How To Avoid The Most Common Medication Errors

In a study by the FDA that evaluated reports of fatal medication errors from 1993 to 1998, the most common error involving medications was related to administration of an improper dose of medicine, accounting for 41% of fatal medication errors. Giving the wrong drug and using the wrong route of administration each accounted for 16% of the errors.

Almost half of the fatal medication errors occurred in people over the age of 60. Older people may be at greatest risk for medication errors because they often take multiple prescription medications.

How To Avoid Common Medication Errors:

• Listen: When the doctor gives you a prescription, ask him or her to tell you the name of the drug, the correct dosage, and what the drug is used for. Be sure you understand the directions for any medications you may be taking including the correct dosage, storage requirements, and any special instructions.
• Bring someone with you.  This ensures one more set of ears hearing the directions for proper use. When in a high stress situation from illness or injury it is difficult to retain details.  Having a family member or caregiver with you may make all of the difference.
• In the hospital, ask (or have a relative or friend ask) the name and purpose of each drug you are given. Every time! Hospital workers are very busy and only human.  Don't be shy about double checking.
• Be open.  Make sure to tell your doctor the names of all the prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal preparations you are taking every time he or she writes you a new prescription. This will help to prevent another type of medication problem, undesirable and potentially serious interactions among medications.
• Ask Questions. If the name of the drug on your prescription looks different than you expected, if the directions appear different than you thought, or if the pills or medication itself looks different, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. Asking questions if you have any suspicions at all is a free and easy way to ensure that you don't become the victim of a medication error.

With 1.3 million people being injured annually by medication errors, it is important to take precaution against the most common types of medication errors.   Trained caregivers can transport a senior to the doctor, accompany the client into the doctor's office, assist with dressing and undressing required, and pick up perscriptions for an elderly client.  Contact us on how a professional caregiver can help you avoid common medication erros.