WHY MEDICAL MISTAKES STILL HAPPEN, DESPITE HIGH-TECH ADVANCES
CR medical adviser, Dr. Orly Avitzur, explains why your
prescription may not be what the doctor ordered. While digital
tools such as handheld prescribing devices and electronic health
records are now available, only about 20% of doctors currently
use them. And alas, blogs Dr. Avitzur, doctors’ handwriting
still hasn’t improved. The downside of not taking advantage of
those high tech advances is that doctors are still scribbling
scripts and look-alike and sound-alike errors are still being
made. Log on to CR’s Health Blog at
www.ConsumerReports.org for Dr. Avitzur’s advice about how
to avoid medication errors.
11 questions to ask your pharmacist
Recently there's been a rise in adverse reactions in patients
unfamiliar with new types of medicine dispensed via inhaler
disks, skin patches, tablets that melt on the tongue, or
pen-shaped injection devices, says Allen J. Vaida, executive
vice president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
Other causes of confusion: medications with similar names,
out-of-date drug warnings, and incomplete info about patient
allergies. Speaking to a pharmacist increases the odds that
you'll take the prescribed medicine and do it properly. "Talk to
your pharmacist," Vaida says. "It could save your life." Put
this in your wallet so you'll remember what to ask.
CLIP & SAVE THESE QUESTIONS
Q Do you have my prescribing history? Ideally, it should include
a list of current drugs as well as vitamins, supplements, and
all other over-the-counter remedies. The druggist should know
about existing conditions, allergies, and whether you've had a
bad reaction to certain drugs.
Q When and how do I take the medicine?
Q Must I finish it, or can I stop when I'm feeling better?
Q Do I take it before, during, or after meals?
Q Does three times a day mean during waking hours or over 24
hours?
Q Can it be crushed instead of swallowed whole?
Q Are there medications, foods, beverages, and activities to
avoid, and will anything I'm now taking interact with this drug
or supplement?
Q What if I miss a dose or take too much?
Q What are the possible side effects?
Q When should I seek help if symptoms persist?
Q Can any special needs be addressed? Some pharmacies offer a
label with large-type lettering. Target and Walgreens will add
flavoring such as cherry, bubble gum, or watermelon to liquid
medicines.
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Source: Consumer Reports |
