In the proceedings, it was claimed the medication was allegedly inappropriately sold to Sigrid O’Meara, and there was an alleged failure to advise her the migraine medication was contraindicated with an anti-depressant drug she was taking. This is due to a significant interaction between the two medications which, it was claimed, can lead to significant increase in blood pressure and stroke.
All of the claims were vehemently denied by Boots. It said it could not remember Ms O’Meara, but said protocol dictates anyone purchasing that €11.99 migraine medication was referred to a pharmacist.
Sigrid O’Meara had taken the migraine medication when she woke with a terrible headache on March 26, 2020. She took two tablets she had purchased from a Longford Boots pharmacy the previous October.
It was further contended she felt dizzy and collapsed and had to be brought by ambulance to hospital. A scan showed she had a brain bleed and she was transferred to a Dublin hospital. She was discharged from hospital a month later and was recorded as having severe left leg weakness, and difficulties with her left arm and had to go for rehabilitation.
Sigrid O’Meara, 63, from Ballincurry, Longford, has sued Boots Retail (Ireland) Ltd, with a registered address at Citywest Business Campus, Citywest, Dublin. She claims she bought the migraine medication at Boots Pharmacy, Ballymahon Street, Longford.
It was claimed Ms O’Meara was caused to suffer a haemorrhagic stroke in March 2020, which, it was contended, was precipitated by her ingestion of a migraine medication which was allegedly inappropriately sold without the advice it was contra -indicated to a prescribed drug she was already on.
It was claimed at the pharmacy she was allegedly told the migraine medication she required was no longer available in Ireland and an alternative medication for migraines and cluster headaches was allegedly offered.
Ms O’Meara purchased a blister pack of two tablets and it was alleged the pharmacist was not consulted.
Boots disputed this and said while it did not remember Ms O’Meara, protocol required anybody buying the migraine medicine has to be referred to the pharmacist.
In the proceedings, it was claimed a product which allegedly could impose a hazard to Ms O’Meara’s health was supplied, and there was an alleged failure by the pharmacy sales assistant at the time to ensure the pharmacist was advised the supply of that particular migraine medication may be considered.
It was further claimed there was an alleged failure by the pharmacist to ascertain the woman’s headache had never been diagnosed as migraine by a doctor. It was contended in such circumstances the migraine medication she purchased should not have been supplied.
All of the claims were denied, and Boots said Ms O Meara was aware the medication purchased at the pharmacy had never been diagnosed as suitable for her and she had a significant history of migraines, as well as other medical issues, which Boots claims was her responsibility to notify and seek advice on.
Boots said it had no other way of being aware Ms O Meara was taking a form of medication which was likely to interact negatively with a variety of different medication.
Ms O’Meara, Boots contended, was the author of her own misfortune and it claimed there was alleged contributory negligence on her part in allegedly failing to disclose that she was taking another particular drug and allegedly failing to seek advice on the choice of medicines.