Medication errors impact more than a million patients every year in the United States. It is estimated that up to 9,000 Americans die from medication errors yearly. These are frightening statistics that anyone receiving medical treatment needs to take seriously.
The following article offers tips on how to avoid medication errors at every point in the treatment process. Keeping these tips in mind could save your life or that of someone you love.
If you suspect you were the victim of a medication error, contact an experienced Louisville medical malpractice attorney right away to discuss your concerns.
Keep an Updated List of Any Prescription Drugs and Supplements You Take
You should keep an updated list of any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take to manage your health. Your list should include the name of each drug and the exact dosage you use daily.
Common vitamins and supplements people take regularly for their health have serious side effects when combined with prescription drugs.
Know the Side Effects and Serious Drug Interactions Associated with Your Prescription Drugs
Know the side effects and drug interactions associated with your prescription drugs both new and old. There are some over-the-counter medications that you should not take while using certain prescription drugs.
Some foods change the effectiveness of prescription drugs. Grapefruit is a common food that should be avoided in combination with certain drugs.
Ask your doctor about side effects whenever you are prescribed a new drug. Also, confirm any drug allergies for possible interactions.
Your pharmacist is an excellent source of information regarding drug side effects and interactions.
Confirm and Reconfirm Any New Prescription Drug and Its Dosage
When your doctor prescribes a new drug, verbally confirm that drug name and dosage with your doctor. Also, ensure you understand how to take the new drug.
You will want to verify this information matches the label and instructions on the drug you receive from the pharmacy. If these two do not match, ask the pharmacy to confirm the prescription with your doctor before taking the drug.
Also, speak with the pharmacist about side effects, drug interactions, and potential allergic reactions associated with the new drug.
Pay Attention and Ask Questions
Always pay attention and ask questions when something seems off. If there is a sudden change in your prescription drug type or dosage, find out why.
Be your own best medical advocate wherever you are at. If you are a hospital patient, check labels to ensure you are receiving your medicine at the correct dosage.
Do the same before leaving the doctor’s office with a new prescription or prescription refill. Check your prescriptions and ask a pharmacist for help if you are confused or think there was a filling error.
Contact an Experienced Louisville Medical Negligence Attorney Today
Learn more about medication errors in Kentucky by contacting a specialized Louisville medication error attorney at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, today. We have represented injured clients for over thirty years against powerful insurance companies.
Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, will meet with you and review your medication error claim at no cost. If we take your case, we will pursue your claim relentlessly only charging you when we win compensation on your behalf.
Contact the attorneys at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, in Louisville to schedule your consultation.