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Strategies to Reduce Medication Errors

Unfortunately, medication errors are not uncommon. They can occur in hospitals, pharmacies, or even in your own home. In some cases, medication errors may cause serious harm to an individual. There are a number of precautions you can take to help prevent medication errors from occurring. The more information you know about the drugs you're taking, the more you can protect yourself. The following is a list of strategies you can take to reduce the possibility of medication errors:

  • Make a list of all prescription and non-prescription drugs you are currently taking. Include the dosage amount, how often you take them, the name of the pharmacy you got them from, and the imprint on each tablet. The imprint will help prevent mix-ups when you get refills. Be sure to update the list when your medications change.
  • Many drugs look alike. Make sure to keep all medications in their original container to ensure you don't get confused about which drug is which and what the dosage requirements are.
  • Store medication away from children and separate from household products and pet medications. Don't keep medications in tubes near your toothpaste. They may be mixed up and an error can cause a severe reaction.
  • Take medication exactly as instructed . Never chew or crush tablets or capsules unless your doctor specifically says to do so. If you're taking a liquid medication, make sure to use the cup that came with it. Dosing errors can occur if you use a different measuring device.
  • Always take medications with the light on to ensure you're taking the correct one. In addition, read the label on the container each time you take a dose.
  • Keep medications away from heat, humidity, or direct sunlight , which can negatively affect the potency of the drug.
  • Ask your doctor the names of every medication you are taking and the reasons you are taking them. Because many drug names are similar, you may even ask the purpose of the drug to be written on the container to prevent any mistakes from occurring.
  • If you're in a hospital, don't allow anyone to give you medications before checking your ID bracelet to ensure your don't get someone else's drugs.
  • Never take drug samples without asking your doctor if they will interfere with other medications you may be taking.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about your medications, it is important to speak with your health care provider. Medication errors can take place in the home, the hospital, and other locations. Never assume that an unfamiliar or emergency care health provider knows all your current medications and medication allergies automatically. Always relay this information to pharmacists, doctors, and other health care providers when starting, changing, or terminating use of a medication.

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