Despite advances in health care and medication distribution, prescription errors still happen. In fact, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, medication errors in the United States kill at least 365 people per year and injure more than 1 million others.

A simple oversight by a pharmacist can be deadly. Common medication errors include:

Confusing patients’ names;
Confusing drugs’ names;
Prescribing a drug that will have adverse interactions with a medication or supplement the patient is already taking;
And dispensing expired medication.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent prescription errors:

Disclose your current medications and supplements;
Ask questions;
And confirm the information on your medicine is correct.

If you are the victim of a prescription error in Texas, contact the Robson Law Firm. A personal-injury lawyer in Austin will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and noneconomic damages. Call (512) 345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about medical malpractice claims in Texas.

Here are three steps you can take to prevent medication mistakes:

Disclose Your Current Medications and Supplements

When you visit your doctor, bring all of your supplements, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription meds. This will help your doctor determine if a new prescription would have an adverse reaction with your current medications. Even if your doctor writes the prescription, you should also ask your pharmacist if it could cause an adverse reaction with your current meds.

Also, discuss your allergies with your doctor and pharmacist. Be sure to mention any adverse reactions you have had to medications in the past.

Ask Questions

When you visit your doctor, come prepared with a list of questions. You should double-check your doctor’s answers with your pharmacist. These questions should include:

How should you take the medication? Should you take it after eating?
What is the medicine for? How long will you need to take it?
What side effects should you expect? When should you be concerned?
Are drug interactions possible? What should you do if you have an adverse reaction?

You should also read the label on your medication and ask questions if you are confused.

Confirm the Information on Your Medicine Is Correct

Pharmacists often confuse patients’ names and the names of drugs. Review your medication to make sure your name, contact information and the drug’s name are correct. Also, make sure the medication has not expired.

If you suffered an injury or illness due to a prescription mistake in Texas, contact the Robson Law Firm. An Austin injury attorney will investigate your case, gather evidence, structure your claim and help you pursue the maximum compensation. Call (512) 345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Do You Take Prescription Meds? 3 Tips for Preventing Medication Mistakes – Advice from an Austin Injury Attorney