Gentamicin Toxicity Compensation
Gentamicin, a powerful and effective antibiotic, requires extremely careful monitoring during the prescription and administration processes. A failure to consider the patient's broader health context carefully, can result in permanent and disabling symptoms for the patient.
Gentamicin poisoning
If you or a loved one are suffering long-term and debilitating symptoms due to the incorrect administration of this powerful drug, you might be able to claim compensation.
Gentamicin toxicity can cause the patient to suffer permanent difficulties with working, travelling and remaining independent. They may also experience severe kidney problems.
Toxicity means that the patient has effectively been poisoned by the drug. They may have been given too high a dose - either in one administration or cumulatively. Alternatively, they may be already suffering physical difficulties such as kidney problems which do not respond well to gentamicin. The impact of an inappropriate prescription or dosage of gentamicin can cause a range of shocking symptoms.
Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity refers to the impact that Gentamicin can have on the patient's hearing and balance. Gentamicin can cause damage in both sides of the vestibular system, leaving the patient with balance difficulties, dizziness and possible visual problems. Their sight may become blurred and their coordination may suffer. In terms of working and remaining safe when living alone, this outcome can have a significant impact.
Nephrotoxicity
Nephrotoxicity refers to poisoning of the kidneys by gentamicin. The functioning of the kidneys (or at least one) is vital to an individual's survival. They play a role in removing waste products from the blood and a reduction or failure in their function can allow waste products to build up in the body, threatening the person's life.
Gentamicin can produce a negative impact on the functioning of the kidneys.
Medical negligence
If medical professionals fail in their duty of care to their patient by failing to assess thoroughly the suitability of that patient to a gentamicin prescription, they may be regarded as having acted negligently.
The patient should be assessed for risk factors when considering both a prescription of gentamicin and when considering the dosage. An elderly patient might be at a higher risk of developing gentamicin poisoning.
A patient who already has kidney problems may not be suitable for gentamicin prescription. A patient who has recently undergone a course of gentamicin may not be suitable for a second course within a short timeframe.
A patient suffering from liver problems may require careful assessment before administering this powerful antibiotic.
Patients undergoing gentamicin treatment also require very close monitoring for signs that the gentamicin may be having a detrimental impact on them. A failure to carry out such observations and a failure to notice the signs and symptoms may be regarded as substandard care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the long-term effects of gentamicin poisoning, contact us at Glynns Solicitors today to discuss your experience. We will be happy to advise you as to the suitability of making a compensation claim.
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