Medication errors are all-too common. They can occur at any stage in the healthcare process, whether it be during prescription, dispensing, or administration. Errors can range from incorrect dosages to harmful drug interactions, and they pose serious health risks. It’s a good thing that there are a lot of ways for you to protect yourself from medication errors. Perhaps the best intervention is prevention; and this can be done by being observant and vigilant, especially when taking medication.
Another way to protect people from medication errors is through pharmacy intervention. Pharmacists can play a huge role in safeguarding patient health. Let’s explore the different steps you can take so you can avoid medication errors.
Understand Your Medications
Of course, you have to take on a proactive role when it comes to understanding your medication. Sure, it’s easy to just take your healthcare provider’s prescription and follow dosages and instructions. However, never take for granted the fact that medication errors are more common than you might think.
Do some research or ask questions to understand your medications. Some questions you can ask include the following:
- What is the medication for?
- How and when should I take it?
- What are the possible side effects?
- Are there any foods, supplements, or other medications I should avoid while taking this?
Once you understand what each medication is for, you have a better idea of what you are taking and prevent the risk of taking unnecessary medication or the wrong kind of medication.
Pharmacy Intervention: A Safety Net in Medication Management
Pharmacists play a very important role when it comes to preventing medication errors. They are like the gatekeepers when it comes to medications. Pharmacists need to always stay vigilant and alert, especially when it comes to dispensing medications. They can also identify and resolve a potential medication-related problem before it reaches the patient.
For example, a doctor might prescribe medication that could interact negatively with something that the patient is already taking. The pharmacist can step in and call the doctor and suggest an alternative. There are also instances where a pharmacist can catch errors in dosage and ask a patient to switch to a more suitable form of medication, like liquid medication if a patient finds it hard to swallow pills.
Keep a List of All Your Medications
Keeping a list of all your medications and taking note when you are taking them can lead to fewer instances of medication errors. Make sure you list all medications, whether they may be over the counter medications or prescription medications. You should also include vitamins and herbal supplements, if you are taking them. Bring this list with you to every medical appointment you have so that you can ask and gain knowledge about possible side effects and contraindications.
Keeping a list of all your medications and bringing them with you during check ups or consultations can help detect duplicate therapies and save you from harmful side effects. Even though it might be a bit tedious to do this, it does help guarantee that you don’t become a victim to medication errors.
Evaluate Your Medication Labels Carefully
Make sure to make a habit out of reviewing your medication labels carefully because you could catch instances when you were dispensed the wrong medication. Even though you already memorized the kinds of medications you are taking, still make a habit of checking whether it’s the right kind of medication taken at the right time.
Doing this regularly will make a habit out of taking one extra step in guaranteeing you don’t accidentally take the wrong medication.
By staying vigilant and attentive to your medications, you can help prevent the harmful effects of medication errors. With the help of healthcare providers and pharmacists, you can guarantee that you won’t be a victim to this. However, taking an extra step and taking a proactive approach in avoiding this can go a long way into making sure you never have to worry about medication errors.
