Sometimes you need to look for clues that could alert you to a mistake with your medicine. Check it out with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking your medicine if:
1. The appearance (color, shape, markings on tablet) is different than expected and the pharmacist hasn't warned you about a switch in generic manufacturer.
2. The smell or taste is different than expected or extremely unpleasant.
3. The amount of liquid in a syringe or bottle or number of tablets (more than 2 or 3) is more or less than expected.
4. The number of tablets in a prescription bottle is more or less than expected.
5. The directions on a prescription bottle differ from what your doctor told you or included on the prescription.
6. The name of the medication on the prescription bottle is not as expected or the patient's name on the label isn't as it should appear (including misspellings or suffixes like Jr. or Sr.).
7. The reason for taking the medication (on the prescription bottle, in a leaflet, or mentioned by the pharmacist) is different than the condition you are treating.
8. The doctor's name on the medication label is not your doctor.
9. The medication does not seem to be working to treat your condition as you had expected.
10. After taking a medication you experience unexpected side effects, or the side effects you experience are much stronger than expected. Also, after renewing a prescription, you just don't feel right and experience new side effects or begin to notice physical changes after taking a few doses, such as a change in urine color, unexpected weakness or drowsiness, breathing difficulties, heart racing, vision problems, etc.
Sometimes you need to look for clues that could alert you to a mistake with your medication.
Learn MoreHere is the top ten ways you can prevent getting the wrong drug because of a look-alike or sound-alike error.
Learn MoreHere is a list of the “top ten” questions you should have answered before beginning any new medication:
Learn MoreTraveling can be hectic enough without the added problem of worrying about your medicines. So when you’re on-the-go, it’s important to make sure your medicine travels safely with you. Here are some things to keep in mind to reduce the risk that something will go wrong:
Learn MoreHere are the top ten things the Institute for Safe Medication Practices says that you, or people you care about, should do to help prevent errors when medications are prescribed.
Learn MoreOver-the-counter liquid medications can be found in practically every medicine cabinet. Surprisingly though, there’s not a standard way to measure liquid medicines doses.
Learn MoreOTC Medicine is in fact safe and effective when taken as directed, but even OTC medicines—including herbals—can cause serious and potentially fatal side effects when abused.
Learn MoreMost people wouldn't think twice about applying over-the-counter (OTC) creams, lotions, ointments, sprays, or patches to the skin. However, the medicines in these products can enter the body just like medicines taken by mouth.
Learn MoreFew caregivers are more devoted than parents when caring for a child. Yet, even the most cautious and educated parents will make mistakes when giving medicine to children. Here are 10 important safety tips for parents!
Learn MoreOver-the-counter (OTC) medicines are used to treat a variety of conditions, from headaches to stomach aches. a few tips to help you make safe choices and reduce your risk of harm when using OTC medicines
Learn More