Review Prescription Label Directions

Medication errors have many causes, but usually have one thing in common. They could have been prevented. Be sure your doctor explains the instructions on all prescriptions your doctor writes for you. Have your doctor read the instructions to you. Also ask your pharmacist to read the directions to you when you fill the prescription.

I recently received an email from a woman which was quite alarming. She said "A rheumatologist prescribed methotrexate. I thought I remembered the doctor saying I would be taking one pill per week. When I got the pills home, I took one. I saw on the bottle that it said to take four a day. I called the doctors office and left a message to double check. The nurse called me back and told me to do what the bottle said, so I did. This past week I developed mouth sores and sore throat. The pills were 2.5 mg. So, instead of taking 1 a week, I was taking 4 a day. I did this for 18 days. I made two calls to the doctors office that day, talked to the receptionist, told her how I was suffering. No one ever called me. So, in the evening I called the hospital and talked to the rheumatologist on call. I could tell he was extremely concerned. He told me to stop the medication. The next afternoon my rheumatologist called me at home and apologized about 7 times."

Even when you follow up, errors can occur. It may take following up with your doctor personally and your pharmacist too. Read more tips to help you make sure you're using medications correctly in Review Prescription Label Directions.

Related Resources:

• How to Spot Pharmacy Errors
• How to Avoid Medication Errors
• When are Arthritis Medications Contraindicated?
• Review Prescription Medications With Your Doctor
• How to Reduce the Risks of Using Medications
• 10 Things You Should Do When Given a New Prescription

_{Photo by Roberta Osborne (iStockphoto)}