You depend on your physician to help you remain in good health, but medical practitioners sometimes slip up and cause patients accidental harm. If you take prescription medicine, do you know how to prevent a medication error?
The FDA offers tips for protecting your health by ensuring that you take the proper medication. Advocate for your health and mental well-being.
Educate yourself
When your doctor prescribes a medication, educate yourself on how the drug helps your specific health condition. Ask about the drug’s brand name and generic name.
Ask about drug administration
Get clear on the proper, safe way to take a medication. For instance, if you take drops, are they eye drops or ear drops? Double-check whether to keep a prescription in the refrigerator, at room temperature or out of direct sunlight.
Double-check the container
If you take multiple medications, get into the habit of checking your drug labels each time you take a dosage. You do not want to accidentally mix up containers that look similar, especially if you have medications that look similar in shape or color. Keeping medication in its original container helps to avoid medication errors, but do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist or doctor about medication organizers and aids to separate your prescriptions.
Keep a current list of your prescriptions
Note your current prescriptions on your phone or a piece of paper that you keep in your wallet. Whenever you stop taking or change medications, note it on your list. Include all supplements and over-the-counter medications on this list.
Hopefully, you never become a victim of medical malpractice. Take an active role in protecting yourself.
