Connecticut Medical Malpractice: Ways To Prevent Medication Errors

One of the best ways to prevent an error is to become an active participant in your healthcare, or that of a loved one. Medication errors occur when the wrong dose, wrong medication, or wrong route are administered. Here are nine ways you can work to prevent a permanent medication injury.

1. Make sure every single doctor you see knows about every medication you take. This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter medications as well as herbs and vitamins.
2. Bring all medications and dietary supplements to every doctor’s appointment. Simply bring the bottles. Your doctor will look everything over and log it in your medical records so you get the best quality healthcare.
3. Inform your doctor of any adverse reactions or allergies you have to medications. This helps you avoid getting prescribed a medication that could harm you.
4. When your healthcare provider hands you a prescription, make sure you can read it. If not, ask for a more legible copy.
5. If you cannot understand the terminology about your medication when it is prescribed or given to you, do not be shy to ask for clarification. Make sure you know what it is treating, how you should take it, how long you should take it, whether it is safe to take with your other medications/supplements, and whether there are foods/drinks/activities you should avoid while taking it.
6. When you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy, ask if it is the medication your doctor prescribed.
7. If you have questions about the directions on the labels, be sure to ask.
8. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure liquid medications.
9. Ask for written information on the possible side effects your medication could cause.

If you or a loved one were permenantly harmed by medication, contact our firm. Our experienced Connecticut medical malpractice team has handled cases like this and can help you navigate this process.