Talk to Your Pharmacist

Reducing Medication Errors

There are many things you can do to help protect yourself or a loved one from potentially dangerous medication errors:

• Have all prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. This allows the pharmacist to check for possible drug interactions between a new prescription and something you’re already taking.
• Check the label when you get a prescription to verify that you’re receiving the proper medication. If the medication looks different than it has in the past, ask the pharmacist if there has been a change.
• When possible, keep all medications in their original containers.
• Know what to do if you miss a dose, and contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts.
• Read the patient-information sheet that accompanies the medication. If you do not receive one, request it from your pharmacist.
• Remind your doctor and pharmacist if you have any medication or food allergies or if you have a condition that could affect the use of any medication. Also mention if you are taking any dietary supplements or over-the-counter medications.

Source:  The medical journal U.S. Pharmacist