Curbing Medication Errors
The FDA reports that over 100,000 Americans suffer annually from complications due to preventable medication errors, which can occur at any level of medical care—administration, prescription or ingestion.
Healthcare professionals work diligently to prevent errors, but you also play a crucial role in ensuring your safety. Here are a few steps to protect yourself and your family from medication errors at home:
List Your Medications: Include dosage, frequency, pill imprints and the pharmacy name. Update the list when changing prescriptions and include OTC medications, vitamins and supplements.
List Allergies: Note any medication or food allergies.
Keep Original Containers: Store medications in their original containers to avoid mix-ups.
Avoid Sharing Medications: Never take someone else’s medication.
Read Dosage Instructions: Ensure proper administration by reading instructions carefully.
Ensure Proper Lighting: Always have the lights on when taking medication.
Child Safety: Store medications out of children's reach.
Separate Storage: Keep family medications separate from pet medications.
Avoid Mix-Ups: Store ointments and creams away from toothpaste.
Follow Tablet Instructions: Do not chew, crush or break tablets or capsules unless directed by a doctor.
Use Proper Measuring Tools: Use only the provided measuring cup for liquid medications and consider an oral syringe for precise dosing.
Proper Storage: Avoid storing medications in direct sunlight or the bathroom to maintain their efficacy.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2007-2009. 2012, 2014, 2017-2018 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.