Worried About Your Medication? 4 Tips To Help You Avoid Prescription Mistakes

If you take prescription medication on a regular basis, you want to take steps to avoid mistakes. Prescription errors can have devastating effects on your health. Before you fill your next prescription, here are some tips that will help you avoid mistakes.

Keep Your Prescriptions With One Pharmacy

When it comes to avoiding mistakes with your prescription medication, the best thing you can do is avoid pharmacy-hopping. That's the practice of taking your prescriptions to multiple pharmacies across town. It might seem like a good idea to choose a pharmacy that's close to wherever you're shopping at the time. However, having your prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies can actually increase your risk of falling victim to an error. When you have all your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy, your pharmacist can monitor things like potential interactions, as well as other issues.

Know What Your Medication Should Look Like

Whether you take prescription medication on a regular basis or only when the need arises, you need to know what your medication should look like. When you're prescribed a medication, take the time to do your research. Know the color, shape, and size of each medication you're prescribed. That way, you can identify a potential problem before you take the medication. It's also important to match the medication in the bottle to the description in your pharmacy paperwork. In most cases, the paperwork your pharmacist gives you will include a description of the medication you've received. If your medication doesn't match the description, consult your pharmacist right away.

Ask for a Pharmacist Consultation Each Time

Each time you pick up a new prescription, you'll be asked if you'd like a pharmacist consultation. That's your opportunity to discuss your medication with the pharmacist. It's important that you request the consultation each time you pick up a prescription; even if you don't have questions. That consultation gives your pharmacist the opportunity to take a second look at your prescription, which can help identify problems before quickly. Not only that, but they can discuss any potential side effects you should be aware of.

Keep Your Prescriptions in the Original Containers

When you get your prescription medication home, you may be tempted to switch containers. Unfortunately, that's one of the worst things you can do. Removing your medication from their original containers can lead to serious mistakes. Not only that, but the practice can get you into trouble with the law, especially when traveling. Carrying your prescriptions in their original containers will ensure that officials can identify the medication, as well as who the prescriptions belong to.

Contact your local pharmacy for more information and tips. 

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