Avoiding Prescription Errors

Avoiding prescription errors may seem simple enough, yet each year people die because they are given the wrong medication. While this may seem impossible, one report states pharmacy errors equal 5.7%. This is 2.2 million people a year. A link for this report is included below.

When trying to avoid prescription errors, no doubt you will have to give a little bit of your time, but it is well worth it. Human errors do happen, and some action on the part of consumers may change things. While a report of 5.7% in pharmacy errors may not seem high when you consider how many people actually take prescription medication, if it happens to anyone you know, it becomes a different story.

When given a prescription you might avoid a prescription error by asking how the prescription reads. Always ask your doctor to explain exactly what it says. Learn the name of the medication and the instructions for taking it while still at the doctor's office.

If you were given pills, be sure to count these before you leave the pharmacy counter. An employee with the pharmacy will stand with you while you do this. There are cases where the wrong pills or wrong dose are given.

Check the prescription information paper you get with your prescription to the medication in you receive. Even if you have taken the medication previously, double check what you are given to be sure there are no errors.

If you are given a prescription that is a liquid, check the package for the amount and directions. Question anything that looks wrong.

When trying to avoiding prescription errors, remember you may be protecting yourself or a family member.

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