Medication errors are all too common these days even though there are research, train and technology out there to prevent these errors.
There are things you can do to prevent medication errors made by your doctor or pharmacist in an effort to avoid injury and illness. If you follow the tips outlined in this post, you should be able to avoid an issue with a medication error.
First and foremost, medication errors occur because of miscommunication between doctors and patients, poor communication between two or more of your doctors, medical abbreviations, medications that have similar looks and medications that sound the same.
One of the best ways to prevent a medication error, which can lead to serious injury or even death, is to ask questions. If you don't understand the prescription being issued, you need to ask for clarification. Know the answers to all of your questions before you take even one dose of a new prescription.
Make sure you do not confuse eye drops for ear drops and vice versa. Check the labels of each medication before using either one of them. Look for the picture of the eye for the eye drops and for the letters "otic" for ear drops.
You should never cut up your pills unless instructed to do so by your doctor or your pharmacist. Many pills are not supposed to be cut in half because their coating helps your stomach and helps the pills last longer.
If you or a loved one ever suffers through an injury or illness due to a medication error, you need to get it resolved immediately. Seek a second opinion about your condition and have a different doctor prescribe the proper medication for your condition.