Medication Errors

The term "medication error" covers a wholeSafety: Federal Actions to Reduce Medical Errors
manner of sins. What is a medication error?and Their Impact, February 2001, available at:
Perhaps it is better to explain by providingSo what can be done to prevent medication
examples of medication errors.errors?
Example A - your physician is aware you are1. Keep an active record of all medications you
allergic to a medication but prescribes it anyway;are taking. Write it down and provide copies to all
Example B - Other medications you are currentlyphysicians.
taking are contra-indications to a new medication2. Research any medication allergies. How do you
your physician just prescribed, but she doesn'tknow you are allergic? What is the generic name
read the medication package insert and now youof the drug to which your are allergic - know it all.
are taking medications which may prevent the3. Tell your pharmacist about all medications you
others from being effective, or worse, theirare taking. He may only have records of
combination may cause injury;medications dispensed at his pharmacy - so give
Example C - Medicine A can only be taken bythem notice of all medications.
people who can walk or are otherwise mobile, and4. Tell your family and provide them with a list of
physician prescribes it for his double amputeeyour medications. It is likely that in an emergency
patient who cannot get out of bed;you will not be able to speak for yourself.
Example D - Pharmacy receives a prescription for5. Speak to your physician - ask why she is
medication A but fills your bottle with medicationprescribing each medication? What are the side
B;effects? Have you been on this medication
Example E - Pharmacy fills correct prescription butbefore? Keep a record.
prints wrong dosing directions so you are now6. Unsure about dosage? Unsure about
taking the medication 9 times a day, rather thancombination with other medications? CALL YOUR
3 times per day ordered by your doctor. AnPHYSICIAN… Call, and write down the
overdose occurs causing injury.name of who you spoke with and what they said.
There are almost too many examples ofKEEP NOTES.
medication errors to list. And many players in theThe Federal Government has also produced a list
health care field can cause or fail to preventof how to prevent medication errors. See What is
medication errors, from physicians, to nurses andrecommended? Pretty similar list to ours - sadly,
pharmacists. Medication errors are such a big dealboth lists are created for consumers and patients.
in health care today that the Federal DrugAnd it is important to note that it is not your
Administration (FDA) has been researching errorsduty to prevent all medication errors. It is the
these errors while attempting to create andduty of your healthcare provider to do so, but if
implement programs and rules which wouldthey fail, your diligence may be the difference
prevent such errors. How is the FDA doing atbetween another preventable injury or death
minimizing these errors and the resulting needlessfrom a medication error and a close call.
injuries and deaths? Well, it must be a difficultSo please, be organized and diligent about your
challenge because the FDA admits "Improvingmedications. And if you have had a medication
patient safety continues to be a challenge." Finalerror occur, and have suffered injury as a result,
Summary of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)please do not hesitate to contact our firm.
Action Items - Doing What Counts for Patient