Sixth-grader ends up in ER after pharmacist gives contraceptive pills instead of cold medicine

A sixth-grade student was taken to an emergency room after a pharmacist gave her oral contraceptives instead of cold medicine, leaving her with severe headaches and stomach pain.

According to Yeosu MBC, the student, identified only as A, visited a pharmacy in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province recently after developing cold symptoms.

A asked the pharmacist at the counter for medicine, and the pharmacist got up, retrieved a package and handed it over.

A returned home and took the pills, but her condition did not improve. The medication turned out to be oral contraceptives, not cold medicine.

The family discovered the mix-up only after the child's condition worsened. "When I looked at the medicine because the child wasn't feeling well, I saw there were caution notices for contraceptive use — I was furious and shocked," the parent said.

A had taken two of the contraceptive pills without knowing what they were. She later complained of severe headaches and abdominal pain and was taken to an emergency room.

The parent filed a strong complaint against the pharmacy, saying staff had neither verified the child's age nor provided any medication guidance. "The pharmacist didn't explain what the medicine was or how it should be taken," the parent said.

The pharmacy maintained that the child did not appear to be an elementary school student and that she had asked for the contraceptive by its exact name, so the pharmacist simply filled the request.

The parent has filed a complaint with police against the pharmacy.