Serious medicines for serious conditions without serious consequences. That’s the goal.
Most of us take medications. We want them to work, cure whatever ails us, and not cause any problems. Let’s look at the system that makes that possible.
What medicines are we talking about?
- Prescriptions: You need to consult a healthcare professional to get these medications. A pharmacy, either local or mail-order, fills the prescription. Examples include antibiotics, antidepressants, diabetes medications, heart medications, and many others.
- Over the counter (OTC) medications: You can purchase these drugs without a prescription. Some examples include antihistamines, decongestants, and vitamins.
Remember, OTC medications can still cause side effects and interact with prescription drugs or chronic conditions. To stay safe, always ask a pharmacist before taking new OTC medications. When choosing vitamins and supplements, pick those from reputable sources certified by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Who is responsible for medication safety?
The FDA ensures drugs have been adequately tested and manufactured for safe use in humans. Healthcare professionals then prescribe these drugs to patients, which are often administered by caregivers. Keeping lines of communication open across the spectrum helps guard against drug errors and adverse drug events (ADEs). ALL OF US are responsible for drug safety.
Where do medication errors occur?
Errors can happen at any step of the medication fulfillment process. Below are some best practices to follow for medication safety to prevent errors.
- Prescribing: Prescribers should know their patients and be aware of any drug allergies, their current medication list, and chronic health conditions that could impact the choice of medication for the current problem. It’s also important to discuss health insurance coverage and affordability with the patient to determine the best option.
- Dispensing: The pharmacist screens for drug interactions and duplication of therapy. They will conduct additional checks for proper dosing and length of treatment. The medication will be packaged with a detailed label and storage instructions. The pharmacist ensures that the patient has a clear understanding of what the medication is, what it is being used for, how to take it, and things to watch out for.
- Administering: Whoever is giving the medication should follow the label exactly. For instance, some drugs should be taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. After administration, the drug should be properly stored.
- “Five Rights” of medication administration:
- Right PATIENT
- Right MEDICATION
- Right DOSE
- Right ROUTE
- Right TIME
- “Five Rights” of medication administration:
- Monitoring: Any side effects should be promptly reported to the pharmacist, who will advise of the next steps, depending on the severity of the reaction. The pharmacist can also advise on whether the medication is having the intended effect.
What are ADEs?
ADEs include errors, but also any unwanted or unintended medical problem that occurs because of medication. Other names are side effects or adverse effects. These can be mild, such as nausea or constipation, or more serious, such as an allergic reaction.
Why does medication safety matter?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADEs cause over 1.5 million visits to the emergency room every year in the United States, with about 1/3 requiring hospitalization. They are also a significant cause of death. Older adults are more at risk than younger people because they take more medications. Children younger than 5 years are also at risk when they take medications without adult supervision. Drug safety is serious business.