Medication errors are estimated to kill at least one person in the U.S. every day; and they injure as many as 1.3 million people each year, according the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
These errors sometimes occur in the pharmacy due to job stress, similarities in product names, a lack of patient records, or misread prescriptions from poor handwriting and abbreviations.
Your medical records are particularly important, because they include information like allergies. They also list other medications being taken that could potentially be harmful to you if mixed with other medications.
It's always wise to take part in the responsibility of keeping yourself safe and healthy by talking to your pharmacists when taking a new drug. It can prevent medication errors on everyone's part.
Here are some questions you should ask your doctor and pharmacist before starting with a new prescription:
- What is this drug for?
- What is the name of the drug?
- Is this the generic brand?
- What is the dose? (How many do I take? How often? How long should I take them?)
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Should I take it with food?
- Are there any side effects?
- Will it interfere with any allergies or other medications I am taking?
It is also wise to ask your physician these same questions. It could prevent a potentially fatal error.
Fatal or very serious drug errors do occur, and sometimes it's because you've taken a dangerous drug. Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.