Medication Errors by Pharmacies
Medication errors are one of the most common medical mistakes. The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacies (AMCP) estimates medication errors harm at least 1.5 million people* each year, resulting in not just injury and even death, but tens of billions of dollars in associated costs. The prescription medication process involves multiple steps, from the physician prescribing the medication to the pharmacist filling and dispensing the medication to the nurse administering the medication to a patient, thereby providing many opportunities for error.
Below are just a few of the common medication errors made by pharmacists:
- Error in inputting the prescription information, including medication name and dosage
- Failing to review a patient’s other medications for potential
- Filling the prescription with the incorrect medication
- Filling the prescription with the wrong dosage
If you do find your pharmacy or pharmacist has made an error, or you suspect one, contact your doctor or the pharmacy right away.
Dealing with the aftermath of a prescription error can be complex and frustrating. We’re here to help. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a medication error, contact us.
Practical pointer: If you suspect a medication error, keep the prescription bottle with the label and contents in a safe location, or take photographs of the prescription label and the medication before disposing.
