Published November 3, 2025
Occasionally, we receive error reports of people receiving someone else’s prescription when picking up their medicine at the pharmacy. So, the best thing you can do to prevent that type of error is to open the bag before leaving the pharmacy. That way you can make sure the medicine vial label has your name on it and that it is the medicine you expect. If you wait until you get home, you may have to return to the pharmacy to get the correct medicine, which can cause a delay in treatment. Opening the bag before leaving the pharmacy can also identify other issues, such as the one described below.
A parent went to their local pharmacy to pick up an oral antibiotic that was prescribed for their child. When they got home and opened the bag, the medicine vial did not have a label on it (Figure 1).
What would you do in this situation? Would you take the medicine or give it to your child if the outer bag had the correct information on it? Would you return it to the pharmacy?
You would not have to answer these questions if you OPENED the BAG BEFORE LEAVING the PHARMACY!
Here’s what you can do: Never take medicine from a vial that is not labeled; take it back to the pharmacy. Any time you pick up a prescription at the pharmacy – OPEN THE BAG before you leave. Check to make sure the medicine vial is labeled with your name on it (or if it is for a family member/friend, it should have their name on it). Make sure the name of the medicine, dose, and directions are listed on the label and that it is what you expect. Ask to speak to the pharmacist to go over how to take the medicine and to answer any questions you may have. This is especially important if it is a new medicine that you have never taken before. Opening the bag and talking to the pharmacist about the medicine can help identify any errors before you leave the pharmacy. If you have more questions about the medicine when you get home, don’t hesitate to call the pharmacy.
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