More than two million adverse drug reactions are reported every year in the United States every year. Although most prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are safe and effective when used properly, taking them in the wrong combination can lead to serious side effects or make the medications less effective. Vitamins, herbal supplements and certain foods can also interfere with some medications. Fortunately, medication errors are preventable, and there are many simple safety steps patients can take to ensure they use medications correctly.

One of the biggest risks of medication errors occurs when patients take a medicine that is not compatible with other drugs they are taking, said Theresa Manley, R.N., PAMF's patient safety officer. For example, aspirin or the herb Ginkgo biloba can be harmful if taken with prescription blood thinners, she said. In addition, antacids and milk can prevent some antibiotics and other medications from being maximally effective.

To help ensure patients' safety from the moment a drug is prescribed, PAMF's electronic health record (EHR) system automatically alerts doctors if they have prescribed two drugs that could be harmful if taken together. Medication errors can also occur if an individual is given the wrong medicine, the correct medicine at the wrong time or in the wrong dosage. Often, a medication may be dispensed incorrectly due to illegible handwriting on the prescription. PAMF's EHR generates printed prescriptions, preventing errors that can occur when pharmacists or nurses cannot read a doctor's handwriting.

PAMF has also formed a Patient Safety Council that is working to shift from a "culture of blame" to one of safety, said Manley. For example, clinical staff members such as nurses and medical assistants are rewarded for reporting drug safety errors. PAMF's Safety Notification and Follow-Up Committee also alerts patients, physicians and other providers of drug and medical device warnings and recalls issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other sources.

However, most medication errors occur at home. "People take medications incorrectly for a number of reasons," said Kathy Orrico, Pharm.D., a clinical pharmacist at PAMF. "Some may not understand the instructions for taking the medication while others are taking many different medicines and have a complex drug regimen. A cognitive, vision or hearing impairment may also contribute to some individuals taking their medications incorrectly. Being prepared and knowing how to use medicines correctly can help people lead healthier lives."


How Patients Can Reduce Medication Errors

• Bring Your List of Medications. Give your doctor a list of your current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and supplements -- or take the bottles with you to your appointment. Update your list with your doctor whenever something changes.
  
  
• Follow the Directions. Take your medications exactly as prescribed. If you have questions, call your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
  
  
• Ask Questions. Find out everything you can about the medication, including what to avoid (if anything) when taking it. Take notes.
  
  
• Double Check Your Prescription. Make sure you have the right medication, and repeat the instructions back to your doctor or pharmacist.
  
  
• Give Information. Tell your doctor about anything that could affect your ability to use a medication, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, trouble swallowing, memory problems or cost.
  
  
• Report Any Problems. Tell your doctor about any adverse reactions you have to a medication.
  
  
• Finish Your Supply. Do not stop taking a medication or change the dosage yourself without talking with your doctor first.
  
  
• Never Take Someone Else's Medicine. This could cause an adverse reaction.