pharmacists' duty to warn - nacds · duty to warn on physicians, rather than pharmacists, because physicians decide which drugs to prescribe. ... , No. 83-3505 (D.D.C. June 9, 1986)

Lastrevised8/19/16 1

PHARMACISTS’DUTYTOWARN

LawsuitsClaimingThatPharmaciesMustWarnCustomersAboutDangersAssociatedWithPrescriptionDrugs

INTRODUCTIONPatientsinjuredbyprescriptiondrugssometimesclaimthattheirpharmacistshadadutytowarnthemaboutpotentialsideeffectsandotherdangersassociatedwithprescriptiondrugs.Thismemorandumprovidescitationstocourtdecisionsfromacrossthecountrythataddresstheissueofwhetherandwhenpharmacistshaveadutytowarn.Mostcourtshaveruledthatpharmacistsdonothaveageneraldutytowarnpatientsabouttheirprescribeddrugs.Instead,thegeneralruleisthatdrugmanufacturershaveadutytoprovidegeneralwarningstophysicians,andthenphysicianshaveadutytowarntheirpatientsaboutthedrugstheyprescribe.Mostcourtsimposethisdutytowarnonphysicians,ratherthanpharmacists,becausephysiciansdecidewhichdrugstoprescribe.Physiciansknowwhichwarningsareappropriateforaparticularpatientbecausetheyhaveaccesstothepatient’scompletemedicalhistory.This“learnedintermediarydoctrine”isthetraditionalrationaleforrejectingclaimsthatpharmacistshaveadutytowarn.Afewstatecourtshaverejectedthelearnedintermediarydoctrine,andhaveinsteaddecidedthatpharmacistsdohaveageneraldutytowarnpatients.Althoughmostcourtsthathaveconsideredtheissuerejectthenotionthatstatecounselinglawscreateadutytowarn,aminorityofcourtshavepointedtocounselinglawsasevidencethatpharmacistshaveadutytowarn.Othercourtshaveheldthatpharmacistshaveadutytowarnonlyincertaincircumstances.Forexample,somecourtshaveruledthatpharmacistshaveadutytowarnaboutknowncontraindications,orclearerrorsonthefaceofaprescription(e.g.,excessivedosages).Othercourtsrejectthenotionofageneraldutytowarn,butholdthatapharmacycanvoluntarilyassumeadutytowarn.Forexample,apharmacythatadvertisesitsdrugutilizationreviewandcomputerwarningsystemsmayhaveassumedadutytowarnaboutdangeroussideeffects.ALABAMANailv.PublixSuperMarkets,Inc.,72So.3d608(AL2011)(rejectingamotiontodismissadutytowarncaseagainstapharmacybasedonthelearnedintermediarydoctrinewhereplaintiffclaimedthatthepharmacisthadadutytowarnheroftheincreaseddrugdosage(whichsheallegedcausedherinjury)versusadutytowarnofdrugsideeffects,whichmayimpactthedoctor/patientrelationship).SpringhillHosps.,Inc.v.Larrimore,5So.3d513(AL2008)(relyingonWalls,Courtconcludesthatlearnedintermediarydoctrinepreventspharmacistliabilityevenifpharmacistprovideddoctorofdeceasedpatientwithdosinginformation;doctorwasresponsibleparty;“voluntaryundertaking”exceptiondoesnotapplybetweenpharmacistanddoctor(versuspatient)).


Wallsv.AlpharmaUSPD,Inc.,887So.2d881(Ala.2004)(learnedintermediarydoctrineforeclosedanydutyonthepartofpharmaciststowarncustomersregardingrisksorpotentialsideeffectsofprescriptiondrugs).Staffordv.Nipp,502So.2d702(Ala.1987)(pharmacistisnotnecessarilyshieldedfromliabilitybecauseofmanufacturer’swarningswhichaccompanythedrug).ARIZONAWattsv.Medicis,---P.3d----,2015WL375985,January29,2015(Ariz.App.Div.1,2015)(findingthatmanufacturers’learnedintermediarydoctrinedefenseagainstproductliabilityclaimshasbeensupersededbythestate’sadoptionofUniformContributionAmongTortfeasor’sActandthatplaintiffstatedsuchaclaimagainstdefendantmanufacturer,wheresheallegedthatshesawandreliedoninformationproducedanddistributedbymanufacturer,includingasavingsprogramcardandprescriptioninsert,andsuchmaterialsindicatedthatsafetyofusingdrugformorethantwelveweekswasunknown,whileinformationgiventoprescribingphysicianswarnedofharmplaintiffsuffered).Warrenv.Walgreen,2007WL4293465(Ariz.Super.Ct.,Oct.11,2007)(pharmacistfoundnegligentwherehefailedtowarndeceasedpatientaboutpossibledruginteractionswhenfillingtwoprescriptionsovertwodaysandwherepharmacistincreaseddosageofseconddrugwithoutconsultingphysician).Lasleyv.Shrake'sCountryClubPharmacy,Inc.,880P.2d1129(Ariz.Ct.App.1994)(wherepharmacymailedhighlyaddictivedrugsatexcessivelevelstoanout-of-statecustomerfortenyears,thecourtrefusedtoholdasamatteroflawthatadutytowarncanneverexist;thecourtheldthatpharmacistsoweadutyofreasonablecare).ARKANSASKowalskiv.RoseDrugsofDodanelle,etal.,378S.W.3d109(AR2011)(February9,2011)(inacasewhereapharmacyfilledmultipleprescriptionswithnegativeinteractionsandpatientdied,statesupremecourtuphelddismissalofnegligenceclaimbyestateagainstpharmacyfindingnogeneraldutytowarnandextendingthelearnedintermediarydoctrinetopharmacies).Kohlv.Am.HomeProds.Corp.,78F.Supp.2d885(W.D.Ark.1999)(pharmacistshaveadutytoexerciseduecareanddiligence,butthereisno“generaldutytowarncustomersofpotentialdrugsideeffectsortogiveadviceontheefficacyofthedrugabsentthepresenceofsomecontraindication”).CALIFORNIAWittemorev.OwensHealthcare-RetailPharmacy,Inc.,CaseNo.CO60873(Cal.App.06-22-2010)(concludingthatwhenapharmaciststealsfromitsemployingpharmacyandsellsthestolendrugs,thepersonpurchasingthedrugscannotseekdamagesfromthepharmacyunderthestate’sDrugDealerLiabilityActasthepharmacywasnotprofitingfromthesaleofitsstolendrugsandithadnoscienter.).Russov.Safeway,Inc.etal,No.VG05212054(Cal.SuperCt.,AlamedaCty.,Jan.3,2006)(findinggenerallythatpharmacistshavenodutytowarnofpossiblesideeffectsofprescriptiondrugsundereitherstatecommonlaworstatute).Hooperv.Capoblanco,No.99AS01792(Cal.Super.Ct.Nov.15,2000)(absentspecialcircumstances,pharmacistsarenotrequiredtowarnofpotentialsideeffectsofdrugs),aff’d,No.C037465(Cal.CourtofApp.Dec.17,2002).


CONNECTICUTPlantev.Lomibiao,2005WL1090180(Conn.Super.March31,2005)(drugaddictsuespharmacistforinjuriesresultingfromscriptsfilled;courtdismissesclaimunderextendedlearnedintermediarytheory,findingpharmacistowednodutytowarnpatientofdangersofprescribeddrugs).Deedv.WalgreenCo.,2004WL2943271(Conn.Super.Ct.Nov.15,2004)(nogeneraldutytowarnisrecognized;pharmacistsonlyhaveadutytowarncustomersbasedonthepresenceofcertainfactors,suchasknowncontraindications,thatwouldalertareasonablyprudentpharmacisttoapotentialproblem).NobelsV.AstrazenecaPharmaceuticals,832A.2d1241(Conn.Super.Ct.2003)(summaryjudgmentforpharmacythathadnodutytowarn).Carafenov.Gordon,No.34-36-87,1993WL170215(Conn.Super.Ct.May5,1993)(holdingthatthepharmacy,absentspecialcircumstances,hasnodutytowarn).DISTRICTOFCOLUMBIAEalyv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,Prod.Liab.Rep.(CCH)¶11,236,No.83-3504,1987WL159970(D.D.C.Jan.12,1987)(pharmacistwhoaccuratelyfilledprescriptiondidnothaveadutytowarncustomerofanyallegedadverseeffects,andpharmacistsarenotstrictlyliablefordefectsinaprescribeddrugunderaproductliabilitytheory).

Richardsonv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,No.83-3505(D.D.C.June9,1986)(refusingtoimposeadutytowarnuponpharmacies).Raynorv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,643F.Supp.238(D.D.C.1986)(pharmaciesdonothaveadutytowarncustomersoftheadverseaffectsofadrug,evenassumingthatpharmacistisawareofsuchaffects).FLORIDAOlecknav.DaytonaDiscountPharmacyetal.,2015WL477841(FLApp.5Dist.,February6,2015)(relyingonThobani,theappellatecourtreinstateddismisseddutytowarnclaimsagainstdefendantpharmacist,suedforfillingtoomanyprescriptionsfordecedentintooshortofatimeframe,becausethecourt“refuse[d]tointerpretapharmacist’sdutytouse‘dueandpropercareinfillingaprescription’asbeingsatisfiedby‘roboticcompliance’withinstructionsoftheprescribingphysician.”).Dentv.DennisPharmacy,924So.2d927(Fla3rdDCA2006)(upholdingdismissalofclaimagainstpharmacyfornegligencewhereplaintiffwashitbyapatientofthepharmacytakingaprescriptionthatmadeherfallasleepatthewheel;courtfoundthatpharmacyhadnodirectdutytoplaintiffandthattherewasnovoluntaryundertakingputtingthirdpartiesatriskwhenpharmacycounseledpatientpursuanttoBoardregulations).Powersv.Thobani,etal.,903So.2d275(Fl.Ct.App.2005)(findingthatapharmacisthadadutytowarn“customersoftherisksinherentinfillingrepeatedandunreasonableprescriptionswithpotentiallyfatalconsequences”inacasewherepharmacistrepeatedlyfilledmultipleprescriptionsfornarcoticsforcustomerpriortopreviousprescriptionbeingcompletedandwherecustomerdiedofoverdose).


EstateofSharpv.Omnicare,879So.2d34,35(Fla.5thDCA2004)(recognizingFloridahassharplylimitedthedutiesowedbyapharmacisttoacustomerwhileaffirmingthedismissalofthenegligencecomplaintbecausethecourtcouldnot“discerninthecomplaintaduty”owedbythepharmacytothepatient.Reaffirmedthatapharmacist’sdutiesinFloridaaresharplylimitedbytheholdinginMcLeod,seebelow).Deev.Wal-MartStores,Inc.,878So.2d426(Fla.1stDCA2004)(reaffirmingtheholdinginMcLeod,thecourtreversedthedismissalofanegligenceclaimagainstthepharmacy,whichallegedthatapharmacyfilledaprescriptionthatwasfourmonthsoldanddidnotcontainanytimelimitforfillingorusingtheprescription.Held:Pharmacymustusedueandpropercareinfillingaprescription.Whereprescriptionforopioidsisunreasonableonitsfacebecausefourmonthsold,eventhoughlawfulaswritten,fillingprescriptionmaybebreachofduty).Sandersonv.EckerdCorp.,780So.2d930(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.2001)(pharmacythat“advertisedpromisethatitscomputersystemwoulddetectandwarncustomersofadversedrugreactionsandinteractions”voluntarilyassumedadutytowarn,thescopeofwhichmeasuredbythe“levelofcareandskillwhich,inlightofallrelevantcircumstances,isrecognizedasacceptableandappropriatetootherreasonablyprudentpharmacists.”)Johnsonv.WalgreenCo.,675So.2d1036(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1996)(pharmacisthadnodutytowarncustomerorphysicianofpotentiallyadversedruginteractionswhenpharmacistaccuratelyfilledtwoprescriptionswhichcanbeharmfulifusedincombination;legislaturedidnotintendtocreateaprivatecauseofactionwhenitenactedstatuterequiringpharmaciststocheckforharmfulreactionsandinteractionsandtocounselcustomers).Pyszv.Henry'sDrugStore,457So.2d561(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1984)(findingnodutytowarn,butacknowledgingthatcircumstancesmightarisethatwouldsupportanegligenceactionagainstapharmacistwholawfullyfilledaprescription).McLeodv.W.S.MerrellCo.,174So.2d736,739(Fla.1965)(Inabreachofwarrantycase,thecourtheldthatpharmacist’sonlydutieswhenfillingprescriptionaretocompounddrugprescribed,usedueandpropercareinfillingprescription,usepropercompoundingmethods,andensurethatprescriptionhasnotbeenadulterated).GEORGIAChamblinv.K-MartCorp.,612S.E.2d25(Ga.Ct.App.2005)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersofeverypotentialsideeffectofaprescriptiondrug).Prestov.SandozPharms.Corp.,487S.E.2d70(Ga.Ct.App.1997)(priortoimplementationofBoardofPharmacyregulationsrequiringpharmaciststocounselpatients,pharmacisthadnodutytowarnaboutsideeffectsassociatedwithdiscontinueduseofaprescriptiondrug).

Walkerv.JackEckerdCorp.,434S.E.2d63(Ga.Ct.App.1993)(holdingthatpharmacistsdidnothaveadutytowarncustomersornotifyphysiciansofprescriptionsexceedingrecommendedamounts,ofover-medication,orofpotentiallyadversedrugreactionsandinteractions,butwarningthatthecasecannotserveasprecedentforcasesarisingafterJan.1,1993whentheBoardofPharmacyissuedregulationsrequiringpharmaciststocounselpatients).


IDAHOSchaerrerv.Stewart’sPlazaPharmacyInc.,79P.3d922(Utah2003)(establishingthata“pharmacisthasagenerallyrecognizeddutytopossessandexercisethereasonabledegreeofskill,care,andknowledgethatwouldbeexercisedbyareasonablyprudentpharmacistinthesamesituation.”).Whitingexrel.EstateofTheronDenaileWitingv.RiteAidCorp.,No.2:12-cv-288DN(D.UtahJune24,2014)(findingthatdefendantpharmacistmaybeliableforgivingadviceonOTCsandisnototherwiseprotectedbythelearnedintermediarydoctrinewhenprovidingadviceonOTCs).ILLINOISHernandezv.WalgreenCo.etal.,No.1-14-2990,Ill.App.1stDist.,2015ILApp(1st)142990;2015Ill.App.LEXIS986,December28,2015(dismissingdutytowarncaseagainstpharmacydefendantsbaseduponallegeddutyofpharmacisttocheckthestate’sprescriptiondrugmonitoringsystemforpatientusagehistory,excessiveprescriptionsandtowarndoctorsifnecessarywherestatelawdidnotimposeadutytocheckonpharmacists).DiGiovanniv.Albertson’sInc,940N.E.2d73(Ill.App.2010)(relyingonthelearnedintermediarydoctrinetoaffirmthatpharmacist,whowarneddoctor,hadnodutytowarnthepatientwhodiedfromadruginteraction).Stephensv.Hook-SupeRxet.al.,359Fed.Appx.648(7thCir.2009)(affirmingalowercourt’sgrantingofsummaryjudgmentinfavorofapharmacyanddoctorsuedfornegligencebased,inpart,onthelearnedintermediarydoctrine).Happelv.Wal-MartStores,Inc.,766N.E.2d1118(Ill.2002)(wherepharmacyhadknowledgeofpatient’sallergyanddrugcontraindication,thepharmacyhadadutytoeithernotifythephysicianorwarnthepatientofthepotentialdanger).Kasinv.OscoDrug,Inc.,728N.E.2d77(Ill.App.Ct.2000)(pharmacydidnotundertakeadutytolistallpossiblesideeffectswhenitlistedsomepotentialsideeffects;voluntaryundertakingtheoryofliabilityislimitedtotheextentoftheundertaking).

Fakhouriv.Taylor,618N.E.2d518(Ill.App.Ct.1993)(pharmacistwhofilledprescriptionasorderedbyaphysicianhadnodutytowarncustomerthattheprescribeddosageswereinexcessofmanufacturer’srecommendedlimits).

Fryev.Medicare-GlaserCorp.,605N.E.2d557(Ill.1992)(pharmacistdidnotvoluntarilyundertakeadutytowarncustomerofeverypotentialadversesideeffectbyaffixingaspecificwarningstickertoprescriptiondrugcontainerupondelivery;thescopeofthedutyislimitedbytheextentoftheundertaking).

Leesleyv.West,518N.E.2d758(Ill.App.Ct.1988)(pharmacistdidnothaveadutytowarnpatientwherepharmacistlackedmedicalinformationaboutpatient;requiringpharmaciststoprovidecautionaryinformationdirectlytoconsumerswouldimposetoogreataburden).

Kirkv.MichaelReeseHosp.&Med.Ctr.,513N.E.2d387(Ill.1987)(hospitalthatdispenseddrugsdidnothaveadutytowarnpatientofadverseeffects;thatdutyisowedbyphysician).

Eldridgev.EliLilly&Co.,485N.E.2d551(Ill.App.Ct.1985)(pharmacistsdonothaveastatutoryorcommonlawdutytoeitherrefusetofillprescriptionornotifycustomer’sphysicianwhentheprescriptionisforquantitythatexceedsmanufacturer’srecommendeddosages).


Jonesv.Irvin,602F.Supp.399,402-03(S.D.Ill.1985)(holdingthat,whereapharmacistcorrectlyfillsavalidprescription,pharmacisthas“nodutytowarnthecustomerornotifythephysicianthatthedrugisbeingprescribedindangerousamounts,thatthecustomerisbeingovermedicated,orthatthevariousdrugsintheirprescribedquantitiescouldcauseadversereactionstothecustomer.”;alsorecognizingthatan“overwhelmingmajorityofrecentstatecasesstandforthepropositionthatthepharmacisthasnodutytowarn”).INDIANAKolozsvarietal.v.Doeetal.,943N.E.2d823(Ind.App.2011)(reversingdismissalofcaseagainstpharmacyandfindingthatthepharmacyhadadutytowarnapatientofkidneydamageriskwherepatienthadcomplainedaboutunusualsymptomsfromthedrugandcomputertwicewarnedpharmacyofdrugdangerswhenfillingtheprescription,butpharmacistignoredwarnings).PanseyandDennisBobayv.WalgreenCompany,No.1:07-CV-119RM,2008U.S.Dist.Ct.LEXIS59725,N.D.Ind.Ft.WayneDiv.,August5,2008)(grantingWalgreen’ssummaryjudgment,based,inpart,uponlearnedintermediaryandplaintiffs’failuretoprovethatstatepracticeActimposeddutytowarnanddutynottodispensecertaincombinationofdrugsthatallegedlycausedinjurysinceplaintiffsfailedtoprovideexperttoshowpharmacistdidnotmeetstandardofcare);motiontoreconsiderdeniedJune30,2009(heldnodutytowarnunderINlawandonlydutynottofillifinjurywas“reasonablyforeseeable”,whichitwasn’theresincepharmacistdidnotknowofotherprescription)(N.D.Ind.,No.07-119).Shidlerv.CVSPharmacy(mispled–shouldbeHook-Superx,Inc.),2:05-CV-209(CAN),Feb.20,2007(N.D.Ind.)(grantingdefendant’smotionforsummaryjudgmentbecausetoshowpharmacistviolateddutyofreasonablecare,plaintiffneededexperttestimonyonwhatapharmacist’sdutywasandplaintiff’sgeneralmedicalexpert,withnopharmacyexpertise,wasinadequateexpert).Allberryv.ParkmoreDrug,Inc.,20A03-0503-CV-125,CourtofAppealsofIndiana,Sept.16,2005(affirmingIngram,findingnopharmacistdutytowarnpatientofsideeffectsnorapharmacistdutytogivepatientthemanufacturer’sproductinformation,containingwarnings,thatwasn’tincludedinprescriptionitself).Hook’sSuperX,Inc.v.McLaughlin,642N.E.2d514(Ind.1994)(dutytowarnpatientsofadverseeffectsofdrugslieswithphysician,butpharmacistdoeshaveaduty“toceaserefillingprescriptionswherethecustomersareusingthedrugsmuchmorerapidlythanprescribed”).

Petersv.JuddDrugs,Inc.,602N.E.2d162(Ind.Ct.App.1992)(pharmacythathadnodirectcontactwithpatienthadnodutytowarnpatientofadversedrugeffects)

Ingramv.Hook'sDrugs,Inc.,476N.E.2d881(Ind.Ct.App.1985)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersofeverypossibleadverseeffectassociatedwithaprescriptiondrug,justthoseincludedintheprescriptionfromthedoctor).KANSASNicholsv.CentralMerchandise,Inc.,817P.2d1131(Kan.Ct.App.1991)(absentcontraindicationorclearerroronthefaceoftheprescription,thelearnedintermediarydoctrinedictatesthatpharmacisthasnodutytowarncustomerofpotentialadversedrugeffects).


Fuhsv.Barber,36P.2d962(Kan.1934)(pharmacistwhoencouragedcustomertodiscontinueuseofprescribedointment,andtoinsteaduseacompoundedconcoction,hadadutytowarncustomeraboutpotentialadverseinteraction).LOUISIANAHollieretal.v.BrookshireGroceryCo.,48So.3d1129(La.App.2010)(affirmingverdictincaseagainstpharmacistforfailuretowarnwhereprescription,asconfirmedbydoctor’soffice,exceededappropriatedosagebytwoandahalftimesthedosagereflectedinthepackageinsert;pharmacistshouldhaveinquiredofdoctorfurther).Kampmannv.Masonetal.,42So.3d411(La.App.2010)(affirmingsummaryjudgmentinpharmacist’sfavorwhensuedforfailuretowarn,thecourtfoundthatphysicianshaveadutytowarnwhilepharmacistshaveadutytofilltheprescriptionaccuratelyortopointoutanyclearerrors,nottowarnofsideeffects).Smithv.CVSPharmacy,Inc.,2009WL3678256(W.D.La.November4,2009)(denyingmotiontodismissbecauselearnedintermediarydoctrinewon’t“absolvepharmacistofalldutiestopatients,”suchaswhenthe“prescriptionisfaciallyincorrectorinadequateandcreatesasubstantialriskofharmtothepatient,”whichmaybeaquestionoffacttobedeterminedbyajury).Stanleyv.Wyeth,2006WL2588147(E.D.La.)(inadecisionmerelyremandinganegligencelawsuitagainstmanufactureranddispensingpharmacy/pharmacistbacktostatecourt,Courtstatesthat“factthatthepharmacist[inthiscase]didnotincludeapatientinsertthatshewasrequiredby[FDA]lawtoincludemayindicateabreachofherduties,”butleavesthatissuetoberesolvedinafuturecase).Aucoinv.Vicknair,1997WL539889,*3(E.D.La.1997)(notingthatLouisianalawprovidesthatpharmacisthasdutytofillaprescriptioncorrectlyorwarnpatientorphysicianofobviousinadequaciesorexcessivedosage,butdidnotmentionageneraldutytowarnofsideeffects).Guilloryv.Andrus,679So.2d1004(La.Ct.App.1996)(absentexcessivedosageorotherobviouserrorintheprescription,pharmacydidnothaveadutytowarncustomerofpotentialadverseeffects).Piletv.Ciba-GeigyCorp.,No.96-021,1996WL89262(E.D.La.Feb.29,1996)(pharmacist,whoneitherknewnorhadanyreasontoknowofdefectinprescribeddrug,hadnodutytowarncustomerofpotentialdanger).

Gassenv.EastJeffersonGeneralHospital,628So.2d256(La.Ct.App.1993)(pharmacistsdonothaveageneraldutytowarncustomersofpotentialadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs,buttheydohaveadutytoaskprescribingphysicianaboutclearerrorsormistakesinaprescription).

Kinneyv.Hutchinson,449So.2d696(La.Ct.App.1984)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersofadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs).MARYLANDPodgurskiv.U.S.etal.,2005WL2338851(D.Md.,Sept.21,2005)(pharmacisthadnodutytowarnpatientthatprescribeddrugwascontraindicatedduetoherallergywherepharmacywasnotshowntohaveknownorthatitshouldhaveknownofallergyandMDlawonlyimposesalimiteddutyonpharmaciststostopobviouslyfatalorunusualdosages).


RiteAidCorp.v.Levy-Gray,876A.2d115(MD2005)(Pharmacy’sinclusionofan“advicepamphlet”withafilledprescriptionconstitutedanexpresswarranty,thebreachingofwhichcreatedliabilityforthepharmacy,butnodutytowarnwasassumedbythatpamphlet).Moorev.Wyeth-AyerstLabs.,236F.Supp.2d509(D.Md.2002)(rulingonmotiontoremandmulti-districtFen-Phencaseagainstmanufacturerandpharmacypreviouslyremovedtofederalcourt,districtcourtconcludedthatplaintiff’snegligencecaseagainstpharmacylikelywouldnotsurvivedismissalonremandbecause“pharmacistmaynotsubstitutehisjudgmentforthatofaphysicianwritingaprescription”underMarylandlaw(citingPeople’sServiceDrugStoresandHofherr,seeinfra);courtgoesontosaythatitis“skepticaltheMarylandcourtswouldfindapharmacistcanbeheldliableonanegligencetheorysimplybecausehoorshefilledaprescriptionwhichturnsouttobethesubjectofnation-wideproductsliabilitylitigation.”)Hofherrv.DartIndust.,Inc.,853F.2d259(4thCir.1988)(statinginadutytowarncasebroughtagainstamanufacturerthat“Prescriptiondrugs,ofcourse,arepurchasedfromapharmacistonlyontheprescriptionofaphysician...Apharmacistoramanufacturerwhoadvisedapatientnottotakeadrugprescribedbyaphysicianmighteasilycausedeathorserousinjury,andwethinkthepracticeofmedicinebypharmacists...isnotafieldinwhichweshouldevenencouragethemtoengage,muchlessrequireit...”).Raynorv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,643F.Supp.238,246(D.D.C.1986),citingJohnsonv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,No.B-83-3814,SlipOp.at5(D.Md.1984)(Undercommon-laworproductliabilitytheory,apharmacywhichfilledprescriptionthatwasvalidonitsfacecouldnotbeheldliableforfailuretowarnwhenpharmacydidnotcompoundoralterthedrugorsubstituteadifferentbrandorgenericversion).Johnsonv.Richardson-Merrell,No.B-83-3814(D.Md.June1,1984)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersaboutadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs),citedinRaynorv.Richardson-Merrell,643F.Supp.238(D.D.C.1986)andEalyv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,Prod.Liab.Rep.(CCH)¶11,236,1987WL159970(D.D.C.1987).

People’sServ.DrugStores,Inc.v.Somerville,158A.12(Md.1932)(druggistmayberequiredtomakeaninquirytoprescribingphysicianifprescriptionisobviouslyfataloriftheprescribeddosesaresounusualastobeunsafe).MASSACHUSETTSJennerv.CVSPharmacy,Inc.,D.R.I.No.1:10-cv-00497-JNL-DLM(3/22/11)(findingthat,underCottam(below),apharmacyassumesadutytowarnifitprovidesitsownwarningsandliteratureinadditiontothemanufacturerwarnings,andthenmaybeliableifthoseadditionalwarningsareinadequate).Brienzev.CVSPharmacy,Inc.,2003WL23018810(Mass.Super.Dec.19,2003)(thereisnogeneraldutytowarn,butpharmaciststillhaddutytowarncustomerwhenfillingtwoprescriptionsforcustomerthatwereknowntoadverselyinteractwitheachanother,andthattriggeredanalertinthepharmacy’scomputersystemwhenfilledtogether).Cottamv.CVSPharmacy,764N.E.2d814(Mass.2002)(pharmacistsdonothaveageneraldutytowarncustomersoftheadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs,butpharmacistsmayvoluntarilyassumesuchaduty).


MICHIGANSaukasv.WalkerStreetPharmacy,Case03-01868-NH,SlipOp.at2-3(Mich.Ct.App.Aug.4,2005)(findingthatpharmacywhichcorrectlyfilledavalidprescriptionhadnodutytowarnofpotentiallyharmfulinteractionsbetweenprescribedmedicines).Bakerv.ArborDrugs,Inc.,544N.W.2d727(Mich.Ct.App.1996)(pharmacy,whichimplementedandadvertisedacomputersystemdesignedtodetectharmfuldruginteractions,voluntarilyassumedadutytooperatethesystemwithduecare).

Kintighv.AbbottPharmacy,503N.W.2d657(Mich.Ct.App.1993)(pharmacyhadnodutytoidentifycustomerasanaddictandrefusesalestocustomerusingCodeine).

Adkinsv.Mong,425N.W.2d151(Mich.Ct.App.1988)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersofpotentialadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugsortomonitorandinterveneincustomer’suseofprescribeddrugs).

Stebbinsv.ConcordWrigleyDrugs,Inc.,416N.W.2d381(Mich.Ct.App.1987)(“apharmacisthasnodutytowarnthepatientofpossiblesideeffectsofaprescribedmedicationwheretheprescriptionisproperonitsfaceandneitherthephysiciannorthemanufacturerhasrequiredthatanywarningbegiven”).

Lemirev.GarrardDrugs,291N.W.2d103(Mich.Ct.App.1980)(pharmacycannotbeheldliableforlegallyandcorrectlyfillingaprescription).MISSISSIPPISellarsv.Walgreen,971So.2d1278(Ct.App.Miss.2008)(dismissingcasebecausepharmacydoesnothaveanactionabledutyorstandardofcarethattheyviolatedinrefusingtofillaprescriptionfordeceasedpatientwhocouldn’tpay).InreDietDrugsProds.Liab.Litig.,2004WL966263,*2(E.D.Pa.May4,2004)(applyingMississippilaw)(notingMooreholdingthatthelearnedintermediarydoctrineappliestopharmacists,whothusareundernolegaldutytowarn).Moorev.MemorialHosp.ofGulfport,825So.2d658(Miss.2002)(unlesspharmacistknewaboutacontraindicationorknewthatprescriptionswereinconsistentwithrecommendeddosageguidelines,pharmacistdoesnothaveageneraldutytowarn).InReRezulinProds.Liab.Litig.,133F.Supp.2d272,289(S.D.N.Y.2001)(applyingMississippilaw)(predicting(accurately)thattheMSSupremeCourtwouldlikelyextendlearnedintermediarydoctrinetopharmacists,andalsonotingthatmajorityofstatesconfrontedwiththequestionhaveshieldedpharmacistsfromliabilityfromfailuretowarn,strictliability,andbreachofwarrantyclaims).MISSOURIHornerv.Spalitto,1S.W.3d519(Mo.Ct.App.1999)(pharmacistshaveaduty“exercisethecareandprudencewhichareasonablycarefulandprudentpharmacistwouldexercise.Thescopeofthatdutyistobedeterminedbythefact-finderonacase-by-case-basis),abrogating


Kampev.HowardStarkProf’lPharmacy,Inc.,841S.W.2d223(Mo.Ct.App.1992)(wherethereisnoirregularityonthefaceoftheprescription,pharmacyisunder“nodutytomonitor,adviseandcounselcustomerregardingmedicationthathisphysicianhadprescribed”).NEVADAKernsetal.v.Hoppeetal.,No.55615,Nev.S.Ct.,2012(March21,2012)(unpublishedopinion)(upholdingthetrialcourt’sdismissalofpharmacydefendantsinwrongfuldeathcasewhereplaintifffailedtoshowdispensedprescriptionwasproximatecauseofdeathandreiteratingapplicationoflearnedintermediarydefenseforpharmacists).Klaschv.WalgreenCo.,264P.3d1155(Nev.2011)(findingthatapharmacistwhohasknowledgethatapatientmaybeatriskwithrespecttospecificprescriptiondrugsmaybeliableforfailingtowarnthepatientorprescribingphysician).Sanchezetal.v.Wal-Martetal.,221P.3d1276(Nev.2009)(affirmingdismissalofcaseagainstpharmaciesbelow,findingthatplaintiffsfailedtostateanegligenceclaimagainstpharmacistsunderNevadalawaspharmaciesdidnotoweadutytounrelatedthirdpartiesinjuredbyapharmacycustomerwhoobtainedthousandsofpillspursuanttolegitprescriptionsandinjuredplaintiffwhileundertheirinfluence,evenwherestatehadnotifiedpharmaciesofpurchasepractices). Herediav.Johnson,827F.Supp.1522(D.Nev.1993)(pharmacist,whilenotunderageneraldutytowarn,hasadutytoexerciseduecareinfillingtheprescriptionsproperly,inlabelingthemproperly,includingtheproperwarningsandinbeingalertforplainerror).

Nev.StateBd.ofPharmacyv.Garrigus,496P.2d748(Nev.1972)(itwouldbeunsafepolicytorestrictpharmacistsfromfillingaprescriptionmerelybecauseitisunusual;pharmacistsshouldonly“secondguessaphysician...insuchcircumstancesthatwouldbeobviouslyfatal”).NEWYORKCunneenetal.v.UpperEastSidePainMedicinePCetal.(No.160006/2013,Sup.Ct.N.Y,N.Y.Co.,(July15,2016))(dismissingclaimsagainstpharmacistsfiledbyestateofdeceased,whodiedfromanoverdose,absentallegationthattheymisfilledtheprescriptions,thedrugswerecontraindicated,orthatpharmacistswerenegligent,e.g.,knewofdecedent’sdrugabuse).Abramsv.Bute,etal.,27N.Y.S.3d58(N.Y.App.Div.,2dDep’t,3/9/2016)(appellatecourtreversesdenialofdefendantpharmacy/pharmacistmotionforsummaryjudgementinwrongfuldeathcasewheretheywerenotnegligentinfillingprescriptionfor8mgdosageofpainmedicationabsentevidencethatthepainmedsweremisfilledorthattheprescriptionwascontraindicated).Brumaghimetal.v.Eckeletal.,944N.Y.S.2d329(N.Y.App.2012)(grantingdefendantpharmacy’smotiontodismissunderthelearnedintermediarydoctrinewhereplaintiffwhosufferedastrokesuedpharmacyforfailuretowarnherthather1mg.doseofcoumadinwastoolow,notingthattheprescriptionhadnotbeenpreviouslyfilledbythepharmacy,nordidpharmacyhaveknowledgethattheprescriptionwas“inadequateforherinparticular”).


Eberlev.Hughes,etal.,909N.Y.S.2d273(N.Y.App.2010)(affirmingtrialcourt’sdenialofpharmacydefendant’smotiontodismissbecause,inthiscase,therewasenoughinformationtoallowthetrieroffacttodetermineifpharmacybreacheditsdutyofcarewhenthepatientfollowedinstructionsonwarningsinpamphletforthosewhosharehermedicalconditiontonotifypharmacistbeforetakingmeds,andpharmacisttoldherthewarningswereonlyforthosewithextremecasesofthatcondition,sopatientshouldnotbeparanoidandshouldtakemedication).Wintersv.AlzaCorp.,2010WL446451(S.D.N.Y.,Feb.9,2010,affirmed690F.Supp.2d350,2010)(findingnopharmacistliabilitywherepharmacistsubstitutedbrandwithgenericFDA-approveddrugpatchthatplaintiff’ssurvivorsclaimedleadtoherdeathduetodefect;genericsubstitutionlawinNYallowsdoctorstoprescribeforgenericswithoutliability,sofollowsthatpharmaciescanfillwithgenericswithoutliabilitytoo).InreN.Y.CountyDietDrugLitig.,691N.Y.S.2d501(N.Y.App.Div.1999)(pharmacistshavenodutytowarncustomersabsentknowledgeofcustomer’sconditionthatmakestheprescriptiondrugcontraindicated).Negrinv.AlzaCorp.,No.98-CIV-4772,1999WL144507(S.D.N.Y.March17,1999)(pharmacistisundernodutytowarnabsentadditionalknowledgeofpatient’sconditionthatmakesdrugcontraindicated).

Javitzv.Slatus,461N.Y.S.2d44(N.Y.App.Div.1983)(grantingsummaryjudgmenttoapharmacistonissueoffailuretowarnthecustomerofharmfulsideeffects).Handv.Krakowski,453N.Y.S.2d121(N.Y.App.Div.1982)(wheredruggistknewcustomerwasalcoholicandeitherkneworshouldhaveknownthatprescribeddrugswerecontraindicated,the“druggistmayhavehadadutytowarn[thecustomer]ofthegravedangerinvolvedandtoinquireoftheprescribingdoctorsifsuchdrugsshouldnotbediscontinued”).Ullmanv.Grant,450N.Y.S.2d955(N.Y.Spec.Term1982)(pharmacistwholawfullyandcorrectlyfilledaprescriptionwithasubstitutedrughadnodutytowarncustomerofpossiblesideeffects).

Bichlerv.Willing,397N.Y.S.2d57(N.Y.App.Div.1977)(pharmacistwhoreasonablylackedknowledgeofdrug’sdangeroussideeffectscouldnotbeheldliableforfailingtowarnthecustomerofthosesideeffects).

NORTHCAROLINAFergusonv.Williams,374S.E.2d438(N.C.Ct.App.1988),appealafterremand,399S.E.2d389(N.C.Ct.App.1991)(eventhoughpharmacisthasnogenerallydutytowarnacustomeraboutpotentialrisks,apharmacistwhoundertakestoadviseaclientconcerningamedicationhasadutytogivecorrectadvice).

Batistev.HomeProds.Corp.,231S.E.2d269(N.C.Ct.App.1977)(pharmacistwhodidnotgivecustomeradviceaboutadrug,ordoanythingbutcorrectlyfillaprescription,isundernodutytowarncustomerofpotentialrisksassociatedwiththedrug).OREGONGriffithv.Blatt,51P.3d1256(Or2002),http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/S4647.htm(underastrictliabilityclaimagainstpharmacist,thelearnedintermediarydoctrinedoesnotapply.Restatement(Second)ofTorts§402A,commentj,(whichisfollowedbyOr.strictliabilitystatute)providesthatasellermustgivewarningifsellerhasorshouldhaveknowledgeofthedanger).


Dockenv.Ciba-Geigy,790P.2d45(Or.Ct.App.1990)(whetherpharmacyhasadutytowarnitscustomersofpotentialrisksofprescriptiondrugsisanissuetobeansweredbyexperttestimonyastothestandardofcareinthecommunity).PENNSYLVANIAMazurv.Merck&Co.,964F.2d1348,1356(3dCir.1992)(findingthat,Pennsylvanialawdoesnotimposeanindependentdutytowarnpatientsoftherisksofprescriptiondrugsthepharmacistsdispense).Whitev.Weiner,562A.2d378(Pa.Super.Ct.1989),aff’d,583A.2d789(Pa.1991)(bulksupplierofpharmaceuticalchemicalsdoesnothavethedutytowarnthefinalmanufactureroftheprescriptiondrugofpotentialrisksofthatchemical,citingpreviouscourts’reluctancetoextendadutytowarntopharmacistsandreiteratingthatthedutytowarnlieswithpatient’sprescribingphysician).Coylev.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,584A.2d1383(Pa.1989)(pharmacisthasnodutytowarncustomerregardingrisksassociatedwithaprescriptiondrug).Makripodisv.Merrell-DowPharm.,Inc.,523A.2d374(Pa.SuperCt.1987)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersofpotentialrisksofprescriptiondrugs).

Ramirezv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,628F.Supp.85(E.D.Pa.1986)(despiteexperttestimonyandexcerptsfromthe“StandardsofPracticeforProfessionalPharmacy”recommendingadutytowarn,publicpolicyandjurisprudencecompeltherulingthatpharmacistsarenotunderageneraldutytowarncustomersofpotentialadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs).Riffv.MorganPharmacy,508A.2d1247(Pa.Super.Ct.1986)(whereprescriptionexceedsmanufacturer’srecommendeddosage,pharmacisthasduty“towarnthepatientornotifytheprescribingphysicianoftheobviousinadequaciesappearingonthefaceoftheprescriptionwhichcreatedasubstantialriskofseriousharmtotheplaintiff”).TENNESSEEPittmanv.UpJohnCo.,890S.W.2d425(Tenn.1994)(pharmacyhadadutytowarn,becauseotherpharmaciesregularlymadewarningswhendispensingtheproduct,andpharmacistwasawarethatcustomerhadnotreceivedawarningfromherphysician).Dooleyv.Everett,805S.W.2d380(Tenn.App.1990)(issueofwhetherpharmacisthadadutytowarncustomerofpotentialdruginteractionsisaquestionoffacttobedeterminedbyajury;pharmacistsarejudgedaccordingtothestandardofcarerequiredbytheirprofession).Lawsv.Johnson,799S.W.2d249(Tenn.App.1990)(pharmacydidnotbreachadutytocustomerbyremovingpackageinsertscontainingwarningsaboutaprescribeddrug).TEXASWalgreenv.Hieger,243S.W.3d183(Tex.App.–Houston(14thDist.),Oct.2007),reh’gdeniedJan.10,2008(rejectionofattemptsbyplaintifftousepharmacistexpert(versusdoctor)intrialtoshowcausationinnegligencecaseagainstpharmacywasaffirmedonappeal).


Morganv.Wal-MartStores,Inc.,30S.W.3d455(Tx.Ct.App3rdDist.2000)(pharmacistshavenogeneraldutytowarntheircustomersofpotentialadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugsabsentsomespecialcircumstance;thelearnedintermediarydoctrineandpublicpolicyingeneralweighagainstimposingsuchaduty),reviewdenied(June14,2001),petitionforreh'gdenied(Sept.20,2001).WimmvJackEckerdCorp.,3F.3d137,142(5thCir.1993)(affirminggrantofsummaryjudgmentinfavorofpharmacistbasedonnogeneraldutytowarn,whereprescriptioncoughmedicinewasallegedlydispensedwithimproperinstructions).UTAHWhitingv.RiteAidCorp.,28F.Supp.3d1192(D.Utah2014)(denyingapharmacy’smotiontodismiss,finding,basedonUtah’sgenerallyrecognizedpharmacistdutyofcare,thatapharmacycanbeliableforbreachingthatdutyifitspharmacistnegligentlyadvisedapatientonanon-prescriptiondrug,whichinthiscaseallegedlyleadtotheapatient’sdeath).Downingv.HylandPharmacy,194P.3d944(Utah2008)(reversingtrialcourtdecisiondismissinglawsuitagainstapharmacistwhodispensedadrugwithdrawnfromthemarketbecausethelearnedintermediarydoctrinedoesnotbarsuitagainstthatpharmacist,and,insuchcases,thepharmacistowesa“dutyofreasonablecare”).Schaerrerv.Stewart’sPlazaPharmacy,Inc.,79P.3d922(Utah2003)(affirmingdismissalofclaimsagainstpharmacy;“wewillnotimposeadutyuponthepharmacisttowarnoftherisksassociatedwiththeuseofprescriptiondrugs”).VERMONTPerkinsv.WindsorHosp.Corp.,455A.2d810(Vt.1982)(thecourtheldthataVermontstatutedefining“pharmacypractice”doesnotestablishastatutorydutyforpharmacists,butthecourtdidnotdirectlyaddressacommonlawdutytowarn).WASHINGTONSilvesv.King,970P.2d790(Wash.Ct.App.1999)(wheretherewerenoabsolutecontraindicationsregardingtheinteractionoftwoprescriptiondrugs,pharmacistisundernodutytowarncustomerornotifyprescribingphysician).McKeev.Am.HomeProds.Corp.,782P.02d1045(Wash.1989)(pharmacistsdonothaveageneraldutytowarncustomersofadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs,but“pharmacistsshouldhaveadutytobealertforpatenterrorsinaprescription,forexample:obviouslethaldosages,inadequaciesintheinstructions,knowncontraindications,orincompatibleprescriptions,andtotakecorrectivemeasures”).WESTVIRGINIATugValleyPharmacy,etal.v.AllPlaintiffsBelowinMingoCounty,No.14-0144,W.Va.,May13,2015(holdingunderW.Va.’scontributorynegligencelawthatplaintiffs,whoadmittedtocriminalactivityrelatedtocontrolledsubstances,werenotbarredfromsuingdoctorsandpharmacieswhotheyclaimednegligentlyprescribedandfilledtheirprescriptions,eventhoughthisallowedthemtopursuethatcriminalactivity;jurywoulddecidehowmucheachpartywasresponsibleandallocatedamagesaccordingly).


Hartmanv.CaracoPharmaceuticalLaboratories,Ltd.,etal.,789F.Supp.2d701(S.D.W.Va.,2011)(concludingthatapharmacywasnotfraudulentlyjoinedwithamanufacturerinadutytowarncasewhereWVstatestatutedidnotprovidethepharmacyimmunityfromtheclaimandtheWVstateSupremeCourtpreviouslyhadrejectedthelearnedintermediarydoctrineformanufacturers,leavingopentheissueofitsapplicationtopharmacies).

FEDERALWimmv.JackEckerdCorp.,3F.3d137(5thCir.1993)(pharmaciesdonothaveadutytowarncustomersinTexaswhenphysiciansprescribethewrongmedicine).

Sanksv.Parke-Davis,etal.,2000WL33910097(M.D.Ala.Oct.30,2000)(underAlabamalaw,apharmacistwhofillsaprescriptioninstrictaccordancewiththeprescribingdoctor’sdirectionsisnotrequiredtowarnpatientsofanyadversesideeffects).Jonesv.Irvin,602F.Supp.399(S.D.Ill.1986)(“apharmacisthasnodutytowarnthecustomerornotifythephysicianthatthedrugisbeingprescribedindangerousamounts,thatthecustomerisbeingovermedicated,orthatthevariousdrugsintheirprescribedquantitiescouldcauseadversereactionstothecustomer”).Shampainev.BayerCorp.etal.,2003WL22023391(D.Minn.Feb.26,2003)(pharmacythatadvertisesitwilldetect,andwarncustomersof,adversedruginteractionsassumesadutytowarnofsuchinteractionsandcanbeliableforbreachofthatdutyifitnegligentlyoperatesthecomputerdruginteractionsystem,orifthecustomerreliesontheadvertisedpromiseinusingthatparticularpharmacy).InreRezulinProductsLiabilityLitigation,133F.Supp.2d272(S.D.N.Y.2001)(plaintiffsinprescriptiondiabeteslitigationhadnobasisforfailuretowarnandotherclaimsagainstpharmacistsunderAlabama,Mississippi,Louisiana,Texas,orWestVirginialaw).VanDykev.U.S.etal.,388Fed.Appx.786(10thCir.2010)(unpublished)(upholdingdismissalofFederalTortClaimsActcase,inpart,byconcludingthatpharmacistdidnothaveadutytowarnpatientofsuicidalrisksofPaxilinacasewhereasurvivingwifesuedtheVApharmacist).

Documents

pharmacists' duty to warn - nacds · duty to warn on physicians, rather than pharmacists, because physicians decide which drugs to prescribe. ... , No. 83-3505 (D.D.C. June 9, 1986)