IV Infiltration Injuries — Chemotherapy Toxicity
IV administration of chemotherapy has become a standard practice in cancer management, reflecting advancements in medical technology and treatment modalities. Over the years, chemotherapy has increasingly been administered in outpatient settings, offering patients greater convenience and flexibility in their treatment regimens. However, this transition has not been without its challenges, particularly concerning patient safety. With the proliferation of diverse chemotherapeutic regimens and the complexities inherent in their administration, the risk of errors and adverse events has correspondingly escalated. From dosage inaccuracies to infusion-related complications, the intricacies of chemotherapy administration demand meticulous attention and adherence to established protocols to ensure patient well-being and treatment efficacy.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we recognize the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and the heightened complexities surrounding chemotherapy administration. Our seasoned team of attorneys boasts extensive experience in navigating the intricacies of medical malpractice cases, particularly those involving medication administration, including chemotherapy. We understand the profound implications of chemotherapy toxicity and its potential impact on patient health and quality of life. Armed with a wealth of resources and a commitment to thorough investigation, our firm is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have suffered harm due to chemotherapy-related negligence. Whether it involves scrutinizing medical records, consulting with experts, or pursuing litigation, we leverage every available avenue to seek justice and compensation for our clients. When you entrust your case to Burnside Law Firm LLP, you can rest assured that you have a staunch advocate fighting tirelessly on your behalf.
Understanding Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, as a cornerstone in the fight against cancer, entails the therapeutic application of chemical agents to combat malignant cells proliferating throughout the body. Oncologists employ a diverse array of chemotherapy agents with the overarching goal of eradicating cancerous growths characterized by their rapid and aberrant cell division. However, the indiscriminate nature of chemotherapy renders it a double-edged sword, as these potent agents not only target cancer cells but also affect healthy tissues with similar rapid cell turnover rates, such as hair follicles and gastrointestinal lining. Consequently, the systemic impact of chemotherapy often manifests in a myriad of side effects ranging from hair loss to gastrointestinal distress, underscoring the profound toll it exacts on patients’ well-being.
Given the inherent toxicity of chemotherapy agents and the delicate balance required to achieve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects, the prescription, preparation, and administration of these medications demand unwavering diligence and precision from the healthcare team responsible for overseeing the treatment regimen. Any lapse in adherence to established protocols or oversight in medication management can precipitate grave consequences, potentially resulting in devastating outcomes, including irreversible harm or even fatality.
Burnside Law Firm LLP offers legal advice concerning IV infiltration injury and IV therapy injury cases. Call (706) 432-8320 or contact us by e-mail for an initial investigation of your case.
Chemotherapy Dosage Errors
Although there is widespread consensus among healthcare practitioners regarding the critical importance of verifying the type of drug, dosage, infusion rate, and volume before administering chemotherapy, adherence to these fundamental safety protocols is not always consistent. Recognizing the imperative need to enhance patient safety in outpatient settings where chemotherapy is frequently administered, the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) and the Oncology Nurses Society (ONS) collaborated in 2009 to establish comprehensive standards for the safe delivery of chemotherapy. These standards represent a pivotal step towards mitigating risks inherent in chemotherapy administration, including the potential for medication errors such as administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage.
Formulated with meticulous attention to detail and informed by evidence-based practices, these standards are specifically designed to serve as robust safeguards against the occurrence of adverse events and medication errors. By delineating clear guidelines and procedural protocols, the ASCO and ONS standards aim to instill a culture of accountability and vigilance among healthcare providers tasked with administering chemotherapy. However, despite the existence of these stringent standards, the reality remains that compliance with these guidelines is not uniformly observed across all healthcare settings. Instances of non-adherence or oversight persist, underscoring the ongoing challenges inherent in translating established standards into consistent practice.
Preventing Errors in Administering Chemotherapy Drugs
Medication mistakes involving too much chemotherapy medicine usually result in chemo toxicity, which can cause serious damage to the heart, liver, kidney and other vital organs in the body. Chemo toxicity can also suppress the immune system to the point that the body is unable to fend off even minor infections, usually resulting in death. Not all deaths which occur during chemotherapy treatment are the result of medication errors, and in fact, most are not. Errors can be prevented by following these guidelines:
- All orders/prescriptions for chemotherapy medications should be written, not verbal.
- Each order for chemotherapy should be verified by a second person (a practitioner or other personnel approved by the practice) before it is prepared. This includes confirming the patient’s identity, drug name, dosage, volume, rate and route of administration.
- Chemo drugs should be labeled immediately upon preparation, including the patient’s name, drug name, and the method by which it should be administered.
If you or someone you know have suffered an injury on account of an overdose of chemotherapy, contact Burnside Law Firm LLP in Athens or Augusta, Georgia, to learn more about your legal rights.
If you suspect medical negligence regarding the administration of chemotherapy, do not hesitate to contact our Augusta, Georgia, lawyers. We offer experienced, strategic advocacy in cases involving IV medication error injury. Call (706) 432-8320 or contact us by e-mail for an initial consultation.
