Medication Safety
October 25, 2007
This is National Healthcare Quality Week - a time set aside to emphasize safety in the health care industry. While it's important that health care workers follow safety procedures, the patient plays a significant role too - especially when it comes to medications. UT Health Center's Dr. Barbara Huggins has more.
Unfortunately, medication errors occur. Did you know that over 770,000 patients are injured because of medication errors every year; and medication errors account for at least 7,000 deaths in the US each year?
Doctors, pharmacists, and nurses are all responsible for medication safety. However, YOU play the most important role in preventing medication errors. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices recommends learning about the medications you take, learn how to take them, when to take them, learn what the medication is supposed to do, and about the side effects.
You can assist your health care provider by taking an updated medication list to all your doctors' appointments. This list should include ALL the medications you are taking including prescription medications from every care provider, over the counter drugs, herbs, and vitamins. Your health care provider also needs to know if you drink alcohol and/or smoke. You can also ensure medicine safety by carrying a medication wallet card that may be viewed and printed from the website.
| MEDICATION | DOSE | FREQUENCY |
|---|---|---|
| Lovaza (fish oil) | 1 gm | 2 capsules twice daily |
| Nexium | 40 mg | 2 capsules twice daily |
| Flomax | 0.4 mg | 1 capsule once daily |
| Aspirin | 81 mg | 1 tablet once daily |
| Calcium | 600 mg | 2 tablets daily |
| Zyrtec | 10 mg | 1 tablet daily |
| Veramyst | 27.5 mcg | 1 spray to each nostril daily |
Safety measures you can take:
- Carry an updated medication list at all times
- Take only the medications given to you by your doctor or pharmacist
- Read the label of the medication each time you take it
- Take all your medication as directed by your physician
- Never take medications in the dark
- Keep all medications in the original container unless placing it in a day-by-day dispenser
- Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets
- Do not keep medications in the car or bathroom where heat and humidity can affect the medicine
- Check the date on all medications. Throw away expired medicines.
- If you feel that any medication is making your sick or causing you pain, call your doctor right away
- Don't chew, break, or crush capsules or tablets unless instructed by your physician
- Use the proper measuring device when taking liquid medications
- Read education material available from the pharmacist
- The name of the drug, and what it is supposed to do
- How and when to take the medications
- What time I should take the medicine
- Should I take it with food? What food should I avoid while taking this medication?
- How long should I take the medicine?
- Are there any side effects? What should I do if I have side effects?
Never take medications prescribed for another person.
Never share your medications with another person.
Do not be afraid to ask your doctor, your pharmacist, or your nurse about any medication – expect them to answer your questions.
For more information:- Medication Safety Project: Educate Before You Medicate
- Consumers Can Prevent Medication Errors
- General Advice on Safe Medication Use
- What Medications Does Your Patient Take? Enhancing Medication Safety in the Outpatient Setting
- Using medication reconciliation to prevent errors
- Speak Up patient safety card
- Institute for Safe Medication Practices: Be an informed consumer