How to Avoid being Dispensed or Prescribed the Wrong Drug

It has been a few years since the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) published their report To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System.  One of the now-notorious "facts" contained in that report was the IOM estimate that preventable medication errors result in more than 7,000 deaths each year in hospitals alone, and tens of thousands more in outpatient facilities.

Here are some common-sense means by which one can avoid drug-related errors:

• When prescribed a medication, you should make sure you know the name of the drug and understand why it has been prescribed.
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before the doctor prescribes another medication for you.
• Because your pharmacist is a good source of information about your medicines, it is important to have your prescriptions filled at the same drugstore.
• Read the label every time you fill your prescription and every time you use it.
• Take the recommended dose exactly as prescribed, and finish all medicine as directed.
• Pay attention to how you feel while taking a prescription medicine, and notify your doctor of any problems or side effects.

By taking these steps, one can minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of medicine use.

(Posted by: Tom Lamb)