FOR LAWYERS

Overprescription: How It Works

Perhaps no other profession is placed on a higher pedestal than a medical doctor. As part of their duty, MDs are entrusted by state medical boards with the task of writing prescriptions. As medical professionals, they control access to prescription drugs. These drugs can be necessary, even lifesaving, but sometimes prescriptions are completely unnecessary. When a doctor writes prescriptions that aren’t necessary, they are engaging in overprescription.

In the United States, an increasing number of Americans are prescribed several medications. According to Stat, between 2000 and 2012, the number of Americans taking at least five medications doubled to over 47 million Americans. 

A 2019 study by The Journal of Clinical Medicine Research found that there are four major types of overprescriptions:

  1. Opioid medication for chronic pain
  2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for indigestion
  3. Levothyroxine, a medical condition for thyroid conditions, for hypothyroidism that doesn’t present with enough symptoms for a diagnosis
  4. Antidepressants for depression that does not exhibit enough signs for a formal diagnosis

While these conditions are necessary to treat, prescribing medications without sufficient evidence for a diagnosis can be dangerous. Not only can medications do harm if they are not actually treating a condition, the side effects of a drug can also be dangerous. 

Long-term use of PPIs can result in osteoporosis, liver damage, pancreatitis, and worse. While this risk can be medically necessary for a patient who badly needs PPIs, a patient taking PPIs because of an overprescription of drugs can be negatively affected by a drug they should not have been using. 

If you or a loved one have suffered the negative consequences of overprescription, you may be able to seek justice. In order to potentially receive compensation, you will need the help of a medical malpractice attorney.

A medical malpractice attorney can file your case on your behalf and give you the best chance to recover compensation. Not only can medical malpractice attorneys present your experience in the best light, they can also recruit expert witnesses in order to provide professional backing for your case. The best place to find a medical malpractice attorney is with Attorney at Law.

At AAL, our nationwide network of attorneys and law firms can match you with the best medical malpractice attorney in your area. Our partners have the resources, legal expertise, and experience to take on the biggest groups in America and get you the best outcome possible. 

In addition to an exceptional case record and legal ability, our partners also specialize in client care. We know how hard a lawsuit can be on our clients, and that’s why we only partner with firms and attorneys who go above and beyond to ensure the satisfaction of our clients.

Don’t wait. Contact AAL today for a free, no-obligation consultation and affirm your medical rights.

Ask a Lawyer

Ask your own question and get advice from expert attorneys
Ask Question

Featured Medical Malpractice Lawyers

The Thompson Law Firm, LLC

41 years in practice
Adoption, Birth Injury, Child Custody, Child Support, Criminal Defense
View Profile

The Law Offices of Craig J. Brown P.A.

21 years in practice
Auto Accidents, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, DUI Law, Medical Malpractice
View Profile

Leppla Associates, Ltd

44 years in practice
Auto Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury
View Profile

Richardson Law Firm P.C.

12 years in practice
Hair Relaxers Lawsuit, Mass Tort, Personal Injury, Rideshare Lawsuits, Tepezza Lawsuit
View Profile

Adam Rieth - Injury Attorney

10 years in practice
Auto Accidents, Brain Injury, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents
View Profile

Vanguard Attorneys

12 years in practice
Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
View Profile

Contact AttorneyAtLaw.com

Are you looking for an attorney? Do you have questions about a legal case you are facing? Contact us now and we will put you in touch with a lawyer for free.
Attorney At Law is changing how clients connect with lawyers. By providing an innovative platform to lawyers who want to expand their practice’s reach, AAL is bringing law practices into the future.
6142 Innovation Way
Carlsbad, California 92009
Some of the content of this website may be considered attorney advertising under the rules of certain jurisdictions. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
crossmenuchevron-upchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram