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Some of the biggest blunders in medicine are
due to prescription drug errors. Prescribed medications are
developed to enhance the quality of life. But they can prove
to be deadly, also. Nevertheless, taking the correct medication
is a matter of asking the right questions, double checking doses
and improving the lines of communication with one’s medical
provider.
When
medications are improperly used, they pose dangers when used
incorrectly.
Approximately,
250,000 medication errors occur each year in outpatient settings
alone. From mildly insignificant to detrimental, prescription
errors occur because a lack of communication or ill-prescribed
medications.
In the
opinions of certain health experts, the leading cause of prescription
drug errors is due to a communication deficit between physicians,
patients, nurses and pharmacists.
Because
of the time constraints of doctor’s appointments, more and more
patients are reluctant to pose questions regarding their health.
All too often patients conjure up questions after physician
appointments. Because most physicians are unaware of all the
prescriptions and vitamins their patients take, it is best to
bring a list of the medications you use. For the forgetful minded,
some experts recommend bringing a brown bag.
Although
vitamins, minerals and other over-the-counter medicines are
relatively harmless, it’s the interaction between medicines
that causes risk. Not to mention, certain interactions can be
risky and may influence the safety of other prescribed medications.
While medical
professional may do their part in avoiding med mistakes, patients
can do their part. For preventative measures, patients should
keep a list of medicines in their wallet. In case of an emergency,
it may prevent the wrong medication from being administered.
Checking prescriptions, verifying the dose and how to use the
medication represent other smart methods of minimizing prescription
errors. |
