3 Questions that can help prevent prescription errors

On Behalf of | Jan 2, 2020 | Medical Malpractice |

After going through a medical procedure, a doctor may prescribe you medication to help you heal and recover. While you put your trust in the medical staff taking care of you, sometimes a doctor’s negligence can cause additional health problems for you.

 

Common prescription errors

When you’re focusing on recovery, the last thing you need to worry about is whether your medication is really helping you. The ways in which doctors and nurses might make an error in your prescription include:

  • Administering the incorrect medication
  • Prescribing an overdose amount
  • Mixing medications that shouldn’t be taken together

Although medical staff should always check to make sure your information is correct before administering prescriptions, a doctor’s or nurse’s carelessness can lead to serious consequences for you. To avoid these mistakes, here are three questions you should ask healthcare professionals to ensure you receive safe treatment.

1. How often should I take this medication?

The logistics of taking a prescription medication are just as important as the medication itself. You will need to know how much you need to take and how often you should take it. Many times, these instructions are printed on the prescription bottle, but it’s always best to double check with your doctor. This allows both of you the chance to review the prescription before you begin taking it.

2. What are the side effects?

Many medications have minor side effects such as dizziness, while others can cause nausea or vomiting. Knowing your medication’s side effects can help you prepare for any potential health problems. If you experience an issue that you didn’t discuss with your doctor, it may be a warning sign that there was an error in your prescription.

3. Is there anything I need to avoid while taking this medication?

Medications often don’t pair well with certain foods or drinks. For instance, drinking alcohol while you’re on prescription medications can be extremely harmful to your body. If you’re taking other medications, be aware that sometimes mixing medications can also prove dangerous for you.

Knowing this, it’s important to tell your doctor about any current medications you may be taking and discuss what additional substances you will need to avoid. Working out these issues ahead of time can help prevent serious problems down the road.

Even the slightest misinterpretation of what medication a patient needs can result in serious — and even fatal — consequences. If you suffered from a prescription error at the hands of a negligent healthcare professional, an attorney can evaluate your case and help fight for the compensation you may be entitled to.