An interesting case came before the High Court in which a plaintiff alleged that Boots Pharmacy was negligent in supplying migraine medication without advising her that it was contraindicated with an antidepressant she was taking. The plaintiff claimed that the interaction between the two medications led to a brain bleed and stroke.
The plaintiff alleged that the migraine medication was inappropriately sold to her and that the pharmacist failed to warn her of the risks associated with taking it alongside her existing antidepressant medication. It was claimed that the interaction between the drugs could cause dangerously elevated blood pressure, potentially leading to strokes.
Boots Pharmacy strongly denied the allegations. A witness for the pharmacy told the court that they could not recall the specific transaction but explained that Boots’ internal protocol requires that any customer purchasing migraine medication be referred to a pharmacist for consultation.
The plaintiff gave evidence that she took the migraine medication after waking with a severe headache. She said that shortly after taking the tablets she became dizzy, collapsed, and was taken to hospital by ambulance. A scan revealed a brain bleed. She remained in hospital for approximately one month and, following her discharge, suffered significant ongoing symptoms, including severe weakness in her left leg, difficulties with her left arm, and the need for rehabilitation.
The plaintiff maintained that no consultation with a pharmacist took place at the time of purchase. This was disputed by Boots.
Boots argued that there was a responsibility on the plaintiff to inform the pharmacist of her medical history and of any other medications she was taking. It was submitted that without this information being disclosed, the pharmacy could not have been aware of the risk of a drug interaction. Boots further contended that the plaintiff was guilty of contributory negligence, stating that she was, in effect, the author of her own misfortune.
The proceedings ultimately settled without any admission of liability by Boots Pharmacy, meaning the court did not make a determination on the merits of the claim. However, the case highlights the importance of full disclosure by patients when purchasing medication and the shared responsibility between pharmacists and customers in preventing harmful drug interactions.
O’Meara v Boots Pharmacy High Court (Miss Justice Denise Brett) 26 June 2025.
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