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The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has received nearly 30,000 reports of medication errors
since 1992. These are voluntary reports, so the number of
medication errors that actually occur is thought to be much
higher.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) president
Michael Cohen, R.Ph., Sc.D., says, "You should expect to count
on the health system to keep you safe, but there are also steps
you can take to look out for yourself and your family." Some of
these steps include:
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Ask the doctor what
drug you're taking and what it's for. This serves as a check in
case there is some confusion about the drug name.
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Find out how to take
the drug and make sure you understand the directions.
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Read the bottle's
label every time you take a drug to avoid mistakes.
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Keep a list of all
medications, including over the counter drugs, as well as
dietary supplements, medicinal herbs and other substances you
take for health reasons, and report it to your health care
providers.
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If you see different
doctors, it is important that they all know what you are taking.
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If possible, get all
your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy so that all of
your records are in one place.
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Make sure your
doctors and pharmacy know about your medication allergies or
other unpleasant drug reactions.
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If in doubt, ask,
ask, ASK
The Library's Community Health Information Service (CHIS) has
more health information to read and discuss with your doctor. If
you would like to learn more about health and medical resources
or have other health-related questions, please contact the
Community Health Information Service @ Your Library at 233-2736.
Please also visit CHIS at the Main Library or on the web at
www.pbclibrary.org/health.htm. |
