Medications, supplements, and over-the-counter- drugs play a large part in our everyday lives, whether we’re dealing with a common cold or a chronic ailment. In fact, 80% of adults will take at least one of these in any given week. On top of that, nearly 33% of adults take five or more of these regularly (American Academy of Family Physicians)!
That sure is a lot to manage, and mistakes are rampant, with many thousands of calls being made to Poison Control every year for medication errors (National Capital Poison Center). Read on to learn more about how to prevent and respond to medication errors.
Common Mistakes
Many different types of mistakes can be made when it comes to our medications. Mistakes can include taking the wrong medicine, accidentally mixing meds with someone else in the household, and forgetting if you took your medicine (consequently resulting in taking too much of the medicine or not taking it at all). Mistakes can also include accidentally giving your child the wrong medicine or dosage, or a child or pet accidentally getting access to medications (NCPC). No matter the mistake, it is a serious matter. Some medication mistakes especially can cause very serious harm (AAFP).
How to Prevent Mistakes
The good news is that there are many ways to easily prevent these mistakes! Here are a number of preventative measures to take, according to the National Capital Poison Center:
Read and follow label instructions CAREFULLY, and always read the warning label
Keep your pills in a pill sorter. There are many different types according to your needs, such as ones that have morning and night sections or are child-proof. This will help you take your meds consistently, accurately, and safely.
Mark down EVERY TIME you take your meds. This way, if you forget if you took your medicine, you can look at your calendar (or whatever you use) and see for sure. This prevents under and over-consumption of meds.
If more than one person in the household takes any time of medicine, store them separately! Also, color-code them according to the person. Never mix pill bottles or leave a pile of pills out on the counter.
Use an alarm or timer to remind you to take your medicine on time.
Ask your Pharmacist for help.
How to Respond to Mistakes
Mistakes happen. As soon as you realize the mistake, use Poison Control’s online tool, webPOISONCONTROL, or call 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Be prepared to give basic information such as the nature, time, and subject of the mistake. According to the National Capital Poison Center,
“Most of the time, you can stay at home with Poison Control guidance. Sometimes you will need to go to the emergency room. If so, the poison specialist will help you get an ambulance. Then, he or she will work with the emergency room staff to be sure you get the care you need.”
When it comes to medication, information and being careful are your best friends. The Compass Community Health Pharmacy is here to partner with you on your health journey, whatever it looks like! Have questions about medications? Call us at (740) 351-1500!
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-Email: info@compasscommunityhealth.org,
-Message us on Facebook @ Compass Community Health
-Call: 740-355-7102
-Address: 1634 11th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662
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