PHARMACISTS’DUTYTOWARN
LawsuitsClaimingThatPharmaciesMustWarnCustomers
AboutDangersAssociatedWithPrescriptionDrugs
INTRODUCTION
Patientsinjuredbyprescriptiondrugssometimesclaimthattheirpharmacistshadadutytowarnthemabout
potentialsideeffectsandotherdangersassociatedwithprescriptiondrugs.Thismemorandumprovidescitations
tocourtdecisionsfromacrossthecountrythataddresstheissueofwhetherandwhenpharmacistshaveadutyto
warn.
Mostcourtshaveruledthatpharmacistsdonothaveageneraldutytowarnpatientsabouttheirprescribed
drugs.Instead,thegeneralruleisthatdrugmanufacturershaveadutytoprovidegeneralwarningstophysicians,
andthenphysicianshaveadutytowarntheirpatientsaboutthedrugstheyprescribe.Mostcourtsimposethis
dutytowarnonphysicians,ratherthanpharmacists,becausephysiciansdecidewhichdrugstoprescribe.
Physiciansknowwhichwarningsareappropriateforaparticularpatientbecausetheyhaveaccesstothepatient’s
completemedicalhistory.This“learnedintermediarydoctrine”isthetraditionalrationaleforrejectingclaims
thatpharmacistshaveadutytowarn.
Afewstatecourtshaverejectedthelearnedintermediarydoctrine,andhaveinsteaddecidedthatpharmacistsdo
haveageneraldutytowarnpatients.Althoughmostcourtsthathaveconsideredtheissuerejectthenotionthat
statecounselinglawscreateadutytowarn,aminorityofcourtshavepointedtocounselinglawsasevidencethat
pharmacistshaveadutytowarn.
Othercourtshaveheldthatpharmacistshaveadutytowarnonlyincertaincircumstances.Forexample,some
courtshaveruledthatpharmacistshaveadutytowarnaboutknowncontraindications,orclearerrorsontheface
ofaprescription(e.g.,excessivedosages).Othercourtsrejectthenotionofageneraldutytowarn,butholdthat
apharmacycanvoluntarilyassumeadutytowarn.Forexample,apharmacythatadvertisesitsdrugutilization
reviewandcomputerwarningsystemsmayhaveassumedadutytowarnaboutdangeroussideeffects.
ALABAMA
Nailv.PublixSuperMarkets,Inc.,72So.3d608(AL2011)
(rejectingamotiontodismissadutytowarncaseagainstapharmacybasedonthelearnedintermediarydoctrine
whereplaintiffclaimedthatthepharmacisthadadutytowarnheroftheincreaseddrugdosage(whichshe
allegedcausedherinjury)versusadutytowarnofdrugsideeffects,whichmayimpactthedoctor/patient
relationship).
SpringhillHosps.,Inc.v.Larrimore,5So.3d513(AL2008)(relyingonWalls,Courtconcludesthatlearned
intermediarydoctrinepreventspharmacistliabilityevenifpharmacistprovideddoctorofdeceasedpatientwith
dosinginformation;doctorwasresponsibleparty;“voluntaryundertaking”exceptiondoesnotapplybetween
pharmacistanddoctor(versuspatient)).
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Wallsv.AlpharmaUSPD,Inc.,887So.2d881(Ala.2004)(learnedintermediarydoctrineforeclosedanydutyon
thepartofpharmaciststowarncustomersregardingrisksorpotentialsideeffectsofprescriptiondrugs).
Staffordv.Nipp,502So.2d702(Ala.1987)(pharmacistisnotnecessarilyshieldedfromliabilitybecauseof
manufacturer’swarningswhichaccompanythedrug).
ARIZONA
Wattsv.Medicis,---P.3d----,2015WL375985,January29,2015(Ariz.App.Div.1,2015)
(findingthatmanufacturers’learnedintermediarydoctrinedefenseagainstproductliabilityclaimshasbeen
supersededbythestate’sadoptionofUniformContributionAmongTortfeasor’sActandthatplaintiffstatedsuch
aclaimagainstdefendantmanufacturer,wheresheallegedthatshesawandreliedoninformationproducedand
distributedbymanufacturer,includingasavingsprogramcardandprescriptioninsert,andsuchmaterials
indicatedthatsafetyofusingdrugformorethantwelveweekswasunknown,whileinformationgivento
prescribingphysicianswarnedofharmplaintiffsuffered).
Warrenv.Walgreen,2007WL4293465(Ariz.Super.Ct.,Oct.11,2007)(pharmacistfoundnegligentwherehe
failedtowarndeceasedpatientaboutpossibledruginteractionswhenfillingtwoprescriptionsovertwodaysand
wherepharmacistincreaseddosageofseconddrugwithoutconsultingphysician).
Lasleyv.Shrake'sCountryClubPharmacy,Inc.,880P.2d1129(Ariz.Ct.App.1994)(wherepharmacymailedhighly
addictivedrugsatexcessivelevelstoanout-of-statecustomerfortenyears,thecourtrefusedtoholdasamatter
oflawthatadutytowarncanneverexist;thecourtheldthatpharmacistsoweadutyofreasonablecare).
ARKANSAS
Kowalskiv.RoseDrugsofDodanelle,etal.,378S.W.3d109(AR2011)(February9,2011)(inacasewherea
pharmacyfilledmultipleprescriptionswithnegativeinteractionsandpatientdied,statesupremecourtupheld
dismissalofnegligenceclaimbyestateagainstpharmacyfindingnogeneraldutytowarnandextendingthe
learnedintermediarydoctrinetopharmacies).
Kohlv.Am.HomeProds.Corp.,78F.Supp.2d885(W.D.Ark.1999)(pharmacistshaveadutytoexerciseduecare
anddiligence,butthereisno“generaldutytowarncustomersofpotentialdrugsideeffectsortogiveadviceon
theefficacyofthedrugabsentthepresenceofsomecontraindication”).
CALIFORNIA
Wittemorev.OwensHealthcare-RetailPharmacy,Inc.,CaseNo.CO60873(Cal.App.06-22-2010)(concludingthat
whenapharmaciststealsfromitsemployingpharmacyandsellsthestolendrugs,thepersonpurchasingthe
drugscannotseekdamagesfromthepharmacyunderthestate’sDrugDealerLiabilityActasthepharmacywas
notprofitingfromthesaleofitsstolendrugsandithadnoscienter.).
Russov.Safeway,Inc.etal,No.VG05212054(Cal.SuperCt.,AlamedaCty.,Jan.3,2006)(findinggenerallythat
pharmacistshavenodutytowarnofpossiblesideeffectsofprescriptiondrugsundereitherstatecommonlawor
statute).
Hooperv.Capoblanco,No.99AS01792(Cal.Super.Ct.Nov.15,2000)(absentspecialcircumstances,pharmacists
arenotrequiredtowarnofpotentialsideeffectsofdrugs),aff’d,No.C037465(Cal.CourtofApp.Dec.17,2002).
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CONNECTICUT
Plantev.Lomibiao,2005WL1090180(Conn.Super.March31,2005)(drugaddictsuespharmacistforinjuries
resultingfromscriptsfilled;courtdismissesclaimunderextendedlearnedintermediarytheory,findingpharmacist
owednodutytowarnpatientofdangersofprescribeddrugs).
Deedv.WalgreenCo.,2004WL2943271(Conn.Super.Ct.Nov.15,2004)(nogeneraldutytowarnisrecognized;
pharmacistsonlyhaveadutytowarncustomersbasedonthepresenceofcertainfactors,suchasknown
contraindications,thatwouldalertareasonablyprudentpharmacisttoapotentialproblem).
NobelsV.AstrazenecaPharmaceuticals,832A.2d1241(Conn.Super.Ct.2003)(summaryjudgmentforpharmacy
thathadnodutytowarn).
Carafenov.Gordon,No.34-36-87,1993WL170215(Conn.Super.Ct.May5,1993)(holdingthatthepharmacy,
absentspecialcircumstances,hasnodutytowarn).
DISTRICTOFCOLUMBIA
Ealyv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,Prod.Liab.Rep.(CCH)¶11,236,No.83-3504,1987WL159970(D.D.C.Jan.12,
1987)(pharmacistwhoaccuratelyfilledprescriptiondidnothaveadutytowarncustomerofanyallegedadverse
effects,andpharmacistsarenotstrictlyliablefordefectsinaprescribeddrugunderaproductliabilitytheory).
Richardsonv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,No.83-3505(D.D.C.June9,1986)(refusingtoimposeadutytowarnupon
pharmacies).
Raynorv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,643F.Supp.238(D.D.C.1986)(pharmaciesdonothaveadutytowarn
customersoftheadverseaffectsofadrug,evenassumingthatpharmacistisawareofsuchaffects).
FLORIDA
Olecknav.DaytonaDiscountPharmacyetal.,2015WL477841(FLApp.5Dist.,February6,2015)(relyingon
Thobani,theappellatecourtreinstateddismisseddutytowarnclaimsagainstdefendantpharmacist,suedfor
fillingtoomanyprescriptionsfordecedentintooshortofatimeframe,becausethecourt“refuse[d]tointerpreta
pharmacist’sdutytouse‘dueandpropercareinfillingaprescription’asbeingsatisfiedby‘roboticcompliance’
withinstructionsoftheprescribingphysician.”).
Dentv.DennisPharmacy,924So.2d927(Fla3rdDCA2006)(upholdingdismissalofclaimagainstpharmacyfor
negligencewhereplaintiffwashitbyapatientofthepharmacytakingaprescriptionthatmadeherfallasleepat
thewheel;courtfoundthatpharmacyhadnodirectdutytoplaintiffandthattherewasnovoluntaryundertaking
puttingthirdpartiesatriskwhenpharmacycounseledpatientpursuanttoBoardregulations).
Powersv.Thobani,etal.,903So.2d275(Fl.Ct.App.2005)(findingthatapharmacisthadadutytowarn
“customersoftherisksinherentinfillingrepeatedandunreasonableprescriptionswithpotentiallyfatal
consequences”inacasewherepharmacistrepeatedlyfilledmultipleprescriptionsfornarcoticsforcustomerprior
topreviousprescriptionbeingcompletedandwherecustomerdiedofoverdose).
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EstateofSharpv.Omnicare,879So.2d34,35(Fla.5thDCA2004)(recognizingFloridahassharplylimitedthe
dutiesowedbyapharmacisttoacustomerwhileaffirmingthedismissalofthenegligencecomplaintbecausethe
courtcouldnot“discerninthecomplaintaduty”owedbythepharmacytothepatient.Reaffirmedthata
pharmacist’sdutiesinFloridaaresharplylimitedbytheholdinginMcLeod,seebelow).
Deev.Wal-MartStores,Inc.,878So.2d426(Fla.1stDCA2004)(reaffirmingtheholdinginMcLeod,thecourt
reversedthedismissalofanegligenceclaimagainstthepharmacy,whichallegedthatapharmacyfilleda
prescriptionthatwasfourmonthsoldanddidnotcontainanytimelimitforfillingorusingtheprescription.Held:
Pharmacymustusedueandpropercareinfillingaprescription.Whereprescriptionforopioidsisunreasonable
onitsfacebecausefourmonthsold,eventhoughlawfulaswritten,fillingprescriptionmaybebreachofduty).
Sandersonv.EckerdCorp.,780So.2d930(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.2001)(pharmacythat“advertisedpromisethatits
computersystemwoulddetectandwarncustomersofadversedrugreactionsandinteractions”voluntarily
assumedadutytowarn,thescopeofwhichmeasuredbythe“levelofcareandskillwhich,inlightofallrelevant
circumstances,isrecognizedasacceptableandappropriatetootherreasonablyprudentpharmacists.”)
Johnsonv.WalgreenCo.,675So.2d1036(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1996)(pharmacisthadnodutytowarncustomeror
physicianofpotentiallyadversedruginteractionswhenpharmacistaccuratelyfilledtwoprescriptionswhichcan
beharmfulifusedincombination;legislaturedidnotintendtocreateaprivatecauseofactionwhenitenacted
statuterequiringpharmaciststocheckforharmfulreactionsandinteractionsandtocounselcustomers).
Pyszv.Henry'sDrugStore,457So.2d561(Fla.Dist.Ct.App.1984)(findingnodutytowarn,butacknowledging
thatcircumstancesmightarisethatwouldsupportanegligenceactionagainstapharmacistwholawfullyfilleda
prescription).
McLeodv.W.S.MerrellCo.,174So.2d736,739(Fla.1965)(Inabreachofwarrantycase,thecourtheldthat
pharmacist’sonlydutieswhenfillingprescriptionaretocompounddrugprescribed,usedueandpropercarein
fillingprescription,usepropercompoundingmethods,andensurethatprescriptionhasnotbeenadulterated).
GEORGIA
Chamblinv.K-MartCorp.,612S.E.2d25(Ga.Ct.App.2005)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersof
everypotentialsideeffectofaprescriptiondrug).
Prestov.SandozPharms.Corp.,487S.E.2d70(Ga.Ct.App.1997)(priortoimplementationofBoardofPharmacy
regulationsrequiringpharmaciststocounselpatients,pharmacisthadnodutytowarnaboutsideeffects
associatedwithdiscontinueduseofaprescriptiondrug).
Walkerv.JackEckerdCorp.,434S.E.2d63(Ga.Ct.App.1993)(holdingthatpharmacistsdidnothaveadutyto
warncustomersornotifyphysiciansofprescriptionsexceedingrecommendedamounts,ofover-medication,orof
potentiallyadversedrugreactionsandinteractions,butwarningthatthecasecannotserveasprecedentforcases
arisingafterJan.1,1993whentheBoardofPharmacyissuedregulationsrequiringpharmaciststocounsel
patients).
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IDAHO
Schaerrerv.Stewart’sPlazaPharmacyInc.,79P.3d922(Utah2003)(establishingthata“pharmacisthasa
generallyrecognizeddutytopossessandexercisethereasonabledegreeofskill,care,andknowledgethatwould
beexercisedbyareasonablyprudentpharmacistinthesamesituation.”).
Whitingexrel.EstateofTheronDenaileWitingv.RiteAidCorp.,No.2:12-cv-288DN(D.UtahJune24,2014)
(findingthatdefendantpharmacistmaybeliableforgivingadviceonOTCsandisnototherwiseprotectedbythe
learnedintermediarydoctrinewhenprovidingadviceonOTCs).
ILLINOIS
Hernandezv.WalgreenCo.etal.,No.1-14-2990,Ill.App.1stDist.,2015ILApp(1st)142990;2015Ill.App.LEXIS
986,December28,2015(dismissingdutytowarncaseagainstpharmacydefendantsbaseduponallegeddutyof
pharmacisttocheckthestate’sprescriptiondrugmonitoringsystemforpatientusagehistory,excessive
prescriptionsandtowarndoctorsifnecessarywherestatelawdidnotimposeadutytocheckonpharmacists).
DiGiovanniv.Albertson’sInc,940N.E.2d73(Ill.App.2010)(relyingonthelearnedintermediarydoctrinetoaffirm
thatpharmacist,whowarneddoctor,hadnodutytowarnthepatientwhodiedfromadruginteraction).
Stephensv.Hook-SupeRxet.al.,359Fed.Appx.648(7 Cir.2009)(affirmingalowercourt’sgrantingofsummaryjudgmentinfavorofapharmacyanddoctorsuedfor
negligencebased,inpart,onthelearnedintermediarydoctrine).
Happelv.Wal-MartStores,Inc.,766N.E.2d1118(Ill.2002)(wherepharmacyhadknowledgeofpatient’sallergy
anddrugcontraindication,thepharmacyhadadutytoeithernotifythephysicianorwarnthepatientofthe
potentialdanger).
Kasinv.OscoDrug,Inc.,728N.E.2d77(Ill.App.Ct.2000)(pharmacydidnotundertakeadutytolistallpossible
sideeffectswhenitlistedsomepotentialsideeffects;voluntaryundertakingtheoryofliabilityislimitedtothe
extentoftheundertaking).
Fakhouriv.Taylor,618N.E.2d518(Ill.App.Ct.1993)(pharmacistwhofilledprescriptionasorderedbyaphysician
hadnodutytowarncustomerthattheprescribeddosageswereinexcessofmanufacturer’srecommended
limits).
Fryev.Medicare-GlaserCorp.,605N.E.2d557(Ill.1992)(pharmacistdidnotvoluntarilyundertakeadutytowarn
customerofeverypotentialadversesideeffectbyaffixingaspecificwarningstickertoprescriptiondrugcontainer
upondelivery;thescopeofthedutyislimitedbytheextentoftheundertaking).
Leesleyv.West,518N.E.2d758(Ill.App.Ct.1988)(pharmacistdidnothaveadutytowarnpatientwhere
pharmacistlackedmedicalinformationaboutpatient;requiringpharmaciststoprovidecautionaryinformation
directlytoconsumerswouldimposetoogreataburden).
Kirkv.MichaelReeseHosp.&Med.Ctr.,513N.E.2d387(Ill.1987)(hospitalthatdispenseddrugsdidnothavea
dutytowarnpatientofadverseeffects;thatdutyisowedbyphysician).
Eldridgev.EliLilly&Co.,485N.E.2d551(Ill.App.Ct.1985)(pharmacistsdonothaveastatutoryorcommonlaw
dutytoeitherrefusetofillprescriptionornotifycustomer’sphysicianwhentheprescriptionisforquantitythat
exceedsmanufacturer’srecommendeddosages).
th
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Jonesv.Irvin,602F.Supp.399,402-03(S.D.Ill.1985)(holdingthat,whereapharmacistcorrectlyfillsavalid
prescription,pharmacisthas“nodutytowarnthecustomerornotifythephysicianthatthedrugisbeing
prescribedindangerousamounts,thatthecustomerisbeingovermedicated,orthatthevariousdrugsintheir
prescribedquantitiescouldcauseadversereactionstothecustomer.”;alsorecognizingthatan“overwhelming
majorityofrecentstatecasesstandforthepropositionthatthepharmacisthasnodutytowarn”).
INDIANA
Kolozsvarietal.v.Doeetal.,943N.E.2d823(Ind.App.2011)(reversingdismissalofcaseagainstpharmacyand
findingthatthepharmacyhadadutytowarnapatientofkidneydamageriskwherepatienthadcomplained
aboutunusualsymptomsfromthedrugandcomputertwicewarnedpharmacyofdrugdangerswhenfillingthe
prescription,butpharmacistignoredwarnings).
PanseyandDennisBobayv.WalgreenCompany,No.1:07-CV-119RM,2008U.S.Dist.Ct.LEXIS59725,N.D.Ind.Ft.
WayneDiv.,August5,2008)(grantingWalgreen’ssummaryjudgment,based,inpart,uponlearnedintermediary
andplaintiffs’failuretoprovethatstatepracticeActimposeddutytowarnanddutynottodispensecertain
combinationofdrugsthatallegedlycausedinjurysinceplaintiffsfailedtoprovideexperttoshowpharmacistdid
notmeetstandardofcare);motiontoreconsiderdeniedJune30,2009(heldnodutytowarnunderINlawand
onlydutynottofillifinjurywas“reasonablyforeseeable”,whichitwasn’theresincepharmacistdidnotknowof
otherprescription)(N.D.Ind.,No.07-119).
Shidlerv.CVSPharmacy(mispled–shouldbeHook-Superx,Inc.),2:05-CV-209(CAN),Feb.20,2007(N.D.Ind.)
(grantingdefendant’smotionforsummaryjudgmentbecausetoshowpharmacistviolateddutyofreasonable
care,plaintiffneededexperttestimonyonwhatapharmacist’sdutywasandplaintiff’sgeneralmedicalexpert,
withnopharmacyexpertise,wasinadequateexpert).
Allberryv.ParkmoreDrug,Inc.,20A03-0503-CV-125,CourtofAppealsofIndiana,Sept.16,2005(affirmingIngram,
findingnopharmacistdutytowarnpatientofsideeffectsnorapharmacistdutytogivepatientthe
manufacturer’sproductinformation,containingwarnings,thatwasn’tincludedinprescriptionitself).
Hook’sSuperX,Inc.v.McLaughlin,642N.E.2d514(Ind.1994)(dutytowarnpatientsofadverseeffectsofdrugs
lieswithphysician,butpharmacistdoeshaveaduty“toceaserefillingprescriptionswherethecustomersare
usingthedrugsmuchmorerapidlythanprescribed”).
Petersv.JuddDrugs,Inc.,602N.E.2d162(Ind.Ct.App.1992)(pharmacythathadnodirectcontactwithpatient
hadnodutytowarnpatientofadversedrugeffects)
Ingramv.Hook'sDrugs,Inc.,476N.E.2d881(Ind.Ct.App.1985)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarn
customersofeverypossibleadverseeffectassociatedwithaprescriptiondrug,justthoseincludedinthe
prescriptionfromthedoctor).
KANSAS
Nicholsv.CentralMerchandise,Inc.,817P.2d1131(Kan.Ct.App.1991)(absentcontraindicationorclearerroron
thefaceoftheprescription,thelearnedintermediarydoctrinedictatesthatpharmacisthasnodutytowarn
customerofpotentialadversedrugeffects).
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Fuhsv.Barber,36P.2d962(Kan.1934)(pharmacistwhoencouragedcustomertodiscontinueuseofprescribed
ointment,andtoinsteaduseacompoundedconcoction,hadadutytowarncustomeraboutpotentialadverse
interaction).
LOUISIANA
Hollieretal.v.BrookshireGroceryCo.,48So.3d1129(La.App.2010)(affirmingverdictincaseagainstpharmacist
forfailuretowarnwhereprescription,asconfirmedbydoctor’soffice,exceededappropriatedosagebytwoanda
halftimesthedosagereflectedinthepackageinsert;pharmacistshouldhaveinquiredofdoctorfurther).
Kampmannv.Masonetal.,42So.3d411(La.App.2010)(affirmingsummaryjudgmentinpharmacist’sfavor
whensuedforfailuretowarn,thecourtfoundthatphysicianshaveadutytowarnwhilepharmacistshaveaduty
tofilltheprescriptionaccuratelyortopointoutanyclearerrors,nottowarnofsideeffects).
Smithv.CVSPharmacy,Inc.,2009WL3678256(W.D.La.November4,2009)(denyingmotiontodismissbecause
learnedintermediarydoctrinewon’t“absolvepharmacistofalldutiestopatients,”suchaswhenthe“prescription
isfaciallyincorrectorinadequateandcreatesasubstantialriskofharmtothepatient,”whichmaybeaquestion
offacttobedeterminedbyajury).
Stanleyv.Wyeth,2006WL2588147(E.D.La.)(inadecisionmerelyremandinganegligencelawsuitagainst
manufactureranddispensingpharmacy/pharmacistbacktostatecourt,Courtstatesthat“factthatthe
pharmacist[inthiscase]didnotincludeapatientinsertthatshewasrequiredby[FDA]lawtoincludemay
indicateabreachofherduties,”butleavesthatissuetoberesolvedinafuturecase).
Aucoinv.Vicknair,1997WL539889,*3(E.D.La.1997)(notingthatLouisianalawprovidesthatpharmacisthas
dutytofillaprescriptioncorrectlyorwarnpatientorphysicianofobviousinadequaciesorexcessivedosage,but
didnotmentionageneraldutytowarnofsideeffects).
Guilloryv.Andrus,679So.2d1004(La.Ct.App.1996)(absentexcessivedosageorotherobviouserrorinthe
prescription,pharmacydidnothaveadutytowarncustomerofpotentialadverseeffects).
Piletv.Ciba-GeigyCorp.,No.96-021,1996WL89262(E.D.La.Feb.29,1996)(pharmacist,whoneitherknewnor
hadanyreasontoknowofdefectinprescribeddrug,hadnodutytowarncustomerofpotentialdanger).
Gassenv.EastJeffersonGeneralHospital,628So.2d256(La.Ct.App.1993)(pharmacistsdonothaveageneral
dutytowarncustomersofpotentialadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs,buttheydohaveadutytoask
prescribingphysicianaboutclearerrorsormistakesinaprescription).
Kinneyv.Hutchinson,449So.2d696(La.Ct.App.1984)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersof
adverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs).
MARYLAND
Podgurskiv.U.S.etal.,2005WL2338851(D.Md.,Sept.21,2005)(pharmacisthadnodutytowarnpatientthat
prescribeddrugwascontraindicatedduetoherallergywherepharmacywasnotshowntohaveknownorthatit
shouldhaveknownofallergyandMDlawonlyimposesalimiteddutyonpharmaciststostopobviouslyfatalor
unusualdosages).
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RiteAidCorp.v.Levy-Gray,876A.2d115(MD2005)(Pharmacy’sinclusionofan“advicepamphlet”withafilled
prescriptionconstitutedanexpresswarranty,thebreachingofwhichcreatedliabilityforthepharmacy,butno
dutytowarnwasassumedbythatpamphlet).
Moorev.Wyeth-AyerstLabs.,236F.Supp.2d509(D.Md.2002)(rulingonmotiontoremandmulti-districtFenPhencaseagainstmanufacturerandpharmacypreviouslyremovedtofederalcourt,districtcourtconcludedthat
plaintiff’snegligencecaseagainstpharmacylikelywouldnotsurvivedismissalonremandbecause“pharmacist
maynotsubstitutehisjudgmentforthatofaphysicianwritingaprescription”underMarylandlaw(citingPeople’s
ServiceDrugStoresandHofherr,seeinfra);courtgoesontosaythatitis“skepticaltheMarylandcourtswould
findapharmacistcanbeheldliableonanegligencetheorysimplybecausehoorshefilledaprescriptionwhich
turnsouttobethesubjectofnation-wideproductsliabilitylitigation.”)
Hofherrv.DartIndust.,Inc.,853F.2d259(4thCir.1988)(statinginadutytowarncasebroughtagainsta
manufacturerthat“Prescriptiondrugs,ofcourse,arepurchasedfromapharmacistonlyontheprescriptionofa
physician...Apharmacistoramanufacturerwhoadvisedapatientnottotakeadrugprescribedbyaphysician
mighteasilycausedeathorserousinjury,andwethinkthepracticeofmedicinebypharmacists...isnotafieldin
whichweshouldevenencouragethemtoengage,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,apharmacywhichfilled
prescriptionthatwasvalidonitsfacecouldnotbeheldliableforfailuretowarnwhenpharmacydidnot
compoundoralterthedrugorsubstituteadifferentbrandorgenericversion).
Johnsonv.Richardson-Merrell,No.B-83-3814(D.Md.June1,1984)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarn
customersaboutadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs),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)(druggistmayberequiredtomakeaninquiryto
prescribingphysicianifprescriptionisobviouslyfataloriftheprescribeddosesaresounusualastobeunsafe).
MASSACHUSETTS
Jennerv.CVSPharmacy,Inc.,D.R.I.No.1:10-cv-00497-JNL-DLM(3/22/11)(findingthat,underCottam(below),a
pharmacyassumesadutytowarnifitprovidesitsownwarningsandliteratureinadditiontothemanufacturer
warnings,andthenmaybeliableifthoseadditionalwarningsareinadequate).
Brienzev.CVSPharmacy,Inc.,2003WL23018810(Mass.Super.Dec.19,2003)(thereisnogeneraldutytowarn,
butpharmaciststillhaddutytowarncustomerwhenfillingtwoprescriptionsforcustomerthatwereknownto
adverselyinteractwitheachanother,andthattriggeredanalertinthepharmacy’scomputersystemwhenfilled
together).
Cottamv.CVSPharmacy,764N.E.2d814(Mass.2002)(pharmacistsdonothaveageneraldutytowarncustomers
oftheadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs,butpharmacistsmayvoluntarilyassumesuchaduty).
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MICHIGAN
Saukasv.WalkerStreetPharmacy,Case03-01868-NH,SlipOp.at2-3(Mich.Ct.App.Aug.4,2005)(findingthat
pharmacywhichcorrectlyfilledavalidprescriptionhadnodutytowarnofpotentiallyharmfulinteractions
betweenprescribedmedicines).
Bakerv.ArborDrugs,Inc.,544N.W.2d727(Mich.Ct.App.1996)(pharmacy,whichimplementedandadvertiseda
computersystemdesignedtodetectharmfuldruginteractions,voluntarilyassumedadutytooperatethesystem
withduecare).
Kintighv.AbbottPharmacy,503N.W.2d657(Mich.Ct.App.1993)(pharmacyhadnodutytoidentifycustomeras
anaddictandrefusesalestocustomerusingCodeine).
Adkinsv.Mong,425N.W.2d151(Mich.Ct.App.1988)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutytowarncustomersof
potentialadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugsortomonitorandinterveneincustomer’suseofprescribeddrugs).
Stebbinsv.ConcordWrigleyDrugs,Inc.,416N.W.2d381(Mich.Ct.App.1987)(“apharmacisthasnodutytowarn
thepatientofpossiblesideeffectsofaprescribedmedicationwheretheprescriptionisproperonitsfaceand
neitherthephysiciannorthemanufacturerhasrequiredthatanywarningbegiven”).
Lemirev.GarrardDrugs,291N.W.2d103(Mich.Ct.App.1980)(pharmacycannotbeheldliableforlegallyand
correctlyfillingaprescription).
MISSISSIPPI
Sellarsv.Walgreen,971So.2d1278(Ct.App.Miss.2008)(dismissingcasebecausepharmacydoesnothavean
actionabledutyorstandardofcarethattheyviolatedinrefusingtofillaprescriptionfordeceasedpatientwho
couldn’tpay).
InreDietDrugsProds.Liab.Litig.,2004WL966263,*2(E.D.Pa.May4,2004)(applyingMississippilaw)(noting
Mooreholdingthatthelearnedintermediarydoctrineappliestopharmacists,whothusareundernolegaldutyto
warn).
Moorev.MemorialHosp.ofGulfport,825So.2d658(Miss.2002)(unlesspharmacistknewaboutacontraindication
orknewthatprescriptionswereinconsistentwithrecommendeddosageguidelines,pharmacistdoesnothavea
generaldutytowarn).
InReRezulinProds.Liab.Litig.,133F.Supp.2d272,289(S.D.N.Y.2001)(applyingMississippilaw)(predicting
(accurately)thattheMSSupremeCourtwouldlikelyextendlearnedintermediarydoctrinetopharmacists,and
alsonotingthatmajorityofstatesconfrontedwiththequestionhaveshieldedpharmacistsfromliabilityfrom
failuretowarn,strictliability,andbreachofwarrantyclaims).
MISSOURI
Hornerv.Spalitto,1S.W.3d519(Mo.Ct.App.1999)(pharmacistshaveaduty“exercisethecareandprudence
whichareasonablycarefulandprudentpharmacistwouldexercise.Thescopeofthatdutyistobedeterminedby
thefact-finderonacase-by-case-basis),abrogating
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Kampev.HowardStarkProf’lPharmacy,Inc.,841S.W.2d223(Mo.Ct.App.1992)(wherethereisnoirregularity
onthefaceoftheprescription,pharmacyisunder“nodutytomonitor,adviseandcounselcustomerregarding
medicationthathisphysicianhadprescribed”).
NEVADA
Kernsetal.v.Hoppeetal.,No.55615,Nev.S.Ct.,2012(March21,2012)(unpublishedopinion)(upholdingthe
trialcourt’sdismissalofpharmacydefendantsinwrongfuldeathcasewhereplaintifffailedtoshowdispensed
prescriptionwasproximatecauseofdeathandreiteratingapplicationoflearnedintermediarydefensefor
pharmacists).
Klaschv.WalgreenCo.,264P.3d1155(Nev.2011)(findingthatapharmacistwhohasknowledgethatapatient
maybeatriskwithrespecttospecificprescriptiondrugsmaybeliableforfailingtowarnthepatientor
prescribingphysician).
Sanchezetal.v.Wal-Martetal.,221P.3d1276(Nev.2009)(affirmingdismissalofcaseagainstpharmaciesbelow,
findingthatplaintiffsfailedtostateanegligenceclaimagainstpharmacistsunderNevadalawaspharmaciesdid
notoweadutytounrelatedthirdpartiesinjuredbyapharmacycustomerwhoobtainedthousandsofpills
pursuanttolegitprescriptionsandinjuredplaintiffwhileundertheirinfluence,evenwherestatehadnotified
pharmaciesofpurchasepractices).
Herediav.Johnson,827F.Supp.1522(D.Nev.1993)(pharmacist,whilenotunderageneraldutytowarn,hasa
dutytoexerciseduecareinfillingtheprescriptionsproperly,inlabelingthemproperly,includingtheproper
warningsandinbeingalertforplainerror).
Nev.StateBd.ofPharmacyv.Garrigus,496P.2d748(Nev.1972)(itwouldbeunsafepolicytorestrictpharmacists
fromfillingaprescriptionmerelybecauseitisunusual;pharmacistsshouldonly“secondguessaphysician...in
suchcircumstancesthatwouldbeobviouslyfatal”).
NEWYORK
Cunneenetal.v.UpperEastSidePainMedicinePCetal.(No.160006/2013,Sup.Ct.N.Y,N.Y.Co.,(July15,2016))
(dismissingclaimsagainstpharmacistsfiledbyestateofdeceased,whodiedfromanoverdose,absentallegation
thattheymisfilledtheprescriptions,thedrugswerecontraindicated,orthatpharmacistswerenegligent,e.g.,
knewofdecedent’sdrugabuse).
Abramsv.Bute,etal.,27N.Y.S.3d58(N.Y.App.Div.,2dDep’t,3/9/2016)(appellatecourtreversesdenialof
defendantpharmacy/pharmacistmotionforsummaryjudgementinwrongfuldeathcasewheretheywerenot
negligentinfillingprescriptionfor8mgdosageofpainmedicationabsentevidencethatthepainmedswere
misfilledorthattheprescriptionwascontraindicated).
Brumaghimetal.v.Eckeletal.,944N.Y.S.2d329(N.Y.App.2012)(grantingdefendantpharmacy’smotionto
dismissunderthelearnedintermediarydoctrinewhereplaintiffwhosufferedastrokesuedpharmacyforfailure
towarnherthather1mg.doseofcoumadinwastoolow,notingthattheprescriptionhadnotbeenpreviously
filledbythepharmacy,nordidpharmacyhaveknowledgethattheprescriptionwas“inadequateforherin
particular”).
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Eberlev.Hughes,etal.,909N.Y.S.2d273(N.Y.App.2010)(affirmingtrialcourt’sdenialofpharmacydefendant’s
motiontodismissbecause,inthiscase,therewasenoughinformationtoallowthetrieroffacttodetermineif
pharmacybreacheditsdutyofcarewhenthepatientfollowedinstructionsonwarningsinpamphletforthose
whosharehermedicalconditiontonotifypharmacistbeforetakingmeds,andpharmacisttoldherthewarnings
wereonlyforthosewithextremecasesofthatcondition,sopatientshouldnotbeparanoidandshouldtake
medication).
Wintersv.AlzaCorp.,2010WL446451(S.D.N.Y.,Feb.9,2010,affirmed690F.Supp.2d350,2010)(findingno
pharmacistliabilitywherepharmacistsubstitutedbrandwithgenericFDA-approveddrugpatchthatplaintiff’s
survivorsclaimedleadtoherdeathduetodefect;genericsubstitutionlawinNYallowsdoctorstoprescribefor
genericswithoutliability,sofollowsthatpharmaciescanfillwithgenericswithoutliabilitytoo).
InreN.Y.CountyDietDrugLitig.,691N.Y.S.2d501(N.Y.App.Div.1999)(pharmacistshavenodutytowarn
customersabsentknowledgeofcustomer’sconditionthatmakestheprescriptiondrugcontraindicated).
Negrinv.AlzaCorp.,No.98-CIV-4772,1999WL144507(S.D.N.Y.March17,1999)(pharmacistisundernodutyto
warnabsentadditionalknowledgeofpatient’sconditionthatmakesdrugcontraindicated).
Javitzv.Slatus,461N.Y.S.2d44(N.Y.App.Div.1983)(grantingsummaryjudgmenttoapharmacistonissueof
failuretowarnthecustomerofharmfulsideeffects).
Handv.Krakowski,453N.Y.S.2d121(N.Y.App.Div.1982)(wheredruggistknewcustomerwasalcoholicand
eitherkneworshouldhaveknownthatprescribeddrugswerecontraindicated,the“druggistmayhavehadaduty
towarn[thecustomer]ofthegravedangerinvolvedandtoinquireoftheprescribingdoctorsifsuchdrugsshould
notbediscontinued”).
Ullmanv.Grant,450N.Y.S.2d955(N.Y.Spec.Term1982)(pharmacistwholawfullyandcorrectlyfilleda
prescriptionwithasubstitutedrughadnodutytowarncustomerofpossiblesideeffects).
Bichlerv.Willing,397N.Y.S.2d57(N.Y.App.Div.1977)(pharmacistwhoreasonablylackedknowledgeofdrug’s
dangeroussideeffectscouldnotbeheldliableforfailingtowarnthecustomerofthosesideeffects).
NORTHCAROLINA
Fergusonv.Williams,374S.E.2d438(N.C.Ct.App.1988),appealafterremand,399S.E.2d389(N.C.Ct.App.
1991)(eventhoughpharmacisthasnogenerallydutytowarnacustomeraboutpotentialrisks,apharmacistwho
undertakestoadviseaclientconcerningamedicationhasadutytogivecorrectadvice).
Batistev.HomeProds.Corp.,231S.E.2d269(N.C.Ct.App.1977)(pharmacistwhodidnotgivecustomeradvice
aboutadrug,ordoanythingbutcorrectlyfillaprescription,isundernodutytowarncustomerofpotentialrisks
associatedwiththedrug).
OREGON
Griffithv.Blatt,51P.3d1256(Or2002),http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/S4647.htm(underastrictliability
claimagainstpharmacist,thelearnedintermediarydoctrinedoesnotapply.Restatement(Second)ofTorts§
402A,commentj,(whichisfollowedbyOr.strictliabilitystatute)providesthatasellermustgivewarningifseller
hasorshouldhaveknowledgeofthedanger).
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Dockenv.Ciba-Geigy,790P.2d45(Or.Ct.App.1990)(whetherpharmacyhasadutytowarnitscustomersof
potentialrisksofprescriptiondrugsisanissuetobeansweredbyexperttestimonyastothestandardofcarein
thecommunity).
PENNSYLVANIA
Mazurv.Merck&Co.,964F.2d1348,1356(3dCir.1992)(findingthat,Pennsylvanialawdoesnotimposean
independentdutytowarnpatientsoftherisksofprescriptiondrugsthepharmacistsdispense).
Whitev.Weiner,562A.2d378(Pa.Super.Ct.1989),aff’d,583A.2d789(Pa.1991)(bulksupplierof
pharmaceuticalchemicalsdoesnothavethedutytowarnthefinalmanufactureroftheprescriptiondrugof
potentialrisksofthatchemical,citingpreviouscourts’reluctancetoextendadutytowarntopharmacistsand
reiteratingthatthedutytowarnlieswithpatient’sprescribingphysician).
Coylev.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,584A.2d1383(Pa.1989)(pharmacisthasnodutytowarncustomerregarding
risksassociatedwithaprescriptiondrug).
Makripodisv.Merrell-DowPharm.,Inc.,523A.2d374(Pa.SuperCt.1987)(pharmacistsdonothaveadutyto
warncustomersofpotentialrisksofprescriptiondrugs).
Ramirezv.Richardson-Merrell,Inc.,628F.Supp.85(E.D.Pa.1986)(despiteexperttestimonyandexcerptsfrom
the“StandardsofPracticeforProfessionalPharmacy”recommendingadutytowarn,publicpolicyand
jurisprudencecompeltherulingthatpharmacistsarenotunderageneraldutytowarncustomersofpotential
adverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs).
Riffv.MorganPharmacy,508A.2d1247(Pa.Super.Ct.1986)(whereprescriptionexceedsmanufacturer’s
recommendeddosage,pharmacisthasduty“towarnthepatientornotifytheprescribingphysicianoftheobvious
inadequaciesappearingonthefaceoftheprescriptionwhichcreatedasubstantialriskofseriousharmtothe
plaintiff”).
TENNESSEE
Pittmanv.UpJohnCo.,890S.W.2d425(Tenn.1994)(pharmacyhadadutytowarn,becauseotherpharmacies
regularlymadewarningswhendispensingtheproduct,andpharmacistwasawarethatcustomerhadnotreceived
awarningfromherphysician).
Dooleyv.Everett,805S.W.2d380(Tenn.App.1990)(issueofwhetherpharmacisthadadutytowarncustomerof
potentialdruginteractionsisaquestionoffacttobedeterminedbyajury;pharmacistsarejudgedaccordingto
thestandardofcarerequiredbytheirprofession).
Lawsv.Johnson,799S.W.2d249(Tenn.App.1990)(pharmacydidnotbreachadutytocustomerbyremoving
packageinsertscontainingwarningsaboutaprescribeddrug).
TEXAS
Walgreenv.Hieger,243S.W.3d183(Tex.App.–Houston(14thDist.),Oct.2007),reh’gdeniedJan.10,2008
(rejectionofattemptsbyplaintifftousepharmacistexpert(versusdoctor)intrialtoshowcausationinnegligence
caseagainstpharmacywasaffirmedonappeal).
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Morganv.Wal-MartStores,Inc.,30S.W.3d455(Tx.Ct.App3rdDist.2000)(pharmacistshavenogeneraldutyto
warntheircustomersofpotentialadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugsabsentsomespecialcircumstance;the
learnedintermediarydoctrineandpublicpolicyingeneralweighagainstimposingsuchaduty),reviewdenied
(June14,2001),petitionforreh'gdenied(Sept.20,2001).
WimmvJackEckerdCorp.,3F.3d137,142(5thCir.1993)(affirminggrantofsummaryjudgmentinfavorof
pharmacistbasedonnogeneraldutytowarn,whereprescriptioncoughmedicinewasallegedlydispensedwith
improperinstructions).
UTAH
Whitingv.RiteAidCorp.,28F.Supp.3d1192(D.Utah2014)(denyingapharmacy’smotiontodismiss,finding,
basedonUtah’sgenerallyrecognizedpharmacistdutyofcare,thatapharmacycanbeliableforbreachingthat
dutyifitspharmacistnegligentlyadvisedapatientonanon-prescriptiondrug,whichinthiscaseallegedlyleadto
theapatient’sdeath).
Downingv.HylandPharmacy,194P.3d944(Utah2008)(reversingtrialcourtdecisiondismissinglawsuitagainsta
pharmacistwhodispensedadrugwithdrawnfromthemarketbecausethelearnedintermediarydoctrinedoes
notbarsuitagainstthatpharmacist,and,insuchcases,thepharmacistowesa“dutyofreasonablecare”).
Schaerrerv.Stewart’sPlazaPharmacy,Inc.,79P.3d922(Utah2003)(affirmingdismissalofclaimsagainst
pharmacy;“wewillnotimposeadutyuponthepharmacisttowarnoftherisksassociatedwiththeuseof
prescriptiondrugs”).
VERMONT
Perkinsv.WindsorHosp.Corp.,455A.2d810(Vt.1982)(thecourtheldthataVermontstatutedefining“pharmacy
practice”doesnotestablishastatutorydutyforpharmacists,butthecourtdidnotdirectlyaddressacommonlaw
dutytowarn).
WASHINGTON
Silvesv.King,970P.2d790(Wash.Ct.App.1999)(wheretherewerenoabsolutecontraindicationsregardingthe
interactionoftwoprescriptiondrugs,pharmacistisundernodutytowarncustomerornotifyprescribing
physician).
McKeev.Am.HomeProds.Corp.,782P.02d1045(Wash.1989)(pharmacistsdonothaveageneraldutytowarn
customersofadverseeffectsofprescriptiondrugs,but“pharmacistsshouldhaveadutytobealertforpatent
errorsinaprescription,forexample:obviouslethaldosages,inadequaciesintheinstructions,known
contraindications,orincompatibleprescriptions,andtotakecorrectivemeasures”).
WESTVIRGINIA
TugValleyPharmacy,etal.v.AllPlaintiffsBelowinMingoCounty,No.14-0144,W.Va.,May13,2015(holding
underW.Va.’scontributorynegligencelawthatplaintiffs,whoadmittedtocriminalactivityrelatedtocontrolled
substances,werenotbarredfromsuingdoctorsandpharmacieswhotheyclaimednegligentlyprescribedand
filledtheirprescriptions,eventhoughthisallowedthemtopursuethatcriminalactivity;jurywoulddecidehow
mucheachpartywasresponsibleandallocatedamagesaccordingly).
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Hartmanv.CaracoPharmaceuticalLaboratories,Ltd.,etal.,789F.Supp.2d701(S.D.W.Va.,2011)(concluding
thatapharmacywasnotfraudulentlyjoinedwithamanufacturerinadutytowarncasewhereWVstatestatute
didnotprovidethepharmacyimmunityfromtheclaimandtheWVstateSupremeCourtpreviouslyhadrejected
thelearnedintermediarydoctrineformanufacturers,leavingopentheissueofitsapplicationtopharmacies).
FEDERAL
Wimmv.JackEckerdCorp.,3F.3d137(5thCir.1993)(pharmaciesdonothaveadutytowarncustomersinTexas
whenphysiciansprescribethewrongmedicine).
Sanksv.Parke-Davis,etal.,2000WL33910097(M.D.Ala.Oct.30,2000)(underAlabamalaw,apharmacistwho
fillsaprescriptioninstrictaccordancewiththeprescribingdoctor’sdirectionsisnotrequiredtowarnpatientsof
anyadversesideeffects).
Jonesv.Irvin,602F.Supp.399(S.D.Ill.1986)(“apharmacisthasnodutytowarnthecustomerornotifythe
physicianthatthedrugisbeingprescribedindangerousamounts,thatthecustomerisbeingovermedicated,or
thatthevariousdrugsintheirprescribedquantitiescouldcauseadversereactionstothecustomer”).
Shampainev.BayerCorp.etal.,2003WL22023391(D.Minn.Feb.26,2003)(pharmacythatadvertisesitwill
detect,andwarncustomersof,adversedruginteractionsassumesadutytowarnofsuchinteractionsandcanbe
liableforbreachofthatdutyifitnegligentlyoperatesthecomputerdruginteractionsystem,orifthecustomer
reliesontheadvertisedpromiseinusingthatparticularpharmacy).
InreRezulinProductsLiabilityLitigation,133F.Supp.2d272(S.D.N.Y.2001)(plaintiffsinprescriptiondiabetes
litigationhadnobasisforfailuretowarnandotherclaimsagainstpharmacistsunderAlabama,Mississippi,
Louisiana,Texas,orWestVirginialaw).
VanDykev.U.S.etal.,388Fed.Appx.786(10thCir.2010)(unpublished)(upholdingdismissalofFederalTortClaims
Actcase,inpart,byconcludingthatpharmacistdidnothaveadutytowarnpatientofsuicidalrisksofPaxilina
casewhereasurvivingwifesuedtheVApharmacist).
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