5 Things All Patients MUST Do To Prevent Harmful Medication Mistakes
What should you know about the medications you take? As much as possible, according to a recent report.
The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) believes that the more patients know about the medications they take, the less likely they are to suffer a medication error. By educating patients and caregivers about all aspects of their care, doctors are providing one more failsafe against a harmful mistake that could lead to severe side effects, hospital admission, or even death.
In order to reduce their chances of being injured by a prescription drug error, The ASHP recommends that all patients:
Inform all health-care providers (including doctors, nurses and pharmacists) about any medical conditions, symptoms, sensitivities, allergies or other drug use concerns.
Ask questions if they don’t completely understand the use of a medication. Patients should not only feel comfortable asking questions, they should be assertive when they believe an incorrect order has been given.
Learn the names of all prescription and over-the-counter medications they are taking, why they are taking them, and the conditions they are meant to treat. .
Record all drug therapies, including home remedies and homeopathic drugs, on an updated list that they share with all health-care providers. This list should include strengths and dosages, and a picture of the drug if possible. Patients should also make a note of any medication they cannot take and the reasons why.
Take all medications as directed by their doctors. If a patient decides to alter a course of treatment, he should always inform all of his healthcare providers.
We’ve all been taught that prevention is better than a cure. However, patients are not the only people in charge of their healthcare. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists administer hundreds of medications per day, making it impossible for all victims to avoid drug dosage errors.
If you’ve been injured by a medication error, you can still prevent the mistake from harming someone else by pursuing aprescription drug error lawsuit against the person responsible. At Kennedy Hodges, our board-certified drug error attorneys get justice for our clients and the compensation they need to heal.
For more FREE information on your case, click the link above for a complimentary copy of our book, How to Make Pharmacies Pay for Injuries Caused by Medication Errors, or call our offices at 888-526-7616 for a free consultation.
