Pharmacist inadvertently

A middle-aged client, born and identifying as female, reported to her physician that she was suffering from a case of severe and chronic dry eye, and was prescribed VitA-POS, an ocular lubricant in ointment form. The allied health professional working in the office reviewed the medication order with the patient, and the handwritten prescription was delivered by the patient to her preferred pharmacy. The pharmacist inadvertently read the marginally legible prescription as Vitaros, an ointment approved to treat erectile dysfunction in men. The patient refused a medication review with the pharmacist as she had just been instructed in its use by the allied health professional at the office. The patient was treated for a mild ocular chemical injury with topical antibiotics, steroids, and lubricants, with a good response.

1. What type of medication error occurred

2. What is the reason for the medication error (type of failure)

3. what is the cause of the medication error.