Despite the limited time physicians
have to attend to the medical needs of their patients, there are
innumerous ways for the masses to prevent medication errors. Certain
physicians have implemented a process to eliminate the number
or prescription blunders.
Since, medication errors is emerging into overwhelming losses
each year, use the following strategies to improve your medical
safety.
Grab a brown bag. Place all the prescribed, over the counter
and herbal supplements that you take on a regular basis. Bring
the brown bag to your doctor’s appointment. Make sure your doctor
documents each medication.
As an alternative and if you do not have a scheduled physician’s
appointment, take your meds to your local pharmacist. Additionally,
various health sites offer a physician’s drug reference (PDR)
which details the interactions between most prescribed and OTC
medications. Remember that certain supplements as well as over
the counter medicines may pose risks to the safety and efficacy
of medications prescribes by your physician.
Use one pharmacy or online drugstore. Tracking all the medications
you are taking is quite pertinent. As a result, one pharmacist
may easily print a list of your medications for your physician.
If you visit various drugstores or online pharmacies, the room
for error may be increased because you may overlook one of your
prescription vendors.
Keep a drug log. Particularly for the aging adult, a list of
the medications you are using should be kept in your wallet
at all times. Unforeseen situations may transpire at any moment.
A list of the medications you are taking could be the difference
of life and death in an emergency.
Check your meds. Right before receiving a prescription order,
verify the medication is what your doctor prescribes. Additionally,
make sure you understand how to use the medication.
