Medication errors occur when there’s a preventable mistake in using medication. Medication errors can have serious consequences, ranging from minor side effects to permanent harm.
Prescribing Errors
These can involve prescribing the wrong medication, dosage, or frequency.
Dispensing & Administration Errors
Mistakes during dispensing incudes giving the wrong medication, dosage, or quantity
Wrong dose
with your doctor to ensure they won't interfere with hospital-administered medications
Wrong route of administration
This happens if a medication is taken by mouth when it should be injected, or if it is injected into the wrong vein or muscle.
Missed dose
This includes patients forgetting to take a medicine or if a healthcare professional fails to administer it.
Extra dose
If a patient takes a medication twice by accident, or if a healthcare professional accidentally administers a medication twice.
Drug interactions
When a patient takes two or more medications that interact with each other. These interactions can cause serious side effects.
- Improved Training: Strengthening training programmes for healthcare professionals.
- Standardised Systems: Implementing standardised prescribing, dispensing, and administration protocols can improve consistency and reduce errors.
- Electronic Health Records: Utilising electronic health records can improve communication and reduce the risk of prescribing errors.
- Patient Education: Empowering patients to understand their medications and ask questions about their treatment plan.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely: This includes dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment. Don’t adjust your medication regimen on your own.
- Take medications with or without food as directed: Certain medications need to be taken on an empty stomach, while others require food for proper absorption.
- Pay attention to potential interactions: If you take multiple medications or herbal supplements, discuss potential interactions with your doctor.
- Don’t share medications: Medications prescribed for you might not be suitable for someone else.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing them in the bathroom (due to humidity) or in direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Consider using a pill organiser.
- Keep medications in their original containers: This ensures you have the correct information about the medication, dosage, and expiry date.
Maintain a medication list: Keep a record of all the medications with names, dosages and frequencies. This can avoid medication errors. - Dispose of expired or unused medications safely: Don’t flush medications down the drain or throw them in the trash. Ask your pharmacist about safe disposal methods in India.
- Carry the prescription with you: If you travel or see a new doctor, having a list of your medications readily available is crucial.
- Report side effects to your doctor: If you experience any side effects from your medications, inform your doctor immediately.
A drug interaction occurs when a substance you take, like a medication, supplement, or even food, affects the way another substance works in your body.
Your pharmacist is a valuable resource for information about your medications and can help you get the most out of your treatment plan. Listed below are some questions you can ask your pharmacist to gain a better understanding of your medications.
The landscape of branded vs. generic drugs in India is quite unique compared to some other countries. Below are some key aspects to consider before opting for either.
- Same Active Ingredients: Both branded and generic drugs contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the same strength and dosage form.
- Bioequivalence: Generic drugs must be bioequivalent to their branded counterparts, meaning they produce the same therapeutic effect in the body.
- Brand vs. Generic Terminology: In India, companies can market generic drugs under brand names. These are called “branded generics.” This can blur the line between traditional branded drugs and generics for patients. Be doubly sure about active ingredients.
- Price Difference: Generics are a cheaper option as compared to branded drugs.
- Price Regulation: The government regulates the prices of essential drugs, including many generics to make them more affordable for everyone.
- Doctor’s Recommendation: Always consult your doctor for the most suitable option. They can advise you on whether a true generic or a branded generic is appropriate.
- Cost Considerations: True generics are generally the most affordable option. However, a branded generic might be cheaper compared to branded drugs.
- Availability: Not all branded drugs have true generic alternatives available yet. You might encounter branded generics more frequently.
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