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How Can You Avoid Medication Errors?

Joanna Woten , PharmD Candidate 2011
Wingate University School of Pharmacy

Prepared during Consumer Health Information Corporation Clerkship
McLean, VA

 

Every year 1.5 million medication errors are made by healthcare providers and patients. A medication error is an error that may prevent you from being treated correctly. These errors are common but can be prevented. Examples include taking the wrong medication, improper dose or directions. Patients should not rely solely on doctors and pharmacists. It is important that patients play an active role in their own health.

Prevention Tips
Here are some tips on what you can do to prevent medication errors from affecting you.

Write your medicines down

  • The first thing you should do is know what medications you or other family members are taking. A good way to do so is to make a list.This list should include over-the-counter medication and vitamins.


      Name        Dose        Why am I taking it          How am I taking it          When am I taking itAspirin       81 mg         For heart protection              1 tablet with a                     Every morning
                                          full glass of water


  • Keep the list up to date. Every change to your medication and dose should be noted. Ask your pharmacist for help if you don’t know.
  • Keep the list with you at all times in your wallet or purse. If there is an accident, you need to be able tell the medical personnel exactly what you are taking.

Check for drug interactions

  • Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist all the drugs you are taking. This is the only way they can check for drug interactions.
  • Before taking any new over-the-counter medication or herbal medication, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Most of these are safe but some could interact with your current medications. Ask your health professional to help you select the best product.


Counseling

  • It is the law that pharmacists must offer counseling for new and old medications. Don’t turn down this service. Be sure you know how to take the medication properly and manage common side effects. For example, some medications are better to take at night to decrease side effects that may occur.


If you have questions, ask!

  • Do not leave the pharmacy with your questions unanswered.
  • Medication checkups by a pharmacist or doctor should be scheduled if you are confused about your medications. A medication checkup is a review of your medication and disease states.
  • To prepare for your checkup, gather all your current medications and over-the-counter products. At the checkup, show all of these to the doctor or pharmacist. Write questions down, so you will remember what to ask. A doctor or pharmacist will go over all the medications to look for improper dosing and any unneeded medications.
  • For a new prescription, get all the information from your doctor and pharmacist. Questions you should be sure to ask include:
    • Name of the medication: brand and generic name?
    • Why it was prescribed for you?
    • When will your condition start improving?
    • When and how is the medication taken?
    • Food, drinks or other medication that you should avoid?
    • Side effects that you may have, and if there is a way that these can be prevented or managed if they occur?
    • Printed information that includes all that you have gone over?
  • Repeat what you understood back. This is a good method to make sure you know how the doctor wants you to take the medicatiion.
  • This will help you be active in your own health.

Take Control of Your Medications

  • Know how to follow your doctor’s advice for medications. Don’t be one of the many people who don’t follow their doctor’s advice and end up in the hospital.
  • Have a system to help you remember to take your medication. For example, a medication calendar will help you remember when to refill medications. It also can be used to check off the medications when you take them. Missing just one day can affect how well the medication will work for you.
  • Other tips include:
    • Take the medication the same time daily. Try to make it a daily activity by combining it with other habits (brushing your teeth or taking a shower).
    • Pill boxes can also help you stay organized. Be sure to pick one day each week to refill the box.

Reduce the Errors
Reduce your potential for medication errors. Follow the directions that the pharmacist and doctor have given you. Ask questions. By taking these easy steps, you are doing your part in improving your health and getting the most benefit from medications.

 

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