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Here are some suggestions on how individuals can reduce medication errors:
At home
• Keep a list of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and any vitamins and minerals that you take.
• Review this list with your family doctor for possible interactions.
• Know where to find additional information about your medication — library, Web sites.
• Clearly distinguish and keep separate the bottles of medication you and your spouse take.
At the pharmacy
• Confirm with your pharmacist the name of the drug, the dosage and directions for use as written by your doctor.
• Review the list of medications you take with the pharmacist for additional safety.
• Ask the pharmacist to explain how to take the drug, the possible side effects, what to do if you have any and drug interactions.
• Make sure you have written information about the medication.
At the hospital
• Ask the doctor and nurses about drugs (strength, frequency) you are being given.
• Do not take a drug without being told the reason for doing so.
• Exercise your right to have a surrogate present when you receive medication and are unable to monitor medication use yourself.
• Ask whether there are any medications that you should stop taking before surgery.
• Before discharge, ask for a list of the medications you should take at home and review them with a doctor.
Source: Institute of Medicine, www.iom.edu