7 Tips to Prevent Medication Errors

Unfortunately, medication errors occur relatively often — and they can harm you and your family. The good news is there are ways to avoid medication errors.

1) Ask Questions and Disclose as Much Information as You Can: Know what medications you take and why. If you are allergic to a medication or have had a past issue with one, it is critical that you relay that information to your doctors and pharmacists. This will help keep you from receiving that medication or a similar one in the future.

2) Keep Your Medications Separate: Keeping medications separate can keep you from confusing them and taking them incorrectly.

3) Follow Doctor or Pharmacist Instructions and Stay on Schedule: Missing a dose of your medication can make it more difficult to manage your health condition.

4) Use the Right Tools: Kitchen spoons do not count. Using the appropriate measuring device ensures you are receiving the correct amount of medication.

5) Don't Chew or Crush Medications: Unless your doctor or pharmacist says so, that is. When long-acting formulations are cut, crushed, or chewed, they may release the medication too quickly and not last the way they are designed to.

6) Get Rid of Old Medications: Dispose of all medications you are no longer taking or those that have expired.

7) Keep a List: Keep an updated list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter medications and herbal and nutritional supplements.

Feel better, be healthier, start now.