As if North Carolina parents of newborns and babies do not have enough to worry about, the Carolinas Poison Center just gave cause for more. Word was released by the Center in December that changes in acetaminophen products may cause parents or health care professionals to give babies the wrong medication. The products that contain the drug are commonly found in Tylenol and other medications that treat fever and pain, but the recent change has caused confusion and concern about medication errors and led to some parents calling pharmacies and medical professionals for answers.

The problem parents and medical professionals are facing is that the liquid concentrations have changed and it is possible that both new and old medications are still being sold side-by-side on store shelves. Consequently, parents in North Carolina and in other states are understandably worried about giving their baby the incorrect dosage.

It is unclear whether any babies were actually injured from the medication error, but the poison center did receive numerous calls about giving infants too much medication. A better procedure for changing medication dosage should be in place to prevent a potentially severe injury.

According to the Carolinas Poison Center, attempts are being made to educate health care professionals on the switch, an announcement that does not exactly inspire confidence to those relying on the medical profession for advice. Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences, and often the slightest mistake can have grave consequences. Anyone who suspects them or someone they love has been victimized by medication errors or other negligence would do well to consult a North Carolina attorney experienced in medical malpractice law to assess liability and offer advice on how to proceed.

Source: The Salisbury Post, "Poison center warns of change in infants' acetaminophen," Salisbury Post Staff, Dec 10, 2011