Retail Druggist's Warranty of Drugs

Jurisdictions retaining a contractual warranty theory hold that a retail druggist warrants the wholesomeness, fitness, and merchantability of his products. This warranty applies to all drugs whether they are prescription drugs, proprietary drugs ,brand name drugs, or drugs sold in the original sealed containers. Liability for the sale of a prescription drug may be exempted if the patient relies on the physician's judgment, and liability for the sale of a brand name drug may be relieved if there is reliance on the manufacturer's reputation. Jurisdictions construing product warranty as a strict liability in tort will invariably hold a retail druggist liable for side effects incurred by the use of drugs.