Although managing medications at home may seem straightforward, small errors at the pharmacy can have life-threatening consequences. Ingestion of incorrect doses or improper medication mixtures is a common error. When managing medications for yourself, your children, or an elderly family member, knowing how to avoid pharmacy errors at home is vital to your safety and peace of mind.
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Top 5 Methods to Follow Just to Avoid Pharmacy Mistakes at Home
The following five suggestions can help decrease pharmacy mistakes at home:
1. Always Read Medicine Labels Carefully
One of the most common pharmacy errors made at home is ignoring the instructions printed on labels. A prescription or an over-the-counter medicine often has specific dosage instructions, as well as timing and possible food/drink interactions that come with taking it.
Before taking any medication, always double-check:
- Patient name
- Correct dose
- Expiration date
- Instructions for taking (i.e., when to take the medication)
Possible side effects
Even if you took the medication before, the manufacturers or your doctors may have revised the instructions. Double-checking your medication label with a custom prescription reader on an information-based medical website like Medipedia may help you avoid taking a double or inappropriate dose.
2. Store Medications Properly
One way pharmacy mistakes can occur at home is when medication is not stored correctly. Many people will store medication in areas such as a bathroom or kitchen that may have too much humidity for certain medications and can actually damage the pills or syrup.
To avoid pharmacy mistakes at home:
- Keep medications in a dry, cool location
- Keep them out of direct sunlight
- Refrigerate only if necessary
- Keep medications away from young children and pets
Storage containers for medicines are also helpful in organising and preventing you from mistaking two very similar-looking medicines.
3. Create a Medication Schedule
The missing of a dose and taking a double dose are two problems that occur most frequently with people managing more than one prescription medication. Using a medication schedule can help you stay on track and avoid medication errors.
You may:
- Use a pill box to prepare your doses
- Set phone reminders for medication taking
- Keep a diary or journal to record when you take your medications
- Use a calendar and mark each dose
If you are caring for an elderly family member, regular medication check-ups are necessary to ensure all medications are taken at the correct times.
4. Avoid Mixing Medicines Without Professional Advice
Not all medications should be mixed as they can lead to a serious medication reaction. The medication might be less effective or may cause dangerous side effects when mixed. These rules apply to prescribed medicines as well as over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbs, and painkillers.
Always ask a doctor or a pharmacist about:
- A new prescription or over-the-counter medicine
- When you want to mix medications
- When you use expired medicines
- When you take supplements together with prescription medicines
It is beneficial to notify them of any allergies and medical conditions you have.
5. Dispose of Expired Medications Safely
Expired medications pose risks at home because you may accidentally take them, or they could make you sick. Some medicines are no longer as effective when they have expired, and others have the potential to become very harmful to you.
Check the medicine cabinet for:
- Expired tablets
- Unused antibiotics
- Open syrups beyond the given dates of usability
- Damaged or unlabeled medications
Never dispose of any medication in the toilet unless there is an indication to do so. Many pharmacies and other medical centers can help you safely dispose of your medicines.
Final Thoughts
The mistakes that can happen in a home pharmacy are usually avoidable with a few simple precautions. Reading your label, properly storing your medicine, knowing your dosage schedule, and checking with your doctor or pharmacist are all important steps toward avoiding mistakes when taking medicine at home.