Avoiding medication errors in New Mexico

On Behalf of | Dec 2, 2015 | Medication Errors

If someone is taking a prescribed medication, it is important to understand how, when and how much to take of it. To ensure that someone understands what their medication does and how to make sure that it is effective, it is a good idea for people to ask their pharmacist about whatever they are taking. This will generally include how to take a medication, when to take it and what the expected side effects are.

Many medications are oral, but certain prescriptions, like eye drops, may require someone to administer them in a specific way for them to be effective. Additionally, some pills do not work if they are crushed, so people need to know what to avoid doing. When someone takes a prescription, it is also important to know when it should be taken. It may be that a medication needs to be taken first thing in the morning or after a meal, and failing to do so could lead to problems or discomfort.

It’s also important to be aware of what the potential side effects of drugs are and what symptoms may require attention. People may assume that a certain side effect is normal, but it may be a sign of a larger or serious problem.

When a physician or a pharmacist makes a mistake, it can lead to life-threatening drug interactions. This can arise from an incorrect dose or due to the way that certain drugs interact with each other. People should be able to rely on medical professionals to ensure that these mistakes are not made. A lawyer may be able to assist someone who has been harmed by a medication error in pursuing legal recourse.

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