Millions of Americans take prescription medications every day to treat various conditions. We rarely think about the consequences of potentially taking the wrong medicine because we trust our doctor’s judgment—and in most cases, we have no reason to worry.
However, what happens in the case that your physician prescribes you the wrong medication, or you have doubts about the drug you are taking? Tittle & Perlmuter wants to make sure you are equipped with the knowledge you need to prevent medication errors. Here are some helpful tips.
Ask the Doctor about the Medication
You should know EVERYTHING about the medication you are taking, and your doctor is the best resource for that information. Ask about the medication’s name, its intended use, and any possible side effects or drug interactions. You may find that this medication is not meant for you based on the answers to these questions.
Always Check Your Medications
Before you leave the pharmacy with your medication on hand, make sure the name and dosage on the containers are correct. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
Communicate with your Doctor Often
Communication should continue even when you leave the doctor’s office. Let your doctor know how your medication is affecting you over time. If you and your doctor see that it is affecting you negatively, you can prevent worse complications from occurring.
Keep a List of All Medications
If you are taking multiple medications, make you sure that you are keeping track of them. Give this list to your doctor if you are being prescribed a new drug so they can avoid medications that could have unwanted interactions.
Follow the Directions on the Prescription Container
Some prescription medications recommend that you take them at a certain time of day or with food or water. Do not ignore these instructions. They are there to ensure that the medication is taken in a way that will best benefit you and prevent physiological complications.
Tell Your Doctor about Any Allergies
If you have any allergies, life-threatening or not, you need to inform your doctor about them before you take any medication. If you are allergic to any substance on a medication, it could potentially lead to serious consequences.
Call and Learn More about Preventing Medication Errors
Medication errors are sadly common, but there are many things you as a patient can do to prevent them. If a medication error occurs despite your cautiousness, call our experienced attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter to discuss your case.