake by the pharmacy but it can’t be allowed to happen again – mistakes like that just can’t be made.
“Thankfully both my baby and I were OK but it could easily have been so different.”
Day Lewis pharmacy superintendent Peter Glover, responsible for legal, ethical and practice advice in the company’s 165 national chains, apologised for the mistake.
He said: “There are very strict practices in place for the dispensing and checking process, however on this occasion there was a simple human error.
“We take it very seriously and we apologise completely for the mistake.
“The pharmacist involved is incredibly upset about what happened.
“We will do all we can to stop something like this happening again.”
A spokesman for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said that an investigation into the incident would now be launched.
A spokesman from the pharmacy at the Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton said: “High doses of codeine can cause respiratory problems.
However, the stronger dose of codeine taken on this occasion would not really have been any danger to the mother or her child.”
Comments(39)
Jack Nelson
says...
3:31pm Sat 11 Oct 08
itsmehere
says...
3:43pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Jack Nelson wrote:Here we go again, the same old blah blah. So she's sixteen, get over it. Do you know her background??? Until you do, go slag someone else off who deserves it.What gives you the right to be so morally high and mighty?
"Crystal, who is six months pregnant with her first child", ... I would hope it was her first child at that age! When will she get married? How about getting a job, or will she just head straight to the benefit office and sponge off the tax payer?
Adrian Smith
says...
3:58pm Sat 11 Oct 08
As I know from recent experience they take eight months to investigate and report. A very slow moving organisation indeed.
Bright Spark
says...
4:28pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Sly Stallone
says...
4:42pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Meandyou
says...
5:09pm Sat 11 Oct 08
juliusevola
says...
5:29pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Meandyou wrote:I doubt she can read............
Why did she not read the information leaflet that came with the tablets?!? Every thing says read before taking!!! Even if it was recommended by the chemist or doctor if you are pregnant you should take more notice of what the side affects are!
paul b
says...
5:39pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Now im going to have to pay for the next generation to repeat it all over again, great
cuddleme00
says...
5:59pm Sat 11 Oct 08
congrats on the baby hope things go well
itsmehere
says...
6:11pm Sat 11 Oct 08
juliusevola wrote:neither can you. she was given the wrong tablets, the box and leaflet were correct, then again if you had of "read" the story you would have known this.
Meandyou wrote:I doubt she can read............
Why did she not read the information leaflet that came with the tablets?!? Every thing says read before taking!!! Even if it was recommended by the chemist or doctor if you are pregnant you should take more notice of what the side affects are!
ridiculous
says...
6:17pm Sat 11 Oct 08
I have never posted on this site before but i feel that this is awful.
Some of you are saying stuff like where is the dad and saying she cant read but if u paid attention to the story it says her partner Darren suggested taking her to the hospital. Therefore there is probably your missing dad.
How do any of u know she doesn't have a job or that she is not at college training to make something of her life.
Not every 16 year old girl who is pregnant is unemployed and living off benefits.
People like u really drive me insane, get a life and stop slagging people off.
All this young girl was worried about was the safety of her unborn baby!!!
M_T
says...
6:37pm Sat 11 Oct 08
juliusevola wrote:Her partner Darren.....was a bit of a clue there. Or did you just see pregnant 16 year old and make a snap judgement?
A life on benefits awaits her (subsidised by us of course).Wheres the dad ? That is if she knows who he is of course.......
Not all men run at the first sign of responsibility. If more stayed around we wouldn't have all these single mothers you despise so much.
Strasser
says...
7:18pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Vonnie
says...
7:25pm Sat 11 Oct 08
It is not about the background, morality or otherwise of the victim involved.
You people make me sick.
1234
says...
7:47pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter)
says...
8:25pm Sat 11 Oct 08
1234 wrote:At least they know how to use grammer correctly.
what a total joke most of the people comenting on this story are, i am suprised they know how to use a computer and not still using pigeons to sent messages,all of you need to get with the times an move out of the 1940s when by the sound of it most of you were born. it is the 21st century now young females get pregnant at a earlier age, but this does not mean all the children are going to grow up as hoodie wearing chaves, give this young couple a chance and get a life , leave the computer alone and go back to nitting or smoking pipes.
1234
says...
8:39pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter)
says...
8:49pm Sat 11 Oct 08
1234 wrote:No I won't WRITE something decent on the poor girl involved, I'd rather pick up on your bad education!
shazza!!! that is a up to date name for some one on here, my grammer may not be the best in the world but at least i am not petty minded individual.go back to watching strictly come dancing. if you are going to comment atleast right something decent on the poor girl involved in this story.
1234
says...
8:53pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Em_Lou
says...
9:09pm Sat 11 Oct 08
being pregnant the first time is scary and worrying enough as it is without getting crippling pain. At the end of the day the actual story is about a pharmacist giving the wrong drug to someone, and would most probably have has the same effects regardless of how old the woman is.
its just so sad how people are so quick to judge and tar us all with the same brush.
The Real Denzil
says...
9:17pm Sat 11 Oct 08
1234 wrote:What a misinformed, dumb comment.
what a total joke most of the people comenting on this story are, i am suprised they know how to use a computer and not still using pigeons to sent messages,all of you need to get with the times an move out of the 1940s when by the sound of it most of you were born. it is the 21st century now young females get pregnant at a earlier age, but this does not mean all the children are going to grow up as hoodie wearing chaves, give this young couple a chance and get a life , leave the computer alone and go back to nitting or smoking pipes.
As it happens women in this country are leaving it later to have kids.
Anyone with any decency wouldn't take any pain killers while pregnant, especially those with such strength. Next thing you'll be saying drink as much as you want while preggers, everyone's doing it.
her back can't be that bad otherwise she wouldn't have got in the predicament she's in.
Denzil
says...
10:00pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter) wrote:Shut up you illiterate goon.
1234 wrote: shazza!!! that is a up to date name for some one on here, my grammer may not be the best in the world but at least i am not petty minded individual.go back to watching strictly come dancing. if you are going to comment atleast right something decent on the poor girl involved in this story.No I won't WRITE something decent on the poor girl involved, I'd rather pick up on your bad education!
AndyP
says...
10:00pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter)
says...
10:02pm Sat 11 Oct 08
AndyP wrote:Of course it is...
So she was supposed to be taking Co-Codamol but was given Solpadol...which is a brand name for Co-Codamol. Doesn't seem to be much of a story here.
If the Daily Echo says it is....
JB Soton
says...
10:40pm Sat 11 Oct 08
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter) wrote:Actually Andy is correct.
AndyP wrote:Of course it is...
So she was supposed to be taking Co-Codamol but was given Solpadol...which is a brand name for Co-Codamol. Doesn't seem to be much of a story here.
If the Daily Echo says it is....
There is no story here.This girl was not given anything that would hurt her or her unborn child if taken correctly.
There does seem to be a spate of this going on though, There was a story in the pompey News just yesterday of someone wanting birth control tablets and given warfarin by mistake some Pharmacists are working far too many hours as our Doctors etc its only a matter of time..........( security word is spot-care)Honestly!
JB Soton
says...
11:13pm Sat 11 Oct 08
JB Soton wrote:Sorry I should have typed 'are' Doctors not 'our' this is for the 'spelling brigade'
Shazza (the genuine article, not an imposter) wrote:Actually Andy is correct.
AndyP wrote:Of course it is...
So she was supposed to be taking Co-Codamol but was given Solpadol...which is a brand name for Co-Codamol. Doesn't seem to be much of a story here.
If the Daily Echo says it is....
There is no story here.This girl was not given anything that would hurt her or her unborn child if taken correctly.
There does seem to be a spate of this going on though, There was a story in the pompey News just yesterday of someone wanting birth control tablets and given warfarin by mistake some Pharmacists are working far too many hours as our Doctors etc its only a matter of time..........( security word is spot-care)Honestly!
I also meant to say 'locum' Pharmacists.
Nazlok
says...
11:02am Sun 12 Oct 08
She is not a lone mother, Crystal works, as does her partner.(who she manages a home with) Darren works over 50+ hours a week to support his family.
Really you need to read the article before jumping to small minded conclusions based on reading the title.
And of course you all refuse to claim Child Tax Credits/Working Tax Credits/Family Allowance. And pay your prescription charges even though your exempt for various ailments. I think not somehow. Thats a burden on the state you know!!! (See how easy it is to twist things??)
People in glass houses and all that.
In case your wondering I am Darren's Step Father, as I feel unless something like this happens to you or your family, you shouldnt judge.
The day it happened was a very concerning time for both our families. And I would not wish it on anyone (even those who are nasty and vindictive). By the way Im not a burden to the state either.
littlemo107
says...
12:07pm Sun 12 Oct 08
Nazlok
says...
1:28pm Sun 12 Oct 08
littlemo107 wrote:Thank you for being a voice of reason. Appreciate that.
listen to all of you judgin her! yea she 16 so what some girls are having babies at 14! crystal works & lives with the father! not that is any of anyone elses concern! i no when i get my perscriptions i dont look at the box id trust what a chemist gave me!!!!
c.cooper
says...
7:16pm Sun 12 Oct 08
The Real Denzil
says...
10:21pm Sun 12 Oct 08
c.cooper wrote:Probably work harder and are better educated than you judging by your response.
JUST TO LET YOU ALL KNOW, I DON'T CLAIM ANY BENEFITS ME AND MY PARTNER LIVE IN A PRIVATELY RENTED FLAT THAT WE PAY FULLY FOR WE BOTH WORK. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE SOMEONE BY A STORY IN THE LOCAL PAPER CAUSE YOU SEE WHAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD IS THAT THE DOSAGE WAS FOUR TIMES HIGHER AND THE TABLETS WERE WRONG!!! ANOTHER THING IS YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF MY BACKGROUND OR HOW I GOT ON AT SCHOOL SO DO NOT COMMENT ON IT!YOU ALL NEED TO GET A LIFE AND SONT SPEND YOUR PETTY TIME JUDGING SOMEONE WHO YOU DON'T KNOW. YOU OBVIOUSLY DO NOT WORK OR ATLEAST HARD ENOUGH FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO SPEND ALL YOUR TIME ON THIS SITE SLAGGING PEOPLE YOU DO NOT KNOW OFF!! AND FOR THOS WHO HAVE WRITTEN MESSAGES WISHING ME LUCK OR STANDING UP FOR ME I REALY APPRECIATE IT AND I HAVE TAKEN NOTICE!! THE ONLY REASON THE STORY WAS EVEN PUT IN THE PAPER WAS FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT ALWAYS READ THE LETTER INSIDE BECAUSE MAYBE IT IS THEIR USUAL PERSCRIPTION OR HAVE TAKEN IT BEFORE LIKE I HAD CO-CODAMOL, IS TO CHECK THE TABLETS!
It would be easy to guess I can judge your academic achievment, confusing you aye? How you got on in school.
Maybe it's you who needs to get a life, or rather an education.
Oh and it's because not CAUSE.
P.S I doubt you have a partner, just from your rant I can tell you're fat and ugly and it's doubtful you work.
the missing ingridient
says...
5:32am Mon 13 Oct 08
obelisker
says...
6:47am Mon 13 Oct 08
Nazlok
says...
9:04am Mon 13 Oct 08
The Real Denzil wrote:Love the fact you are picking up on Crystals grammar, yet yours is no better. And if you were really that fesidious about it you would have highlighted the other mistakes in the post, "to err is human" and all that. But your obviously a troll who likes to hide behind the internet, as there are so many who do so as there is no repercussions to there actions. I hope you get some cheap thrill out of your remarks.
c.cooper wrote:Probably work harder and are better educated than you judging by your response.
JUST TO LET YOU ALL KNOW, I DON'T CLAIM ANY BENEFITS ME AND MY PARTNER LIVE IN A PRIVATELY RENTED FLAT THAT WE PAY FULLY FOR WE BOTH WORK. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE SOMEONE BY A STORY IN THE LOCAL PAPER CAUSE YOU SEE WHAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD IS THAT THE DOSAGE WAS FOUR TIMES HIGHER AND THE TABLETS WERE WRONG!!! ANOTHER THING IS YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF MY BACKGROUND OR HOW I GOT ON AT SCHOOL SO DO NOT COMMENT ON IT!YOU ALL NEED TO GET A LIFE AND SONT SPEND YOUR PETTY TIME JUDGING SOMEONE WHO YOU DON'T KNOW. YOU OBVIOUSLY DO NOT WORK OR ATLEAST HARD ENOUGH FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO SPEND ALL YOUR TIME ON THIS SITE SLAGGING PEOPLE YOU DO NOT KNOW OFF!! AND FOR THOS WHO HAVE WRITTEN MESSAGES WISHING ME LUCK OR STANDING UP FOR ME I REALY APPRECIATE IT AND I HAVE TAKEN NOTICE!! THE ONLY REASON THE STORY WAS EVEN PUT IN THE PAPER WAS FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT ALWAYS READ THE LETTER INSIDE BECAUSE MAYBE IT IS THEIR USUAL PERSCRIPTION OR HAVE TAKEN IT BEFORE LIKE I HAD CO-CODAMOL, IS TO CHECK THE TABLETS!
It would be easy to guess I can judge your academic achievment, confusing you aye? How you got on in school.
Maybe it's you who needs to get a life, or rather an education.
Oh and it's because not CAUSE.
P.S I doubt you have a partner, just from your rant I can tell you're fat and ugly and it's doubtful you work.
Crystal contacted the newspaper for a very real reason, the chemist dispensed the wrong drug to her!!!
I know the procedures that are carried out in a chemists for checking, and it is difficult for mistakes to be made, but general shop workers can dispense P medicines if they have taken the correct training course, but has to be checked by the pharmasist. It doesnt matter if its a LOCUM or not, the procedures are the same.
I think people need to concentrate on the article and what Crystal wanted to highlight. There is a certain amount of trust you put in your doctor and the chemist and it does not matter if the drug had its medical name or the product name, the fact of the matter the dosage was wrong.
Its not about suing people for damages its about making people aware of the dangers. No amount of money can replace the baby or Crystal.
Truthful
says...
11:15am Mon 13 Oct 08
Crystal has had a frightening experiance to say the least and wanted to make other people aware of this matter. To those of you that say all is well no harm done ....... here's what a spokesman from pharmacy at Royal South Hant's Hospital said " High doses of codiene can cause respratory problem's ", sure enough Crystal had the feeling of not being able to breath. Also if the drug had to be used longer there is a great possibality that the baby would have withdrawl symptons. Would YOU want to see your child,grandchild, brother , sister , neice , nephew go through this ??!!
Day Lewis pharmacy are the one's in the wrong here not Crysatl ! I know they say it was a human error, but they cannot be human error in a pharmacy ......... the bottom line is you trust these people that are dispensing drug's for you.
I'll say again what Crystal was telling you ......... PLEASE BE AWARE AND CHECK YOUR MEDICATION BEFORE LEAVING THE PHARMACY, TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED ....ERRORS CAN AND WERE MADE !!
To all the POSITIVE comment's , thank you .
goard
says...
12:14pm Mon 13 Oct 08
goard
obelisker
says...
1:39pm Mon 13 Oct 08
Truthful
says...
11:15am Tue 14 Oct 08
goard wrote:Please read my post again !!
As you can see, the realities of early years pregnancies are treated without respect - I hate to add to the girl's unfortunate circumstances and only hope their mums can take on this daughter's unfortunate accident - and accident it is - one's pregancy will, once again, be the parents responsibility. IT IS NOT THE STATES RESPONSIBILITY.
goard
This is not about the lovely couple having a child , which is very much loved by all that know them already !!
The report was made because of Day Lewis Pharmacy.
Crysatl was merely doing " other's " a favour by reporting this !!!
Truthful
says...
11:22am Tue 14 Oct 08
Once again thank you to all the positive people. Crystal and her partner have worked so hard in getting their home etc ready for their little princess. They will be good and proud parent's. :-).
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