The number of Americans making mistakes
with prescription medicines is
staggering—more than 100,000 each
year. These errors sometimes lead to
serious health problems or even death.
During the recent Prescription Errors
Education and Awareness Week, the
Department of Veterans Affairs offered
the following tips for patients to avoid
prescription mistakes:
- Do not pressure physicians to prescribe
medications seen and
heard about in television commercials
or on other media outlets.
Let physicians make medication
decisions based on their
expertise.
- Inform physicians about any allergies
and adverse reactions to medicines.
Keep a journal of all medications
taken, as well as any side effects
experienced.
- Tell physicians about all of the medications
being taken, including Rx
drugs, OTC products, and dietary supplements.
- Ask health care professionals, including
pharmacists, questions to help
understand what medication is being
prescribed and how it works.