What’s in a name – Risperidone or Ropinirole?
We have recently been instructed to investigate a potential clinical negligence case arising following the negligent dispensing of medication.
In our client’s case, a Pharmacist mistakenly dispensed Risperdal (brand name ‘Risperidone’), an antipsychotic medication, instead of her usual medication for restless leg syndrome, Ropinirole. She unknowingly took the Risperidone tablets for around 4 weeks and suffered a stroke. She is undergoing rehabilitation and receiving legal help and guidance through one of our specialist Solicitors.
What is Risperdal (Risperidone)?
Risperdal is known as a second-generation antipsychotic medication and is predominately used to treat schizophrenia in adults, psychosis and mania. It is usually prescribed as a 1mg tablet to be taken four times daily with or without food.
It is thought that Risperdal works by rebalancing chemicals in the brain, namely dopamine and serotonin, to improve thinking, mood and behaviour.
Common Side Effects
As with most medications, patients can suffer side effects when taking Risperdal and some of the most common include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Urinary incontinence
- Nausea, diarrhoea and constipation
- Abdominal pain and indigestion
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Visual problems
- Muscular pain
Serious Side Effects
In some cases, rare and potentially life changing risks can happen as a result of taking Risperdal and these include:
- Gynaecomastia (abnormal growth of breast tissue in males)
- High blood pressure
- Strokes
- Transient ischaemic attacks (mini strokes)
- Heart attacks
- Liver or kidney disease
- Seizures
- Impotence
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
Implications of Taking the Wrong Medication
As our client’s case shows, the potential consequences of taking the wrong medication can range from minimal side effects to life altering or life threatening. Our client’s life has changed significantly as a result of suffering a stroke and she has asked us to help her understand whether taking Risperdal for 4 weeks caused or contributed to this. She hopes that lessons can be learnt to avoid mistakes like this happening again and prevent other people from suffering.
Our client would also caution people to make sure they understand the potential side effects of the medication they are being prescribed which, although are aimed at helping, can caused unexpected outcomes for a patient. Risperdal, for example, has been linked with abnormal growth of breast tissue in males and psychosis caused by dementia in the elderly.
It is very important that your Pharmacist is diligent in checking that your correct medication is dispensed as it may be easy for mistakes to be made and medication names confused. If you have concerns about a particular tablet you have been prescribed, you should raise your concerns with a Pharmacist or GP as soon as possible.
Our team of experts are able to investigate injuries caused to patients who have been dispensed the wrong medication. Anyone who has been harmed as a result of taking Risperdal should contact an experienced and knowledgeable Solicitor as soon as possible.
