Make sure you get the right mix… Ask questions if your medicine is a powder
Some medicines, including many prescribed for children, come in a powder form. Water must be added to the powder so the medicine can be easily measured and taken. The ratio of water to powder must be precise, so that the prescribed amount of the final liquid mixture provides the correct dose of medicine per milliliter (mL). It is best for the pharmacist to add water right before the medicine is picked up. Once mixed, the medicine often needs to be refrigerated to stay potent. But if the pharmacist forgets to add the water, or if the wrong amount of water is added at home, a serious dosing error can occur.
Learn MoreCould this be a case of intentional substitution?
Many people are aware that prescription pills, tablets and capsules have unique letters and numbers on them used for pill identification. With each new prescription, it’s important to check the pill identification to ensure you have the correct medicine. Most people only complete this safety check when they first get a new prescription. However, every time you take a pill, you should make sure it is correct.
Learn MoreDrug brand name may not have same ingredient in another country
An American man who took Dilacor XR (diltiazem extended-release) ran out of medicine while traveling to Serbia. A Serbian pharmacist refilled the prescription with a brand name medicine called Dilacor. But in Serbia, Dilacor is the brand name for digoxin, a totally different medicine than diltiazem.
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Good catch! A mother picking up a prescription for her son was supposed to receive methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Instead she was given a cardiac drug intended for another patient. The mother noticed the error because the pharmacist mentioned the medicine was for “chest pains.” It turned out that the two patients had the same name. Before leaving the pharmacy with your prescription, always make sure to verify your name and another identifier, such as your date of birth or address. It’s also important for pharmacists to provide drug information when you pick up your prescriptions. After all, that’s how this error was prevented.
