Can I Sue the NHS for Kidney Failure from Gentamicin?
The possible effects of Gentamicin on the kidneys is widely documented and patients already suffering with kidney problems require careful assessment before the administration of this powerful drug.
The possible effects of Gentamicin
If the antibiotic Gentamicin is given to a patient inappropriately, causing acute kidney failure and subsequent on-going problems, making a compensation claim may well be a suitable course of action. It could help to resolve any financial problems which have emerged as a result of the negligence.
Gentamicin is a powerful and extremely useful antibiotic which is sometimes used to tackle infections which other antibiotics failure to resolve. It can, however, have significant side-effects on the patient and its prescription needs to be approached with caution.
It is particularly of concern where the patient has pre-existing kidney problems as the drug is known to affect the functioning of the kidneys. Any additional stress on the kidneys due to the Gentamicin may bring about acute and life-threatening kidney failure.
Prescribing Gentamicin
A number of factors need to be taken into consideration when prescribing Gentamicin to a patient:
- Is Gentamicin an appropriate drug to use with this patient?
- What dosage would be appropriate for the patient? This is particularly relevant where the patient is overweight.
- What interval timing would be suitable between doses? It is not simply a matter of the one-off dosage but the possible cumulative effect.
Monitoring susceptible patients
If it is considered necessary and appropriate to give a patient Gentamicin, it is also necessary to monitor that patient to ensure that any negative effects are spotted promptly and adjustments made. It may be necessary to reduce the dose or to stop the treatment entirely.
If a patient has recently undergone a course of Gentamicin treatment, it may not be appropriate to prescribe a further course of treatment.
Medical negligence
The prescribing and administration of Gentamicin is not, in itself, necessarily an act of negligence. It may, however, be regarded as negligent if the patient's physical factors and broader context are not taken into consideration when deciding to prescribe the drug. If the patient subsequently suffers a kidney injury, the relevant medical professional may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Should the patient suffer a poor long-term outcome as a result of the negligence, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the long-term impact of Gentamicin poisoning of the kidneys (nephrotoxicity) due to a significant failing by medical professionals, contact Glynns Solicitors.
You will be able to speak with an experienced and specialist medical negligence lawyer who will be able to advise you as to the best way forward.
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