Patients can help protect themselves and their loved ones from prescribing errors by following these steps:
Make sure all your doctors know about everything you are taking.
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
At least once a year, bring all of your medicines and supplements with you to your doctor. "Brown bagging" your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date.
When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it.
If you can't read your doctor's handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either. When you receive a new prescription from your doctor, find out the name of the drug.
Ask your doctor to include the reason you are taking the medicine on the prescription. That will alert the pharmacist to your condition and serve as a check to make sure the correct medicine is provided.
Ask for information in terms you can understand.
One of the best ways to avoid mistakes is to learn as much as you can about your medicines. Don't hesitate to ask questions or express your concerns.
When you fill the prescription, read the patient information brochure that usually comes with your prescription. If you take multiple medications, ask the pharmacist to make a schedule for when and in what order to take them.
Use only one pharmacy.
A single pharmacy will be able to better monitor a history of the medications you are taking and ensure no interactions
Verify you have the right medication.
When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, make sure you got the one your doctor described. If you are refilling a prescription, inspect the medicine before you leave the pharmacy to be sure it looks as expected
If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if "four doses daily" means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.
Research shows that many people do not understand the right way to measure liquid medicines. Many use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people to measure the right dose.
Be sure to ask each of the following questions
- How am I supposed to take it, and for how long?
- What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Where should I store my medicine?
- What foods, alcohol or other drugs should I avoid while taking this?
- Will this medicine make me drowsy?
- When should I see my doctor?
Ask about the side effects your medicine could cause.
If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does--or, if something unexpected happens instead. That way, you can report the problem right away and get help before it gets worse. As k what to do if side effects occur.
Report all allergies or reactions.
Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.
Keep in touch with your physician
Ask your doctor to call you after you begin a new prescription to ensure that you are responding properly to it. Or make an appointment for a return visit.
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and The Canadian Pharmacists Association
