Medication Safety

Medications can relieve pain, help cure disease and alleviate symptoms. They make it possible for people with long-term illness to lead healthier lives. Medications are powerful chemicals, and it is essential that they be used properly. This means every patient must receive the right medication, in the right amount and at the right time. Your doctor, nurse and pharmacist play major roles in safe medication use. As a patient or family member, you are part of the healthcare team. As much as you trust your healthcare provider’s knowledge and judgment, you owe it to yourself to learn as much as you can about medication use.

Make sure that all of your doctors and your pharmacist are aware of all of the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins and homeopathic products.  Also inform them of any allergies you may have.

Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.  Important questions to ask include:

·        What are brand and generic names of the product?

·        What is the medication for?

·        What does the medication look like?

·        What is the dosage?

·        How should I take this medicine? How often? What should I do if I miss a dose?

·        Does this medication have any common side effects? What are they? What should I do if they occur?

·        What food, drink or activities should I avoid while taking this medication?

·        How should I store this medication?

·        Handouts regarding medication are usually available from your pharmacist.

When you pick up your medication from the pharmacy, make sure this is the medication your doctor prescribed. A study by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences found that 8 percent of preventable mistakes in medications involved the wrong drug or the wrong dose.

If you have any questions about the directions on your prescription labels, ask your pharmacist.  Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if “four doses daily” means taking a dose every six hours around the clock or just during waking hours. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure liquid medications. Research shows that many people do not understand the right way to measure liquid medications.

Try to have all your medications filled at the same pharmacy so your pharmacist can help you. Be sure to thoroughly read all written handout materials. If you are taking more than one prescription or obtaining medication from another pharmacy, be sure to disclose this information to the pharmacist.

Before you take the first dose, read the label. Make sure it is what your doctor prescribed.  If there is a difference in the appearance or shape of your medication between refills, do not take it until you have discussed it with a pharmacist. Remember, many medications have names that sound or look alike. Read the directions on the label and any written information you’ve been given. If any of it seems to contradict what you already know about the medication, call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Check the label before each dose. Never take medication in the dark. If you develop a fever, experience itching or swelling or if you have trouble breathing after taking a new medication, seek medical help immediately. Be alert for other side effects. If they become troublesome, call your pharmacist, physician or nurse.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed, for as long as directed.

Keep medications in their original container and store them out of the reach of children.

Check the expiration date of all medications and throw away outdated products.

You may find it useful to keep a medication log. This record will be helpful for both you and your health care provider. Bring it with you to your appointments.