Who Should Report an Error?

Not All Capsules Are Meant to Be Swallowed

There are some medicines used to treat breathing problems that come as powder-filled capsules. The powder inside is meant to be inhaled into the lungs using a special device. The powder is ineffective if the capsule is swallowed intact. 

Help Prevent Fatal Error During Lifesaving Cancer Treatment

A rare but fatal error can occur when the cancer medicine vincristine is given the wrong way. Vincristine is given intravenously (into the vein) to treat various types of cancer. It is often given in combination with another cancer medicine called methotrexate. Methotrexate can be given into the spinal canal (intrathecally). This helps prevent the cancer from spreading to the brain. If vincristine is mistakenly given into the spinal canal instead of the methotrexate, death is almost certain.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome—How It Can Affect Food and Medicine Selection

Mix-Ups Between Five Different Inhalers that All Include “Ellipta” as Part of Their Brand Names

The name of a unique inhaler device included in five different brand name medicines has led to multiple mix-ups, not only by consumers but by doctors, pharmacists, and nurses as well. In 2013, the global drug company, GlaxoSmithKline, introduced Ellipta, a new type of inhaler device. It is circular in shape, about the size of a hockey puck, and can combine several different medicines together. The company has packaged combinations of one, two, or three of the medicines listed below using this unique inhaler device: