How can I decrease the chance of medication errors?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Millions of Americans are harmed each year because of prescription drug mistakes. In this video, a professor of pharmacy tells Dr. Oz the most common mistakes patients make with their meds, and how to avoid them. Watch it before you fill your next prescription.
Millions of Americans are harmed each year because of prescription drug mistakes. In this video, a professor of pharmacy tells Dr. Oz the most common mistakes patients make with their meds, and how to avoid them. Watch it before you fill your next... More -
Baptist Health South Florida answered:Don’t be shy. When getting a new prescription, ask about potential interactions with food or other drugs. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.
Fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy, preferably one with a computerized system for flagging potential problems. Read the package insert for OTC drugs and any information on your prescriptions from the pharmacist. Review the information every time. If new information becomes known, you won’t want to miss it.
If you’re taking more than one OTC drug, pay attention to the active ingredients in the products to avoid taking too much of a particular drug.
Keep medications in their original containers so that you can easily identify them.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulDon’t be shy. When getting a new prescription, ask about potential interactions with food or other drugs. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, dietary supplements, vitamins,... More -
RealAge answered:When you are prescribed medication, make sure you can read your doctor's handwriting before you leave the office. If you can't read it, the pharmacist may not be able to, either.
Ask for written information about the medication, including:
- Instructions on how and when to take it
- Potential side effects and what to do if you experience them
- Contraindications (e.g., substances or other drugs your medication should not be combined with)
- What to do if you miss a dose
When you get your prescription filled at the pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to double-check and confirm that you're receiving the exact medication your doctor prescribed for you. Some medications have similar-sounding names but are used to treat very different conditions. Check the label to make sure it's the right medication (not someone else's) and that the dose is printed correctly -- typos, such as misplaced decimal points and zeros, put your health at risk.
When you are prescribed medication, make sure you can read your doctor's handwriting before you leave the office. If you can't read it, the pharmacist may not be able to, either. Ask for written information about the medication, including:... More -
Scripps Health answered:There are thousands of drugs on the market today and many have similar names. Double-check prescriptions with the pharmacist. Compare the medication in the bottle to the label description and ask about possible drug interactions. Read information fully to understand side effects and safety warnings.
There are thousands of drugs on the market today and many have similar names. Double-check prescriptions with the pharmacist. Compare the medication in the bottle to the label description and ask about possible drug interactions. Read information... More
